King James Version
What Does Judges 8:14 Mean?
“And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. described: Heb. writ”
Context
12
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. discomfited: Heb. terrified
13
And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,
14
And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. described: Heb. writ
15
And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?
16
And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. taught: Heb. made to know
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Caught a young man.**—Comp. Judges 1:24.
**Described.**—Marg. *writ, i.e.: *the boy wrote down their names (LXX., *apegrapsato; *Vulg., *descripsit*)*.*
**Threescore and seventeen.**—Perhaps a sort of local Sanhedrin of Seventy (Numbers 11:16), with their presiding sheykhs. The number shows that Succoth was a place of considerable importance.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 8:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 8:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge