King James Version
What Does Judges 8:16 Mean?
“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”
Context
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
17
And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
18
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. resembled: Heb. according to the form, etc
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(16) **He taught.**—Literally, *made to know *(Proverbs 10:9); but דע may be a misreading for ישׂ “he threshed,” as in Judges 6:7. (Vulg. *contrivit atque comminuit.*)
**The men of Succoth.**—*i.e., *the elders. Gideon would be well aware that in an Oriental city the mass of the people have no voice in any decision. Ewald takes it to mean, “By them (the slain elders) he taught the (rest of the) people of Succoth to be wiser in future.”
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 8:16 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 8:16
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge