Lexical Summary barqanim: Thorns, brambles Original Word: בַּרְקָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance brier From baraq; a thorn (perhaps as burning brightly) -- brier. see HEBREW baraq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition briars NASB Translation briers (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּרְקָנִים noun masculine plural briers (so Vrss Ki and others, also Stu q. v., Be, v unknown; compare "" קוֺצִים; > JDMich, Thes and others threshing-sledges, furnished with sharp (glittering) stones) Judges 8:7 וְדַשְׁתִּ֫י ׳אֶתבְּֿשַׂרְכֶם אֶתקֿוֺצֵי הַמִּדְבָּר וְאֶתהַֿבּ (see also דושׁ) and I will thresh your flesh together with the thorns of the wilderness and the briers; Judges 8:16 וַיֹּדַע ׳וַיִּקַּח אֶתזִֿקְנֵי הָעִיר וְאֶתקֿוֺצֵי הַמִּדְבָּר וְאֶת הַבּ בָּהֶם אֵת אַנְשֵׁי סֻכּוֺת (read וַיָּדָשׁ for וַיֹּדַע ᵐ5 BuRS 114; compare Stu Be) and he took the thorns of the wilderness and the briers and threshed, etc. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Context“When the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand,” Gideon vowed, “I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.” “Then he took the elders of the city, and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.” The term describes the desert thorns Gideon gathered to scourge the leaders of Succoth after their refusal to supply bread to his weary troops. It appears nowhere else in Scripture, giving these two verses a unique focus on the plant’s use as an instrument of correction. Historical Background Succoth lay east of the Jordan, in a region where low, arid scrub produces tough, needle-like growths. Gideon’s pursuit of Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna required rapid movement; denial of provisions by Succoth placed Israel’s deliverance at risk. Gideon warned that once victory was secured he would mete out discipline with the very thorns the wilderness supplied—an easily accessible, painful, yet non-lethal means of public chastisement. His later action (Judges 8:16) fulfilled that warning, underscoring the seriousness of refusing aid to God’s appointed deliverer. Theological Themes 1. Divine justice through human agency Gideon’s judgment models the principle that God often administers temporal consequences through His chosen leaders (cf. Romans 13:3-4). The thorny punishment was neither impulsive nor vindictive; it was announced beforehand, witnessed publicly, and proportionate to the offense, illustrating righteous retribution rather than personal revenge. 2. Accountability among covenant people Succoth belonged to Israel’s tribal allotments (Joshua 13:27). Their failure to support Gideon mirrored a lack of faith in the LORD’s promise of victory. The subsequent scourging taught that neutrality in God’s battles invites discipline (cf. Numbers 32:23; James 4:17). 3. Word-deed fulfillment Gideon’s prior oath (Judges 8:7) and later execution (Judges 8:16) demonstrate the reliability of prophetic speech. Scripture consistently links the reliability of God’s word with the integrity of His servants’ words (1 Samuel 3:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Symbolic Significance of Thorns in Scripture Thorns first appear in connection with the curse on the ground (Genesis 3:18). Throughout Scripture they symbolize: • Obstacles to fruitful living (Proverbs 24:30-31) The particular thorns in Gideon’s account turn the symbol of the curse into an instrument of discipline—a tangible reminder that rebellion invites the very pain the fall introduced. Christological Fulfillment The crown of thorns pressed upon Jesus (Matthew 27:29; John 19:2) carries the symbolism full circle. Humanity’s curse was laid on the sinless Savior; He absorbed the sting of rebellion so believers might receive blessing (Galatians 3:13). Gideon’s temporary scourge foreshadows the eternal remedy achieved at Calvary, where the Judge became the judged. Practical and Ministry Implications 1. Faithful support of God’s mission Local churches and individual believers must supply practical aid to those engaged in gospel advance (Philippians 4:15-17; 3 John 5-8). Withholding needed resources endangers the mission and invites correction. 2. Balanced discipline Gideon’s method, while severe, stopped short of execution. Church discipline likewise aims at restoration, not destruction (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Hebrews 12:11). 3. Visible backing of God’s leadership Succoth’s leaders doubted Gideon until victory was manifest; believers are called to recognize and cooperate with God-appointed shepherds before success is visible (Hebrews 13:17). Conclusion בַּרְקָן illustrates how something as ordinary—and painful—as wilderness thorns can serve divine purposes. In Gideon’s hands they became tools of justice; on Christ’s brow they became the emblem of redemptive suffering. Together the two occurrences in Judges invite the reader to trust God’s deliverance, support His servants, and remember that every act of rebellion will one day meet its righteous answer in the One who bore the thorns for us. Forms and Transliterations הַֽבַּרְקֳנִ֑ים הַֽבַּרְקֳנִֽים׃ הברקנים הברקנים׃ hab·bar·qo·nîm HabbarkoNim habbarqonîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 8:7 HEB: הַמִּדְבָּ֖ר וְאֶת־ הַֽבַּרְקֳנִֽים׃ NAS: of the wilderness and with briers. KJV: of the wilderness and with briers. INT: of the wilderness and with briers Judges 8:16 2 Occurrences |
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