What is the meaning of Judges 8:14? There he captured a young man of Succoth • Gideon has just pressed on after the Midianite kings (Judges 8:10-12). Stopping in Succoth, the town that earlier denied him bread (Judges 8:5-6), he takes a young resident into custody. • The capture shows Gideon’s resolve to hold the city accountable. Similar investigative captures appear when David seizes an Egyptian to learn Amalekite movements (1 Samuel 30:11-15). • God often exposes hidden matters through unexpected witnesses (2 Kings 6:12; Luke 12:2-3). By securing this youth, Gideon gains inside knowledge the elders had hoped to withhold. and interrogated him • Interrogation here is purposeful, not cruel. “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him” (Proverbs 18:17). Gideon asks questions so the truth can come out. • Deuteronomy 13:12-15 instructs leaders to “investigate thoroughly” when covenant disloyalty is suspected. Gideon follows that biblical pattern rather than acting on rumor. • Wise leaders verify facts before judging (Joshua 2:1-3; 1 Samuel 23:11-12). Gideon’s inquiry models careful, evidence-based leadership under God’s direction. The young man wrote down for him the names • Writing provides an indisputable record. Moses kept written lists for accountability (Numbers 1:2; Exodus 17:14). Ezra later relied on written genealogies for temple service (Ezra 2:62). • Putting ink to parchment signals the seriousness of the testimony. It removes “he said, she said” ambiguity and enables just consequences (Jeremiah 32:10-12). • The youth’s quick compliance suggests Gideon’s authority was unmistakable (Joshua 2:9-11). Fear of the Lord working through Gideon overcame local loyalty. of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth • Seventy-seven denotes a full complement of civic rulers—every influential elder is listed, so none can claim ignorance. Comparable town leadership bodies appear in Deuteronomy 19:12 and Ruth 4:2. • Elders were responsible to protect Israel’s warriors (Judges 5:23). Their refusal of aid to Gideon’s exhausted troops was a breach of covenant solidarity (Leviticus 19:18). • Public accountability is a biblical theme: “Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the rest will stand in fear” (1 Timothy 5:20, cf. Acts 5:11). The list ensures justice reaches every culpable official. summary Judges 8:14 shows Gideon methodically gathering proof against Succoth’s leadership. By capturing a local youth, interrogating him, and securing a written roster of all seventy-seven elders, Gideon ensures that God-ordained justice will be precise and equitable. The verse underlines the Lord’s commitment to truth, the accountability of civic leaders, and the importance of thorough, documented investigation before judgment is carried out. |
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