Unbelievable!!!! Judges 8:6

But the officials of Succoth said,
“Do you already have the hands
of Zebah and Zalmunna in your
possession? Why should we give
bread to your troops?”
Judges 8:6

Gideon following the path of the enemy, walking in the power of God, leading the troops with His authority, request bread for his troop, and has to brace himself for the response. The leaders of Succoth reply, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna…” As insulted and upset as he must have been, once must understand the position of Succoth in addition to the position of Gideon’s army. It could be that they wanted to help, but feared lending their support to the eventual looser of the battle, leaving them aligned with an defeated army.

1. You don’t want to Fill the Bellies of a Dead Troop!

By giving food to Gideon’s troops, it could be interpreted by the 2 Kings that Succoth and Israel were aligned. This is important because the battle between the two had not happened, leaving Succoth in a vulnerable position. If they feed the troops, the Midianites could return and destroy their city or simply align themselves as enemies. Furthermore they would be out of the supplies that they gave to Israel, which could be useful for consumption or for trade with others to make a solid alliance.

If Succoth chooses not to support you, don’t be surprised. Try not to take it personal!

2. It’s Not You, It’s the odds!

Succoth knew that Gideon’s army was only 300 people, and the Midionites had

15,000 people. As those who didn’t receive the revelation of God, they were not acting in faith, but in what seems logical. The odds didn’t look to be in Gideon’s favor, so they were very hesitant to form an allegiance with Israel. The leaders of Succoth were not foolish, the understood that without God or some special strategy, Gideon’s would be fighting with a disadvantage.

It’s right for outsiders to doubt. They are not walking in faith, nor have they received the revelation that is driving you. Gideon and his army bore witness to miracle of fleece, and the powerful move of God’s promise to deliver Israel with 300 men.

Succoth possibly realized another truth:

3. Food doesn’t Change the Numbers;
Can Improve Odds but not Guarantee Success

Succoth could have fed the Israelites, only to have them fall short to the 15,000 Midianites. The food would have energized the army. It would have given them the energy needed to fight the overwhelming odds. The food would have also served to improve the morale of the army. Their weariness was more than just physical, but emotional. Having their physical need met, would have encouraged the army and improved their chances of defeating Midian.

So who can blame Succoth? They did what was best for them. It’s ashamed that it didn’t help the disposition of Israel. Though this rejection might have seemed at the time to be a choice against Israel, and ultimately against the Lord, it was simply a choice for self preservation. They chose to look after themselves, and to side with Odds and not Faith.

Ultimately, we know they chose wrong, and end up paying a steep price for it. In this, we learn a powerful lesson about going against the man of God, and what type of Odds God needs for success. As believers, we can find joy in the reward of following God’s instructions. God often allows us to face insurmountable Odd so we can be sure that we attribute the victory to Him.

#PastorJDO3