Definition: 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?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 8:15. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about leadership and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Judges 8:14-15 describes a conflict between Zebah and Zalmunna. These two men were involved in a dispute with Moses (and, by extension, God) over the distribution of food to the Israelites’ weary travelers. They were being disrespectful and demanding. What Judges 8:15 Says: “And he came unto the men of Succoth…” - This tells us that Moses was visiting the town of Succoth, a place where these two men lived. “…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?” - This is the key part. Moses is pointing out a specific accusation against them. He’s saying: “You two – Zebah and Zalmunna – you were being disrespectful to me, and you were demanding that I give food to your people when they were tired.” What it Means (Simplified): It was a serious accusation: Moses is accusing these men of wrongdoing – disrespecting him and demanding unfair treatment. He’s highlighting their behavior: It's not just about what they said, but how they said it. They were being disrespectful and demanding. The implication: They are responsible for the situation. The verse suggests that Zebah and Zalmunna bear some responsibility for this conflict because they were acting in a way that offended God. Overall Significance: This verse is important because it shows that leadership – especially when there's disagreement or disrespect – can have serious consequences. It highlights the importance of humility, obedience, and being mindful of God’s will. It’s a reminder that those who lead well are accountable for their actions. In short, this verse is about accountability and responsibility in leadership. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this passage further? For example: Would you like me to explain the context of the story in Judges 8? Are you curious about how this verse relates to other biblical stories or teachings?