Definition: And the princes of Succoth said, [Are] the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 8:6. It’s a really important part of understanding how God responded to a rebellion. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Zebah and Zalmunna were rebelling: These two men were leading a group of people who were challenging the authority of King Saul and challenging him to give them food. They were essentially trying to take over the kingdom. They asked for help from God: They pleaded with God to let them have food so they could feed their army. What the Verse Says - The Core of the Message: “And the princes of Succoth said, ‘Are your hands full? Are we to give you bread?’” Let’s unpack that: “The princes of Succoth…” : This refers to a group of leaders – essentially, some of the people who were rebelling. “…said…” : They were speaking out loud. “Are your hands full?” : This is the key question. It means they were asking if God was actually giving them food and if they had enough resources to support their army. What it Means – The Significance: This verse highlights a critical moment in God’s plan. Here's what it implies: God is watching: God was aware that these men were planning something rebellious. He’s concerned about the consequences: His response wasn’t just about if they had food; it was about how they were behaving and whether they were breaking God's rules. It’s a test of faith (potentially): Some interpretations suggest this verse is a gentle challenge to their faith, reminding them that true obedience is more important than taking over. In short: The princes are asking if God is willing to provide for them, and the answer – “No!” - sets up a pivotal point in the story of Israel’s history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context about this passage within the larger narrative of Judges? Offer a different interpretation of the verse?