Gideon Pursues the Enemy Judges 8 b

Judges 8:4 "And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them."

I cannot help but think of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders when I read the verse. I can almost see Gideon splashing through the waters of Jordan chasing after the enemy.

They have been fighting long though and have no provisions with them. Gideon ask of the princes of Succoth for some bread for his troops but is refused. He then asked of the men of Penuel and they refused to give them bread. Gideon becomes angry with them and told them he would be back.

v7 "And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

v9 "And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower."

So Gideon continues his pursuit and overcomes the enemy but he remembered those who refused to help his small army. I expect he was thinking of his men's hunger as they faithfully followed him. So, he returned and made good his promise.

v16 "And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them he taught the men of Succoth. v17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel and slew the men of the city."

Gideon again turns to those he pursued and captured and ask what the people looked like they had slain. The reply was that they looked like Gideon and v18 "...each one resembled the children of a king." Gideon told them that they were his brethren and carried out the punishment.

Psalms 36:11 "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."

Keywords: Bible Study, Gideon, Old Testament, Succoth, Penuel, Judges, Milton Southerland