8:1-3
We now come to the final stages of Gideon’s life and things don’t end well, neither for him nor for Israel. The account starts with Ephraim complaining to Gideon that they had not been called up to take part in the battle at the outset. They made their complaint quite vehemently. However, at this stage Gideon comes out of it quite well. He flatters them, speaking well of Ephraim, and pointing out that Oreb and Zeeb had been given into their hands by the Lord. The Ephraimites relented. This could be seen as an example of Prov 15:1, with a gentle word turning away wrath.
8:4-9
Gideon is with his three hundred men and they are exhausted. They asked the men of Sukkoth (or Succoth) to give them some bread. At this stage \gideon and his men were still chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian. Since they had not already caught them, the men of Sukkoth refused to help Gideon. Gideon now seems to have lost his earlier timidity, and threatens the men of Sukkoth.Gideon then goes up to Peniel with the same request, and gets the same response. Gideon also issues them with a threat.
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