In Judges, chapter eight, verse six, by refusing to help Gideon’s army, the Israelites of Succoth and Penuel were allying with Israel’s enemy, a decision for which they did receive punishment. The Israelites living in Succoth give a surprising response to Gideon’s request. He’s asked for loaves of bread for his exhausted men. This task force of three hundred is pursuing the Midianites who plague the nation, as in Judges six: one through five. But these Israelite locals refuse.
They point out that Gideon has not yet captured or killed Zebah and Zalmunna, the Midianite kings are still at large. The implication is that if the Midianites defeat Gideon, the people of Succoth might receive punishment for helping Gideon’s men.
The people of Succoth are part of the nation of Israel. They should want Gideon’s men to put an end to the raids of the Midianites. Instead, they reveal their fear if they remain of their oppressors from the east. Israelites living to the east of the Jordan were likely most vulnerable to attacks from Midian. Those in Succoth did not want to risk the consequences rising against their oppressors.
With the three hundred fighting men, Gideon might have experienced the temptation to take food from Succoth by force. Perhaps he felt it best to reserve their strength. Possibly he didn’t want to wait, Or he might have balked at the idea of raiding the people he was trying to rescue from raids. In any case, Gideon promises to hold the people accountable for their fearful choice not to help his men in a time of great need.
Luke six twenty-seven through twenty-eight states, ” But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do well to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” The challenge for believers to do right in the sight of God takes obedience and love for those they do not have an interest in getting to know.