13 Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres . 14 And he captured a youth from Succoth and questioned him. Then the youth wrote down for him the princes of Succoth and its elders , seventy-seven men . 15 He came to the men of Succoth and said , "Behold Zebah and Zalmunna , concerning whom you taunted me, saying , ' Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand , that we should give bread to your men who are weary ?' " 16 He took the elders of the city , and thorns of the wilderness and briers , and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them. 17 He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 8:13-17
Commentary on Judges 8:13-17
(Read Judges 8:13-17)
The active servants of the Lord meet with more dangerous opposition from false professors than from open enemies; but they must not care for the behaviour of those who are Israelites in name, but Midianites in heart. They must pursue the enemies of their souls, and of the cause of God, though they are ready to faint through inward conflicts and outward hardships. And they shall be enabled to persevere. The less men help, and the more they seek to hinder, the more will the Lord assist. Gideon's warning being slighted, the punishment was just. Many are taught with the briers and thorns of affliction, who would not learn otherwise.