Book of Judges - Chapter 8 - Verse 14

In this verse from the Book of Judges, the men of Succoth are being described in detail to a young man who was caught by the Israelites. The young man provided valuable information about the princes and elders of Succoth, revealing that there were a total of sixty-seven men in leadership positions. This information was likely crucial for the Israelites as they sought to gain intelligence on the people they encountered. Understanding the social and political structure of Succoth would have helped the Israelites in navigating their interactions with the people of the region. By inquiring about the leaders of Succoth, the Israelites were able to gather important insights that would assist them in their future actions and decisions. This verse highlights the strategic thinking and resourcefulness of the Israelites as they sought to achieve their goals.

One interesting theological interpretation of this verse can be seen in the significance of the number of men described, which is threescore and seventeen, totaling sixty-seven men. In biblical numerology, the number six often represents imperfection or incompleteness, while seven is considered a number of completion or perfection. Therefore, the fact that there were sixty-seven men mentioned could symbolize an incomplete or imperfect state of leadership within the city of Succoth, as they were unable to provide support to Gideon and his men when they were pursuing their enemies. This could serve as a lesson for readers about the importance of having strong and trustworthy leadership in times of need.

Word studies on this verse could provide further insight into the meanings of certain terms used. For example, the name "Succoth" in Hebrew translates to "booths" or "tabernacles," which could suggest that the city was known for its temporary dwelling places or possibly a place of worship. Understanding the context of this name could shed light on the significance of the events that took place there. Additionally, the act of capturing a young man to inquire about the leaders of Succoth highlights the importance of seeking out information and making informed decisions, even in challenging circumstances.