Q4. The Sin of Succoth and Peniel

[Nina]

Succoth and Peniel did not want to get involved. The Midianites hadn't been totally wiped out and Succoth and Peniel feared them so they did not help Gideon and his army.

Gideon's punishment was partly out of anger and partly due to the fact they broke their covenant with God and their Israelite brothers.

Their sin was letting fear overcome and not helping Gideon and his army. Gideon was leading under God's direction. Not helping Gideon was not helping God.

It seems in the Old Testament several of God's chosen leaders used severe punishmen in similar circumstances. I don't fully agree or understand but it seems to be with God's agreement that severe punishment was given due to sin. Possibly God directed Gideon in this punishment.

I believe Christians today commit similar sins. They may be called sins of unconcern, not wanting to be involved, or sins of omission. We are directed to love our brothers and to minister to them as needed.

[JustJeff]

These two cities doubted that Gideon would be successful and feared reprisal. Because of this Gideon punishes them.

We can't doubt the work of the Lord and it is not our job to punish. That belongs to God. Gideon was puffed up because of the victory that the Lord put in his hand and he was out of order.

When I cannot see the Lord's work it is because I am being carnally minded. That leads to doubt and fear, which is sin.

[masika]

Q4. Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army? (8:4-9) Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel? (8:13-17)

They were fearing that may Gideon with his small army might not defeat the large army of the enemy who had oppressing them for long time.

Their sin was fear and not trusting God.

We should not fear Satan, The God Who is with us is bigger than our enemy.

There are times in our Christian walk that we fail to join those brethren who are praying for something and think that problem is big to God to handle. We even undermine the people God Has put in big position to minister unto us.

Christian might be guilty of the sin of disobedience.

[Don W]

He punished both of these Israelite cities because he and his men were hungry and they refused to give them anything to eat, so he told them that when the Midianites leaders were caught and punished by them, then he would punish these 2 cities on his way back home and he did. Their sin was in mocking him as well as refusing to give fellow Israelites food and water so they could be sustained for the mop-up operation. Yes, Gideon did exactly what he promised to do so he was just in doing these things as an example also to the other Israelites, just as our Lord God will do exactly what He says He will do against our (and His) enemies someday when His Son returns to the earth. A Christian that refuses to give aid to another in need is guilty of this same sin (see James 2:14-17) as this person is not only guilty of it but needs to examine him or herself as to whether he/she is really not

[Robin D]

The cities are refusing to aid because they fear that the Midianites have not been completely wiped out. Gideon punishes these cities to teach them a lesson. Their sin is being selfish, and breaking their covenant with God and their fellow Israelites. I don't always understand the harsh punishment that we find examples of in the Bible. It appears that Gideon was just in what he had done, based upon instructions God gave other chosen leaders in the Old Testament. I think there are numerous examples of Christians sitting back and not helping others, or being charitable when we should be.

[sahala p.s.]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

The cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army because of their arrogance and egoism

Gideon punishes these cities later because they taunted him.

Their sin is that they committed a breach of hospitality to their brothers, which showing hospitality was their covenant responsibility as fellow Israelites, which what they did was against the God of the Covenant.

No, Gideon is not just because what Gideon did is not equal to what they did, that they did not kill somebody so that they deserved this punishment.

A circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel is one that he refuses aid to his brother in Christ

[brotherbill]

They feared Gideon would not be able to complete the task with total victory and that Midian would come back and kill them for aiding the enemy.

Because they did not help their kin...and kind of mocked Gideon and his army.

We should use take great care in our support and encouragement of those who feel called to do something for the Lord. I have seen folks who are of the mind set that it is not their program or idea and there fore others can do the work. They won't lend a hand or dime to help the cause or improve the chances for a good outcome, but they stand aside and wait for the thing to fall apart. This is not why Paul says we have been given the Holy Spirit in Eph. We are to encourage one another till we all grow up in Christ.

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

[Barbara1]

1 They didn't help because they didn't beleive God was with Gideon and that they couldn't stop the Midianites.

2 Because the two cities feared the Midianites more than they trusted God.

3 They didn't show hositality to their kinsman and sinned against the covenant of God.

4 God gave the land to all the people and told them all to defend it. So yes, because they didn't give them food they rejected God's word.

5 Yes, when people are hurting or in need and come to us that are christians and we turn them away in fear of the trouble they could cause us until the situation is resolved

[paulcrf]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?

Ans. The cities of Succoth and Peniel wanted the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna before the can give bread to the hungry soldiers of Gideon.

Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just?

Ans: Because he has promised them to punish them once he capture Zebah and Zalmunna. They committed treachery to their fellow Israelites whom they had covenant to protect from a common enemy. I think Gideon is just because traitors in times of war are treated as enemies. And they are even more dangerous than enemies because they can conceal their identity.

Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

Ans: Christians are sometimes guilty of the sin fo Succoth and Peniel by not joining his brothers in faith in the fight against a common enemy, Satan, such as helping in the works of the ministry. Examples are winning souls and helping church activities.

[Jen]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

Those cities were more interested in taking care of themselves. They didn't want to suffer. It was alright that others should but not them. It was cowardly, cruel, lacking in basic compassion and deserving of public embarrassment and appropriate corrective actions by those offended.

Gideon was very just in his actions. Those soldiers under him were weak and needed food. Who should they turn to but their own.

Do we risk when we see injustices being done to others or do we not want to risk and let others suffer maybe to the death because we weren't willing to stand up.

God Bless!

Jen

Numbers 6:24-26

[Loisb]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

1. The cities of Succoth and Peniel did not want to get involved or take sides. They didn't believe that Gideon could complete the task.

2. Gideon punished these men because his men were tired and far away from hom and needed food, which was selfish of these cities when they refused.

3. These people were not showing love for their brothers.

4. Yes, Gideon was just, because these two cities were also benefiting from what Gideon and his army had done and they should have been hospitable to these men.

5. Seeing people begging for help and just passing them by and not helping in some way.

[Pamela Harms]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

1. They refused aid to Gideon's army because they did not trust Gideon with his 300 men. They did not have faith in Gideon. They were on the Midianite's side against Gideon.

2. He punishes the cities to show the confidence he had in the success of the strength of God.

3. They did not fear God or recognize Gideon as a man God had raised up to fight the army to save them.

4. Yes Gideon was being just.

5. When God speaks and we do not listen, we will have to bear the consequences of our actions. If we repent, humble ourselves and do what God tells us to do He will forgive.

[miss peggy wilson]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

1

(1) They felt since Gideon didnot use them in the battle it was not there responsibility to provide food for the three hundred he did use. Victory had already been given to Gideon by God. There was fear in them thinking that by chance if Gideon lost the battle they would become the next victim. God use whom He chooses to do what He wants.When He does the battle is already won. (2)He punished them for their lack of support for those whom God had appointed to fight the battle.He could not stop the war to fight against those who refused to supply food for those that were fighting.(3) Their sin was coveting those used in battle (4) Yes Gideon is a man of valor.

(4) when we don't listen and obey the voice of one whom God has put in authority over us.

[JanMary]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?

I think they feared Gideon's army would fail to complete the defeat of the Midianites, and wanted to appear to be "neutral" so that if Midian came back, they would be seen as allies, rather than enemies..."after all, didn't we deny food and support to Gideon?", they could reply.

Why does Gideon punish these cities later?

He was furious! He saw their refusal to provide food for their kinsmen army, as aiding and abetting the enemy.

What is their sin?

They withheld support for their kinsmen, much as was done to Israel when they came out of the wilderness to enter the promised land....several groups refused them passage, and even water to drink.

Is Gideon just?

Sounds pretty cruel to me, but even today in war we shoot traitors. They lived under the "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" mandate of the Old Testament. It wasn't until Jesus came that we learn the Godly response would be to let God avenge them, rather than doing the avenging himself.

Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

Yes, anytime we have the ability or means to help someone in need, and withhold help, we are guilty of the same sin.

[Seeking His Face]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

Because they wanted proof of what Gideon said, they did not show hospitality to him and his troops. He was very upset with them and he vowed to punish them. Yes maybe in not showing honor and respect for local pastor's and teachers.

[hanks]

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17)

Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?

Both cities fear reprisals from the Midianites if Gideon is defeated.

Why does Gideon punish these cities later?

He saw them allying themselves with the Midianites. Gideon and his men must have been exhausted by this time, and rightfully expected help from their fellow Israelis.

What is their sin?

Siding with the Midianites against the Lord and His chosen deliverer.

Is Gideon just?

Yes, I feel for the standards of that period it was a just sentence. Times were harsh and both cities had acted liked traitors towards Gideon, and his army, and against Israel itself.

Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

When we sin or when we do not obey God

[Old Jerry]

I think that the reason that Succoth and Peniel refused aid to Gideon’s army was because they were afraid that maybe Gideon would not defeat his enemy and they didn’t want to be on the wrong side of the dispute.

Gideon punished these cities later to teach them a lesson. They needed to put their trust in God and not rely on their own judgment. I might send a warning sign to the other cities that they need to corporate with him. Their sin was that they didn’t help Gideon when he needed it the most.

There are probably many a time when a Christian was guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel. I think that anytime they we don’t do what God is asking us to do because we don’t have the insight that we think we need, we are doing the same thing that Succoth and Peniel did.

[DebLam3teach]

The cities of Succoth and Peniel don't aid Gideon because they don't want to be identified with Gideon in case the Midianites are victorious.  They could come back to take revenge on the cities that helped Gideon.  These cities, in ancient times, were guilty of not performing the right of hospitality and aid to their countrymen.  Gideon was right in making it an issue, but he went overboard on harshness.  When we withhold generosity from fellow Christians just because we don't agree with them, we fall into a similar sin.  It is easy to get angry and bitter at fellow believers when they are responding in an immature or inappropriate way instead of a godly way.  We can't let the carnal responses of fellow believers lead us to respond carnally as well.  We need to respond in a wise, self-controlled and God-pleasing way.

[haar]

Q4.  (Judges 8:4-17)

Q. Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?

A. They played it safe so that they did risk being punished by the Midianites if Gideon failed to capture the fleeing kings and their soldiers.

Q. Why does Gideon punish these cities later? Q. What is their sin?

A. Not giving hospitality to their hungry brothers and sinning against the Lord God Who spearheaded the battle.

 Q. Is Gideon just?

A. Yes though the punishment was hash.

Q. Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

A. When one fails support cause for mission/ evangelism or the needy when having the ability to do so

[Jesus Follower]

On 1/31/2003 at 10:11 AM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

They are afraid they will be punished by the Midianites if Gideon loses.

They wouldn't feed his army as they pursued the Midianites.

They fear men (Midianites) more than God. Lack of faith.

Too harsh, I think.

Not caring for or helping missionaries or others called to serve the Lord in very dangerous circumstances.

[Jonathan Edwards]

The princes of Succoth  neither feared God nor man. In contempt of God, they refused to assist one who God raised up to deliver His people. The princes of Succoth were cynical;  how would Gideon's band overcome the remaining Midianites.   The men of Penuel as well defied the sword of the Lord and Gideon when they refused to give victuals to this faint, yet pursuing army. The princes of Succcoth were afraid of the Midianites if Gideon's offensive would end In Failure.

Their sin was turning down the request for bread by Gideon.  Both cities didn't cooperate in defeating the Midianites.  GIDEON was just in what he did.   Considering the times he was living in; I believe he took his cue from Prophet Joshua;  any sympathy with idol worshippers had to be eliminated.   When the tribes on the east side of Jordan set up an altar;  grave concern filled the heart of Joshua.    Phineas put a spear through Cozbi.

Christains can be blame worthy when they don't live out Isaiah 58 and the Sermon on the Mount.  Yes, faith without works is dead.   Not fulfilling the commands of the Johnnaine epistles to love one's brethern will bring disfavor to the Christain.  Psalm.78 illustrates the fall of Ephraim.

 

 

 

[Krissi]

Gideon’s behaviour may appear like fury and raw retribution to us, but in God’s economy, the men of Succoth and Peniel deserved it for there is no condemnation of Gideon in scripture. He was a warrior for Christ. What he did must have been merited, God-sanctioned and just. What Pastor Ralph describes as a “dark side” may be exactly what God requires of all of us. We tend to think of God as soft, forgiving, loving … and, yes, He is all these things but he’s also just and right, and his justice at one point killed all humanity (Noah).

Gideon wasn’t seeking revenge for himself, but for his troops and God.

The question I have is this: Could there be times in my own life when God asks me to act like Gideon? Is violence in His name just?

[Irmela]

Q4.  (Judges 8:4-17)

Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?

The reply they give sounds almost cocky.   Almost as if they doubted that the kings they were pursuing would  be caught by them.  It is a strange answer though.  These men were faint from hunger, whether they would catch up with the fleeing army or not.   They just needed some fortification.   The people from Succoth and Peniel were fellow  Israelites and it was almost like their God-given duty to help Gideon's army.  By not doing this, they showed that they were siding with the enemy.  

Why does Gideon punish these cities later? 

If he had not punished them , it was like leaving a bit of poison to eventually add up and poison more and more people surrounding them.   They were actually like traitors, these even today, get eliminated.  

What is their sin?

Their sin was that they did not assist their covenant brethren who had been chosen by God to be in that group.  Many had been sent home.  

Is Gideon just?

In a way I guess he didn't have much option. If they got away with it.  Others would try the same.  Where was loyalty?

Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel?

When we do not trust God,  or the people who say they have been chosen by God to fulfill a certain task  and do not assist them financially,  when we maybe could have.  I think we need  to follow the Holy Spirit's leading. It is when we are disobedient to Him then we are guilty.

[ShariRose]

The cities of Succoth and Peniel refused to help Gideon's army because they felt the task was already complete. They seemed apathetic; perhaps their faith was apathetic.

I think Gideon punished the city leaders to show power - so that others would take him [and God] seriously.  War is serious.

Gideon is just.  

Sometimes, we don't listen to God.  We become apathetic.  We are in serious danger when we take God's commands with a grain of salt.