John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And Gideon said , etc.] In answer to the princes of Succoth: therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand ; of which he made no doubt, having the promise of God that he would deliver the host of Midian into his hand, on which his faith rested; and having it in great part performed already, most firmly believed the full performance of it, (see Judges 7:7,9) then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness, and with briers ; which grew in a wilderness near this city, and from whence as Kimchi thinks, it had its name; the word “Succoth” being used for thorns in ( Job 41:7) and the sense is, either that he would scourge them with thorns and briers; or, as the Targum thrust their flesh upon them; which Kimchi interprets of casting their naked bodies upon thorns and briers, and then treading on them with the feet; or draw a cart over them as they thus lay, in like manner as it was usual to do when corn was threshed out; (see Isaiah 28:27).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 4-12 - Gideon's men were faint, yet pursuing; fatigued with what they ha done, yet eager to do more against their enemies. It is many a time the true Christian's case, fainting, and yet pursuing. The world knows but little of the persevering and successful struggle the real believe maintains with his sinful heart. But he betakes himself to that Divin strength, in the faith of which he began his conflict, and by the supply of which alone he can finish it in triumph.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 גדעון1439 לכן3651 בתת5414 יהוה3068 את853 זבח2078 ואת853 צלמנע6759 בידי3027 ודשׁתי1758 את853 בשׂרכם1320 את854 קוצי6975 המדבר4057 ואת854 הברקנים׃1303
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