GIDEON. 127

conduct in this respect, but he received strength from
God to act aright, and so shall we, if we ask it earnestly.
The three hundred men, with their leader, had passed over
the Jordan, and though exhausted by fatigue and want
of food, were still pursuing the remainder of Midian’s
host. In the tribe of Gad is a place called Succoth,
there the hungry Israelites asked for food, telling what
work they were engaged in. The men of Succoth scorn-
fully refused bread to their brethren, mocking the idea of
three hundred worn out men conquering the kings of
Midian. For this conduct Gideon said that when he
returned successful, he would tear their flesh with the
thorns of the wilderness, and with briars. From thence
he went to Penuel, to the men of which he made the same
request, and received the same reply. “When I come
again in peace,” he said to the men of Penuel, “I will
break down this tower.” When Gideon overtook the
kings of Midian, he and his band fell upon them and put
all of them to the sword, except Zebah and Zalmunna
the two kings, whom he made prisoners. The victorious
son of Joash then went to Succoth, and scourged the
chief men of the place with thorns and briars ; so he con-
vinced them of their folly. Then he punished the men
of Penuel. He was more severe to them; he broke the
strong fortress of which they thought so much, and slew
their chief men.

George. They deserved it, I am sure.

Johnnie. Yes, it was very cruel to refuse bread to
Gideon and his men when they were so hungry.