1. Then the Ephraimites said to him, "Why did you offend us this way by not calling us when you went to fight the Midianites?" And they argued with him fiercely.
2. But he said to them, "What have I done now, compared to you? Aren’t Ephraim’s leftovers better than Abiezer’s main harvest?
3. God handed you the Midianite officers Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do compared to you?" When he said this, their anger against him passed.
4. Then Gideon came to the Jordan. As he and the three hundred men with him crossed over, they were exhausted but still giving chase.
5. So he said to the people of Succoth, "Please give some loaves of bread to those who are on foot, because they’re exhausted, but I’m chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian."
6. But the officials of Succoth replied, "Haven’t you already almost gotten your hands on Zebah and Zalmunna? Why should we give food to your army now?"
7. "Just for that," Gideon said, "when the Lord has handed over Zebah and Zalmunna to me, I’m going to beat your skin with desert thorns and briars!"