1. But the men were really upset with Gideon and complained, “When you went to war with Midian, you didn't ask us to help! Why did you treat us like that?”
2. Gideon answered:Don't be upset! Even though you came later, you were able to do much more than I did. It's just like the grape harvest: the grapes your tribe doesn't even bother to pick are better than the best grapes my family can grow.
3. Besides, God chose you to capture Raven and Wolf. I didn't do a thing compared to you.By the time Gideon had finished talking, the men of Ephraim had calmed down and were no longer angry with him.
4. After Gideon and his three hundred troops had chased the Midianites as far as the River Jordan, they were exhausted.
5. The town of Succoth was nearby, so he went there and asked, “Please give my troops some food. They are worn out, but we have to keep chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the two Midianite kings.”
6. The town leaders of Succoth answered, “Why should we feed your army? We don't know if you really will defeat Zebah and Zalmunna.”
7. “Just wait!” Gideon said. “After the Lord helps me defeat them, I'm coming back here. I'll make a whip out of thorns and rip the flesh from your bones.”