[Read Judges 7:24 – 8:21]
It should’ve been a moment of celebration. High-fives and back-slaps and end-zone dances. Both tribes had much glory to share in. Manasseh’s 300 had put an end to the Midianite hoards and Ephraim had sealed off the enemies escape route and finished them off…

• What is the significance of Gideon’s 300 and Ephraim’s army working together?
• Why were the Ephraimites happy and angry at the same time?
• Why wasn’t Ephraim asked for help?
• What might Gideon have thought about being presented with Oreb and Zeeb’s severed heads?
• In response to Ephraim how could have Gideon reacted?
• Gideon’s actual response could’ve been seen as kissing ass, but it was quite wise [Pr. 15:1]. How?
• Succoth was a town right on the border between the Midianites and the Isrealites. What would this mean for the people of Succoth?
• What kind of welcome was Gideon expecting in Succoth?
• Why didn’t Succoth make Gideon and his 300 welcome?
• Gideon is pretty cross! Why?
• In verse 7, is Gideon right or wrong to threaten and judge the people of Succoth?

[Activity] > Gideon’s actions = For & Against

• 4 miles to the next town… Peniel [where Jacob wrestled with God]. Surely they would receive a better welcome party here?…But no. How might Gideon be feeling by this point?
• Why did the Midianites think they were safe in Karkor?
• What might the officials in Succoth be thinking as they see Gideon and the 300 returning with Zebah and Zalmunna in their possession?
• Why give the men in Succoth a “spanking” and then go and kill all the men in Peniel and pull down it’s tower?
• How would you feel / react in Gideon’s position? He now knows that Zebah and Zalmunna were responsible for killing his brothers. What would you do?
• Why did Gideon want his son, Jether, to kill the them?
• In the 2nd half of vs21, we see something that could be quite innocent OR it could mark the beginning of the end for Gideon. What is it and why?