The Men of Succoth are mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. Succoth was a city located east of the Jordan River, within the tribal territory of Gad. The name "Succoth" means "booths" or "tents," which is reflective of its historical significance as a place where Jacob built shelters for his livestock (Genesis 33:17).

Biblical Account:

The most notable mention of the Men of Succoth occurs in Judges 8, during the time of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. After Gideon achieved a significant victory over the Midianites, he pursued the fleeing kings Zebah and Zalmunna. As Gideon and his 300 men were exhausted yet continuing their pursuit, they arrived at Succoth and requested provisions from its inhabitants.

Judges 8:5-6 states: "So he said to the men of Succoth, 'Please give some loaves of bread to the troops under my command, because they are worn out, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.' But the leaders of Succoth replied, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?'"

The response of the Men of Succoth was one of skepticism and refusal. They doubted Gideon's ability to capture the Midianite kings and were unwilling to support him without assurance of his success. This lack of faith and support for Gideon, who was acting under divine commission, was seen as a significant failure on their part.

Consequences:

Gideon did not take this refusal lightly. After successfully capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, he returned to Succoth to hold its leaders accountable. Judges 8:14-16 recounts: "He caught a young man of Succoth and questioned him, and the young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven officials of Succoth, the elders of the city. Then Gideon came and said to the men of Succoth, 'Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?"' Then he took the elders of the city and taught the men of Succoth a lesson by punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness."

Gideon's actions were a direct response to the lack of support and faith shown by the Men of Succoth. This incident highlights the importance of faith and support for God's chosen leaders, as well as the consequences of failing to do so.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The account of the Men of Succoth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of doubt and the failure to support God's appointed leaders. It underscores the theme of faithfulness and the importance of aligning with God's purposes, even when the outcome is uncertain. The narrative also reflects the broader context of the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of faithfulness and rebellion among the Israelites.

In the broader biblical narrative, the account of the Men of Succoth is a reminder of the need for trust in God's deliverance and the importance of community support in fulfilling divine missions.