Biblical Context:
The retribution on Succoth and Penuel is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 8. This episode occurs during the time of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, who was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites.

Narrative Summary:
After achieving a miraculous victory over the Midianites with just 300 men, Gideon pursued the fleeing kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. As he and his men were exhausted and in need of sustenance, they sought assistance from the towns of Succoth and Penuel. However, both towns refused to provide aid to Gideon and his men, doubting his ability to capture the Midianite kings.

Biblical Account:
In Judges 8:5-6 , Gideon requests help from 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." The leaders of Succoth replied, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?"

Similarly, when Gideon approached Penuel, he received the same response. In Judges 8:8-9 , it is recorded: "From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but they answered as the men of Succoth had. So he said to the men of Penuel, 'When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower.'"

Retribution Executed:
Upon capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon returned to Succoth and Penuel to fulfill his promise of retribution. Judges 8:15-17 describes the fulfillment of this promise: "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?"' He took the elders of the city and taught the men of Succoth a lesson with thorns and briers from the wilderness. He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city."

Theological Implications:
The retribution on Succoth and Penuel highlights several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of faith and trust in God's deliverance. The refusal of Succoth and Penuel to assist Gideon reflects a lack of faith in God's chosen deliverer and His power to save. Secondly, it illustrates the consequences of failing to support God's appointed leaders and the community of believers. The harsh punishment meted out by Gideon serves as a warning against self-preservation at the expense of communal responsibility and obedience to God's purposes.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, the narrative challenges believers to consider their own responses to God's work and His leaders. It calls for a willingness to support and participate in God's mission, even when the outcome is uncertain. The episode also raises questions about justice and the appropriate response to those who oppose or hinder God's work. Gideon's actions, while severe, are portrayed as a necessary measure to uphold divine justice and ensure the unity and strength of the Israelite community.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Succoth and Penuel were towns located east of the Jordan River, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. Their strategic location made them significant in the context of Israel's military campaigns. The refusal of these towns to aid Gideon reflects the complex inter-tribal dynamics and the challenges of uniting the disparate tribes of Israel under a common cause during the period of the judges.