Judges 8:16

Modern

Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.

Traditional

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

Literal

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and he taught with them the men of Succoth.

Latin

Tulit ergo seniores civitatis et spinas deserti ac tribulos, et contrivit cum eis atque comminuit viros Soccoth.

Hebrew

English

Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth.

The return journey likely followed a straight path through the unknown Ascent of Heres, unlike the circular route needed for the ambush.
The fact that a typical young man from Succoth could write down the names shows that the new alphabetic writing system had become established in Israel.
Gideon's practice of retribution and execution was common in his time. However, his reputation as the Lord's servant was better supported by his skillful diplomacy (Judges 8:1–3) than by harsh punishment.

Gideon's time as a judge ends the first era of judges.

Theme notes and profiles

Judges 8:7
“Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!”
Proverbs 19:29
Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Ezra 2:6
…the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,812;
Micah 7:4
The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.

Succoth: City in Canaan, location of Solomon's bronze works