Succoth

Succoth was a small settlement, east of the Jordan, on the dividing line between Gadite and Manassite territories. The sight of Succoth brought with it water, food and shelter. 'Succoth' means shelters or tabernacles, because Jacob built dwelling places there after he had seperated from Esau [Gen. 33:17]

The people of Succoth had too felt the wrath of the Midianites and would have heard the news of Gideon's 300 defeating the enemy.

What kind of a welcome party could they expect when entering this place?

None.

Gideon was probably expecting some kinds of 'ticker tape parade' like at the end of the Ghostbusters movie. However, Succoth refused to help them.

Why?

It's thaught that Succoth were worried about their own skin and anxious not to upset their Midianite neighbours. What if Gideon's 300 failed to finish off the enemy and word got out that the people of Succoth had helped out Gideon?
What would become of them?

Gideon was furious, understandably, he had put up with being taunted and bullied for 7 years by the Midianites, he had allowed his army to walked away and to be worked down to 300, he had suffered humiliation at the hands of Ephraim, and NOW he must put up with these cowards?

So was his promise of "thrashing them with twigs" a direct judgement from God, or just the ramblings of a bad temper?

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