10 Or perhaps, “sell.”
11 Heb “Are the palms of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give to your army bread?” Perhaps the reference to the kings’ “palms” should be taken literally. The officials of Succoth may be alluding to the practice of mutilating prisoners or enemy corpses (see R. G. Boling, Judges [], ). The officials of Succoth are hesitant to give (or sell) food to Gideon’s forces because they are not sure of the outcome of the battle. Perhaps they had made an alliance with the Midianites which demanded their loyalty.

In other versions

And the officials of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”

But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?”

But the princes of Succoth asked, “Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hands that we should give bread to your army?”

But the officials of Succoth replied, “Catch Zebah and Zalmunna first, and then we will feed your army.”

The officials of Succoth said, “Is the hand of Zebah and Zalmunna in your hand now, that we should give bread to your army?”

And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?

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