¹ Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn`t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” And they challenged him vigorously. <sup>2</sup> But he answered them, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren`t the gleanings of Ephraim`s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? ³ God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?” At this, their resentment against him subsided. ⁴ Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. ⁵ He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” ⁶ 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?” ⁷ Then Gideon replied, “Just for that, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with desert thorns and briers.” ⁸ From there he went up to Peniel and made the same request of them, but they answered as the men of Sukkoth had.