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14. Described. Heb. kathab. Literally, “he wrote down.” A youth from the town of Succoth whom they had captured by chance wrote down for Gideon the names of the princes and elders of the city. Inasmuch as it was the rulers of Succoth that had haughtily refused him aid, Gideon doubtless desired to discriminate between them and the inhabitants of the city, lest he punish those who were not responsible.

The fact that a youth captured at random was able to write indicates that even at this early period the knowledge of writing was general.

Princes. Heb. ō›arim. The word is translated “rule,” “captain,” “chief,” almost as frequently as it is “prince.” In this passage it probably refers to the officials who stood at the head of the council of elders, the leaders in charge of military and civic duties.

Elders. Heads of the resident families of a city, forming a council or governing body.