5. Succoth. Literally, “booths.” This city of the tribe of Gad was situated along the Jabbok River, where the hills begin to rise not far from the place where the Jabbok flows into the Jordan. The city received its name from the booths Jacob erected there at the end of his long journey homeward from Padan-aram (Gen. 33:17).
Loaves. Literally, “rounds,” or “circles,” of bread. These were the round, flat cakes frequently mentioned in the Bible. Gideon’s request was just and reasonable. He was performing a service for all Israel, and in an hour of need he could legitimately expect his brethren to supply food for his hungry men.
In like manner those who fight the spiritual battles of the church are deserving of the support of their brethren, and it is shameless unthankfulness to deny it. God’s instruction to ancient Israel was, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn” (Deut. 25:4). Paul, in his spiritual application of this statement, applies the injunction to the obligation to support those who labor in the gospel ministry (1 Cor. 9:9).
Zebah and Zalmunna. There is probably an intended pun in these names. Zebah means “sacrifice” or “sacrificial victim.” Zalmunna may mean “[the god] Zelem rules,” or “protection is withheld.”