שופטים, פרק ח׳, פסוק י״ד

Following his military victory, Gideon prepares to follow through on his promise to penalize the leaders of the city of Sukkot for refusing to support his army. To ensure his actions are precise, he captures a local young man and interrogates him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Although the exact questions are left unsaid because they are clear from the surrounding events [מצודת דוד], Gideon demands that the young man identify the city's leadership [אברבנאל].

Yielding to the interrogation, the young man writes out an organized list of the city's officials and elders [ביאור שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל]. This written record serves a highly practical purpose, ensuring Gideon does not forget any of the names by the time he actually enters the city [רד״ק].

The final list contains exactly seventy-seven men. Gideon's focus on these specific individuals is deeply intentional. During his earlier request for food, the harsh refusal came from the city's officials rather than the general public. By securing the exact names of the responsible elders, Gideon ensures that his punishment falls strictly on those who committed the wrong. His ultimate intention is to show mercy to the ordinary citizens of the city, leaving them completely unharmed [אברבנאל].