Judges 8 17

Judges 8:17 kjv

And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

Judges 8:17 nkjv

Then he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Judges 8:17 niv

He also pulled down the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the town.

Judges 8:17 esv

And he broke down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Judges 8:17 nlt

He also tore down the tower of Peniel and killed all the men in the town.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 17 Meaning

Judges 8:17 records Gideon's swift and severe retribution against the inhabitants of Penuel for their earlier refusal to provide sustenance and support to his exhausted troops during his pursuit of the Midianite kings. This action directly fulfills the stern vow Gideon made to them previously (Jdg 8:9), demonstrating that defiance against God's chosen deliverer in a time of urgent divine work has dire consequences. He demolished their defensive tower and executed the city's men, leaving no doubt about the cost of their insolence and uncooperativeness.

Judges 8 17 Context

Judges chapter 8 concludes Gideon's campaign against Midian. Following his miraculous victory with 300 men (Judges 7), Gideon pursued the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, eastward beyond the Jordan River. As his men were "exhausted yet pursuing," Gideon requested provisions from the cities of Succoth and Penuel. However, both cities refused to aid him, mocking his seemingly futile pursuit of kings they did not believe he could capture. Their refusal stemmed from a lack of faith in God's deliverer and a concern for their own safety and alliances, choosing neutrality over actively supporting God's appointed leader in a critical war. Gideon vowed retribution against them upon his return, specifically stating he would "break down this tower" of Penuel. After successfully capturing the Midianite kings, Gideon made good on his word, first disciplining Succoth, and then turning to Penuel as recorded in verse 17, demonstrating the consequences of defying God's mission.

Judges 8 17 Word analysis

• And he beat down (וַיִּתֹּץ, vayyittōṣ):
  • Word: A strong verb meaning "to tear down," "break down," "demolish," "overthrow."
  • Significance: Indicates a violent and complete destruction, not merely dismantling. It highlights the severity of Gideon's judgment and the fulfillment of his prior threat. It is a purposeful act of obliteration.
• the tower (מִגְדַּל, migdal):
  • Word: Refers to a "tower" or "fortress," a common defensive structure or stronghold in ancient cities.
  • Significance: Symbolizes the city's power, defense, and ability to protect itself. Its demolition signifies the complete subjugation and exposure of Penuel, stripped of its self-reliance.
• of Penuel (פְּנוּאֵל, Pěnû’ēl):
  • Word: The city's name means "Face of God" (Gen 32:30, where Jacob wrestled with God).
  • Significance: The name creates a profound irony. A place named "Face of God" faces God's judgment, delivered through His agent, Gideon, because its inhabitants refused to support His redemptive work. This underlines that mere geographical proximity to a sacred place or bearing a sacred name does not guarantee favor when there is rebellion or disobedience to divine purposes.
• and slew (וַיַּהֲרֹג, vayyaharōg):
  • Word: The common Hebrew verb "to kill," "to slay," "to destroy."
  • Significance: Explicitly states the execution of the men. This reinforces the grim reality of ancient Near Eastern warfare and justice, where active opposition or betrayal in divinely ordained campaigns could result in the death penalty. It leaves no ambiguity about the outcome.
• the men of the city (אַנְשֵׁי הָעִיר, ʾanše hāʿîr):
  • Word: "Men of the city" usually refers to the male populace, often the heads of households or those capable of fighting or participating in public assembly.
  • Significance: This implies a collective punishment, indicating that the refusal to help Gideon was a widespread decision, or at least one enacted by the authoritative men, making them collectively accountable.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And he beat down the tower... and slew the men": This phrase highlights the two-fold nature of Gideon's retribution: destruction of infrastructure and execution of people. It demonstrates total judgment – both their physical protection (tower) and their active population (men) were annihilated. This reflects the complete and unsparing nature of justice delivered in this historical context against those seen as active opponents.
• "The tower of Penuel... the men of the city": This emphasizes that the judgment was against the entire entity, Penuel, symbolized by its defining defense and its inhabitants. The judgment was thorough and directed at all involved in the defiance against Gideon.

Judges 8 17 Bonus section

• The place name Penuel, meaning "Face of God," contrasts sharply with the grim event. In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with God at Penuel and experienced divine blessing, though limping. Here, the city named Penuel experiences divine judgment through Gideon's actions, leaving it demolished and its men slain. This ironic fate emphasizes that historical or sacred associations do not shield disobedience from consequences.
• Gideon's actions reflect the reality of a tribal society where alliances and support were crucial for survival, especially in warfare. Penuel's neutrality, bordering on hostility, was viewed as a direct act against the collective tribal welfare and, by extension, against God's direct intervention through Gideon.
• The severity of Gideon's judgment aligns with ancient Near Eastern customs regarding treachery or direct opposition in wartime. From a biblical perspective, their refusal to support the Lord's army was an act of faithlessness and a rejection of God's appointed deliverance from their common enemy, the Midianites.

Judges 8 17 Commentary

Judges 8:17 recounts Gideon's severe fulfillment of his vow against Penuel, a direct consequence for their prideful refusal to aid his divinely commissioned army. This act serves as a powerful demonstration that neglecting or opposing God's work, even indirectly through non-cooperation, incurs grave repercussions. The demolition of Penuel's tower and the execution of its men illustrate the stark and often brutal justice characteristic of the Judges period, where loyalty to Yahweh and His appointed agents was paramount. It underlines the principle that God is not mocked; those who impede His plans or disregard His deliverers will face His uncompromising justice. This passage highlights Gideon's resolve, his authority as a leader under God, and the tragic outcome for those who prioritize self-interest over participating in God's redemptive actions.