Judges 8:9

KJV

And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H559} also unto the men {H582} of Penuel {H6439}, saying {H559}, When I come again {H7725} in peace {H7965}, I will break down {H5422} this tower {H4026}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he answered the people of P'nu'el similarly, "When I return safe and sound, I will break down this tower!"

Berean Standard Bible

So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!”

American Standard Version

And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:9 records Gideon's resolute and stern warning to the men of Penuel, an Israelite town that, like Succoth, refused to provide crucial provisions for his exhausted army during his relentless pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. This declaration underscores Gideon's unwavering determination to complete his divinely appointed mission despite internal Israelite opposition, promising future judgment upon Penuel's symbolic stronghold once his victory over the Midianites was secured. It highlights the severe consequences of disloyalty and lack of faith within the covenant community, even amidst God's active deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:9 is situated within the immediate aftermath of Gideon's miraculous victory over the vast Midianite army, a triumph orchestrated by God with only 300 men, as detailed in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian"). Despite this overwhelming success, the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, had escaped, and Gideon, with his now "faint, yet pursuing" army ([Judges 8:4](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4 - Gideon's Pursuit")), was determined to capture them. As he passed through Succoth and then Penuel, two Israelite towns east of the Jordan, Gideon requested provisions for his weary troops. Both cities, however, refused to assist, fearing retribution from the Midianites if Gideon failed. The men of Succoth had similarly dismissed Gideon's request, prompting a parallel, though less specific, threat from Gideon in [Judges 8:5-7](/judges/8-5-7 "Judges 8:5-5 - Succoth's Refusal and Gideon's Threat"). Penuel's refusal here elicits an even more specific and severe promise of future judgment once Gideon's primary mission is complete, setting the stage for the swift and decisive action he would take upon his return in [Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Retribution Against Penuel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, foreign oppression, cries for deliverance, and the raising of a judge by God. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other "people of the East," had severely oppressed Israel for seven years, devastating their crops and livestock ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). This prolonged oppression had instilled deep fear, which explains the reluctance of towns like Succoth and Penuel to aid Gideon. These towns, located east of the Jordan River, were part of Israel's tribal territory (likely Gad), but their geographical isolation and constant exposure to eastern raiders may have fostered a pragmatic, self-preservation mindset over covenant loyalty. Their refusal was not merely a lack of hospitality but a profound betrayal of their fellow Israelites and, implicitly, a lack of faith in God's chosen deliverer. The "tower" of Penuel likely represented their local strength and security, a fortified structure they relied upon rather than trusting in the Lord.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 8:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Disloyalty and Apathy** within the covenant community. Penuel's refusal to support Gideon was a direct act of faithlessness and self-preservation over solidarity, highlighting that indifference or active opposition to God's work carries serious repercussions, even for those who are nominally part of God's people. This theme is echoed throughout the book as Israel repeatedly suffers due to their unfaithfulness, as seen in the cycles of oppression and deliverance in [Judges 2](/judges/2 "Judges 2 - The Cycle of Apostasy"). Secondly, the verse showcases **Gideon's Unwavering Resolve** and commitment to his divinely appointed task. Despite physical exhaustion and the demoralizing opposition from his own people, Gideon's determination to complete the pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna is paramount. His promise to return demonstrates his absolute certainty of victory, a conviction rooted in God's prior deliverance. Finally, it foreshadows **Divine Justice and Accountability**. While executed by Gideon, the promised destruction of Penuel's tower and the subsequent slaying of its men ([Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Judgment Against Penuel")) symbolize a form of covenant justice for their unfaithfulness, serving as a stark reminder that actions, especially those concerning support for God's purposes, have significant consequences, echoing the principles found throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Covenant Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** The phrase "When I come again in peace" (בְּשָׁלוֹם, _b'shalom_) does not imply a peaceful resolution with Penuel. Rather, "in peace" here signifies Gideon's confident expectation of returning *victorious and safe* after dealing with Zebah and Zalmunna. According to H7965, _shâlôwm_ means "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." In this context, it means "when I return successfully" or "when I am safely back from battle," emphasizing Gideon's certainty of triumph over his primary enemies, setting the stage for the swift and decisive action he would take against Penuel upon his return. It underscores his faith in God's ultimate deliverance.
* **Break down (Hebrew, _nâthats'_):** The verb אֶתֹּץ (_'etots_), translated "break down," is derived from H5422, _nâthats_, which is a primitive root meaning "to tear down; beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down." It denotes a violent, forceful dismantling or tearing down, implying utter destruction, not merely a weakening. Gideon's choice of this strong verb indicates the severity of the judgment he intends to inflict upon Penuel, targeting not just their people but their very symbol of security and defiance. This is a deliberate act of retribution, demonstrating the complete reversal of Penuel's perceived strength.
* **Tower (Hebrew, _migdâl'_):** The word מִגְדַּל (_migdal_), "tower," from H4026, _migdâl_, refers to "a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers; castle, flower, tower." For Penuel, this tower likely represented their strength, security, and perhaps their autonomy. Gideon's threat to "break down this tower" is a direct assault on their sense of self-reliance and a symbolic act of dismantling their pride and perceived invulnerability, which they had placed above their covenant obligations to God and their fellow Israelites.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake also unto the men of Penuel":** This clause indicates Gideon's direct, formal address to the leadership or representatives of the city of Penuel. It signifies a deliberate declaration, not a casual remark, emphasizing the gravity of the interaction and the specific nature of their refusal. Gideon is holding them personally accountable for their decision, just as he did with Succoth.
* **"saying, When I come again in peace":** This is Gideon's conditional statement, setting the timing and the context for his promised action. The phrase "in peace" (as discussed above) asserts his absolute confidence in returning victorious and safely from his pursuit of the Midianite kings. It is a declaration of his impending triumph over the external enemy before he deals with the internal disloyalty, showcasing his unwavering faith in God's provision for his mission.
* **"I will break down this tower":** This is the specific threat and promise of judgment. Gideon targets Penuel's "tower," a symbol of their strength and security. By threatening to dismantle it, Gideon promises to strip them of their perceived invulnerability and inflict a severe punishment for their lack of support and faith. This act of destruction would serve as a public demonstration of the consequences of opposing God's chosen deliverer and His work, and it is precisely what he does in [Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Retribution Against Penuel").

#### Literary Devices
Judges 8:9 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. **Foreshadowing** is prominently used, as Gideon's verbal threat explicitly predicts a future act of judgment that he indeed carries out in [Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Retribution Against Penuel"). This creates narrative tension and demonstrates Gideon's resolute character and the certainty of his word. **Symbolism** is also central, with the "tower" representing Penuel's self-reliance, pride, and perceived security apart from God. Its threatened destruction symbolizes the dismantling of their false sense of strength and the imposition of divine justice for their disloyalty and lack of faith. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Gideon's use of "in peace" (בְּשָׁלוֹם, _b'shalom_). While _shalom_ typically denotes well-being and peace, here it paradoxically sets the stage for violent retribution against Penuel, highlighting that for those who oppose God's purposes, true "peace" for God's people means judgment for the unfaithful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:9 profoundly illustrates the principle of accountability within the covenant community and the serious consequences of disloyalty to God's purposes. Penuel's refusal to aid Gideon's weary army was not merely a pragmatic decision based on fear of the Midianites; it represented a deeper spiritual failure—a lack of faith in God's ability to deliver and a rejection of solidarity with His chosen leader and people. This act of self-preservation over covenant faithfulness highlights that God holds His people responsible for their actions, particularly concerning their support for His work and His appointed agents. It serves as a stark reminder that indifference or active opposition to God's kingdom initiatives can lead to severe judgment, emphasizing that faithfulness involves active participation and trust, even when circumstances seem daunting.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Luke 9:26](/luke/9-26 "Luke 9:26 - Ashamed of Jesus")
* [Matthew 10:32-33](/matthew/10-32-33 "Matthew 10:32-33 - Acknowledging Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:9 presents a challenging yet vital lesson for believers today: the call to active solidarity and unwavering faith in God's work, even when it demands sacrifice or faces opposition. Penuel's failure was rooted in fear and self-interest, prioritizing their own perceived safety over their covenant obligations to support God's chosen deliverer. Spiritually, this verse reminds us that indifference or active opposition to God's kingdom work can have profound consequences. Just as Penuel was judged for its lack of support and fear, so too are we called to be actively engaged and supportive of God's purposes, trusting in His ultimate victory. It emphasizes that standing with God's people, especially in times of spiritual warfare or difficulty, is not optional but a vital aspect of faithfulness. Our actions, or inactions, in supporting the advance of the Gospel and the needs of God's people are not trivial; they reflect the depth of our trust in God and our commitment to His kingdom. We are called to be courageous participants, not fearful bystanders, in God's ongoing work in the world, recognizing that true security comes from obedience and reliance on Him, not from earthly "towers" of our own making.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or church community might you be prioritizing self-preservation or comfort over active support for God's work?**
* **How does fear, similar to that of Penuel, sometimes prevent you from fully trusting God's chosen leaders or participating in challenging kingdom initiatives?**
* **What "towers" of self-reliance or perceived security might God be calling you to "break down" in your own life to fully commit to His purposes?**
* **How can you demonstrate greater solidarity and practical support for those who are "faint, yet pursuing" God's mission today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Penuel's refusal considered such a serious offense by Gideon?**

Answer: Penuel's refusal was considered a grave offense for several reasons. Firstly, it was a betrayal of covenant solidarity. Penuel was an Israelite city, and Gideon's army consisted of their fellow countrymen, fighting against a common oppressor. To deny them basic provisions was a profound failure of brotherly support and tribal unity, especially given the miraculous deliverance God had just wrought. Secondly, it demonstrated a lack of faith in God. Gideon had just achieved a miraculous victory, clearly demonstrating God's hand in the battle against Midian. Penuel's fear of Midianite retribution, despite God's clear intervention, showed a pragmatic reliance on human calculations rather than trust in the Lord and His chosen deliverer. Finally, it was an act of insubordination against God's anointed leader. Gideon was acting under divine commission, and their refusal was, in essence, a rejection of God's work through him. This compounded their offense, making their actions worthy of severe judgment, which Gideon carried out in [Judges 8:17](/judges/8-17 "Judges 8:17 - Gideon's Retribution Against Penuel").

**What does the "tower" of Penuel symbolize, and why was its destruction significant?**

Answer: The "tower" (מִגְדַּל, _migdal_) of Penuel symbolized the city's strength, security, and perhaps its self-reliance. It was likely a fortified structure, a watchtower or citadel, representing their primary means of defense. Its destruction by Gideon was highly significant for several reasons. It was a direct fulfillment of his threat, demonstrating his unwavering resolve and the certainty of divine retribution. More symbolically, breaking down the tower represented the dismantling of Penuel's pride and their false sense of security. They had relied on their own fortifications and pragmatic fears rather than trusting in God and supporting His people. The destruction of their tower served as a stark public lesson to other Israelite communities about the consequences of disloyalty and the futility of trusting in human strength over divine power and covenant faithfulness. It was a visible sign that their perceived strength could not protect them from the consequences of their actions against God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's resolute pursuit of justice against Penuel, an Israelite city that betrayed God's purposes and His anointed leader, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate judgment of Christ. Just as Gideon, returning "in peace" (victoriously) from battle, executed judgment upon those who rejected him, so too will Jesus Christ return in ultimate triumph and glory. His first advent was one of grace and salvation, where He came as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), but His second coming will be as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), a time of both final salvation for His faithful and righteous judgment for those who have rejected Him or betrayed His cause. The "breaking down of the tower" of Penuel, a symbol of human self-reliance and rebellion against God's appointed authority, points to Christ's dismantling of all earthly powers and spiritual strongholds that oppose His kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Those who, like Penuel, refuse to provide support or actively oppose the work of God's Spirit and His church will face the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Christ's return, though "in peace" for His redeemed, will bring a decisive end to all rebellion, establishing His eternal reign where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow and Confess").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 8:17

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

1 Kings 22:27

And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

1 Kings 22:28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.