Judges 8:17
New International Version
He also pulled down the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the town.

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

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

New King James Version
Then he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

New American Standard Bible
And he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

NASB 1995
He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

NASB 1977
And he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Amplified Bible
He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Christian Standard Bible
He also tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

American Standard Version
And he brake down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

Contemporary English Version
Afterwards he went to Penuel, where he tore down the tower and killed all the town officials.

English Revised Version
And he brake down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of that city.

Good News Translation
He also tore down the tower at Penuel and killed the men of that city.

International Standard Version
He also demolished the tower in Penuel and killed the men of the city.

Majority Standard Bible
He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.

NET Bible
He also tore down the tower of Penuel and executed the city's men.

New Heart English Bible
He broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the men of the city.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

World English Bible
He broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the men of the city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he has broken down the Tower of Penuel, and slays the men of the city.

Young's Literal Translation
and the tower of Penuel he hath broken down, and slayeth the men of the city.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he brake down the tower of Penuel, and he will kill the men of the city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he demolished the tower of Phanuel, and slew the men of the city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He also overturned the tower of Penuel, and he killed the men of the city.

New American Bible
He also demolished the tower of Penuel and killed the people of the city.

New Revised Standard Version
He also broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the men of the city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he broke down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he broke down the Tower of Phanuyel and he killed the men of the city
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he broke down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he overthrew the tower of Phanuel, and slew the men of the city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
16Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth. 17 He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. 18Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”…

Cross References
2 Kings 18:13
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.

Isaiah 37:12
Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar?

Hosea 10:14
the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be demolished as Shalman devastated Beth-arbel in the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to pieces along with their children.

Amos 1:4-5
So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.

2 Kings 19:12
Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar?

Isaiah 10:9
“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?

2 Chronicles 32:1
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself.

Jeremiah 49:23-27
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...

Matthew 11:21-24
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. ...

Luke 10:13-15
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. / But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. / And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades!

Isaiah 17:1-3
This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins. / The cities of Aroer are forsaken; they will be left to the flocks, which will lie down with no one to fear. / The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the sovereignty from Damascus. The remnant of Aram will be like the splendor of the Israelites,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

2 Kings 16:9
So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death.

Isaiah 9:8-12
The Lord has sent a message against Jacob, and it has fallen upon Israel. / All the people will know it—Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say: / “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” ...

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

Isaiah 7:8
For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people.


Treasury of Scripture

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

Judges 8:9
And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

1 Kings 12:25
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Jump to Previous
Beat Brake Broke Broken City Death Killed Peniel Penuel Penu'el Pulled Slayeth Slew Tore Tower
Jump to Next
Beat Brake Broke Broken City Death Killed Peniel Penuel Penu'el Pulled Slayeth Slew Tore Tower
Judges 8
1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites
4. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army
10. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken
13. Succoth and Penuel are destroyed
17. Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna
22. He refuses government
24. His ephod the cause of idolatry
28. Midian subdued
29. Gideon's children, and death
33. The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude














He also pulled down the tower of Penuel
The tower of Penuel was a significant structure in the city, likely serving as a defensive fortification. Penuel, located east of the Jordan River, was a strategic site. The act of pulling down the tower symbolizes a complete defeat and humiliation of the city. This action by Gideon can be seen as a fulfillment of his earlier threat to the men of Penuel (Judges 8:9) when they refused to assist him and his men. The destruction of the tower signifies the removal of the city's protection and pride, reflecting the consequences of opposing God's chosen leader. In a broader biblical context, the tearing down of strongholds can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare, where believers are called to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

and killed the men of the city
The execution of the men of Penuel highlights the severity of their offense against Gideon and, by extension, against God's deliverance plan for Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such actions were not uncommon as a means of ensuring loyalty and eliminating future threats. This act of retribution underscores the importance of supporting God's appointed leaders and the dire consequences of failing to do so. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of divine justice and the seriousness of rebellion against God's purposes. This event also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come upon those who oppose God's kingdom, as seen in the eschatological prophecies throughout Scripture (e.g., Revelation 19:11-21).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gideon
A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and leadership, but also for his later actions that showed a more complex character.

2. Penuel
A city east of the Jordan River. It was significant in Israel's history, being a place where Jacob wrestled with God and was renamed Israel (Genesis 32:30-31).

3. The Tower of Penuel
A structure within the city, likely a place of defense or a symbol of the city's strength and pride.

4. The Men of Penuel
The inhabitants of the city who refused to assist Gideon and his men during their pursuit of the Midianite kings, leading to their destruction.

5. The Midianite Kings
The oppressors of Israel whom Gideon was pursuing. Their defeat was crucial for Israel's deliverance.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Call
Gideon's initial obedience led to victory. We must be attentive and obedient to God's direction in our lives.

Consequences of Pride and Rebellion
The men of Penuel faced severe consequences for their pride and refusal to support God's chosen leader. Pride can lead to downfall.

Leadership and Accountability
Gideon's actions remind us that leaders are accountable for their decisions and must act justly and righteously.

The Importance of Community Support
The refusal of Penuel to support Gideon highlights the importance of unity and support within the community of believers.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Despite human failures, God's plan for deliverance prevails, reminding us of His ultimate control and purpose.(17) Beat down the tower.--The importance of the place led to its re-fortification by Jeroboam (1Kings 12:25).

Verse 17. - He slew the men of the city. This makes it probable that the threshing of the men of Succoth was a capital punishment, as there is no reason why the men of Penuel should be more severely punished than the men of Succoth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He also pulled down
נָתָ֑ץ (nā·ṯāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5422: To pull down, break down

the tower
מִגְדַּ֥ל (miḡ·dal)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of Penuel
פְּנוּאֵ֖ל (pə·nū·’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6439: Penuel -- 'face of God', a place East of the Jordan, also two Israelites

and killed
וַֽיַּהֲרֹ֖ג (way·ya·hă·rōḡ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

the men
אַנְשֵׁ֥י (’an·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

of the city.
הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT History: Judges 8:17 He broke down the tower of Penuel (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 8:16
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