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

JUDGES 8:17KJV
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Judges 8:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:17 mean?

Judges 8:17 describes how Gideon destroyed the tower of Penuel and killed the men of that city. This action was a punishment for the people of Penuel because they refused to help Gideon and his men earlier in the story.

Gideon, the leader of Israel at this point, is returning after pursuing the Midianite kings. When he had first asked for help from the people of Penuel, they refused to support him. Now, after his victory, Gideon carries out his earlier warning by tearing down their defensive tower and executing the men, showing the seriousness of their refusal and the consequences of not supporting Israel's deliverer.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:17

  • "down" (הָרַס, haras): This word means to break down or demolish. The verse uses it to show that Gideon completely destroyed the tower, not just damaged it.
  • "tower" (מִגְדָּל, migdal): This refers to a fortified structure, often used for defense. Destroying the tower would leave the city vulnerable and symbolize its defeat.
  • "Penuel" (פְּנוּאֵל, Penuel): The name of the city, meaning "face of God." Mentioning the city by name highlights the specific group being judged.
  • "slew" (הָרַג, harag): This word means to kill or slay, indicating that Gideon's actions went beyond property destruction to include the execution of the city's men.
  • "men" (אֲנָשִׁים, anashim): This word refers specifically to adult males, showing that the punishment targeted the city's leadership or fighting force.
  • "city" (עִיר, ir): The general word for a city or town, emphasizing that this was a settled, organized community.

Why Judges 8:17 matters

  • This verse clears up that Gideon's response to Penuel's refusal was not just symbolic but involved real destruction and loss of life, showing the gravity of the situation.
  • It emphasizes the seriousness with which leaders in ancient Israel expected support during times of crisis, and the severe consequences for withholding it.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing how Gideon's actions after victory were shaped by earlier interactions, highlighting themes of loyalty, authority, and retribution in the book of Judges.

Where else these words appear

“Penuel” Hebrew H6439 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
  • Judges 8:8 And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.
  • 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

“down” Hebrew H5422 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 11:18 And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 52:5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

“tower” Hebrew H4026 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.