17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
17 He also pulled down the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the town.
17 And he broke down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
17 And he demolished the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the city.
17 Then he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
17 He also tore down the tower of Peniel and killed all the men in the town.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 8:17
Commentary on Judges 8:13-17
(Read Judges 8:13-17)
The active servants of the Lord meet with more dangerous opposition from false professors than from open enemies; but they must not care for the behaviour of those who are Israelites in name, but Midianites in heart. They must pursue the enemies of their souls, and of the cause of God, though they are ready to faint through inward conflicts and outward hardships. And they shall be enabled to persevere. The less men help, and the more they seek to hinder, the more will the Lord assist. Gideon's warning being slighted, the punishment was just. Many are taught with the briers and thorns of affliction, who would not learn otherwise.