Judges 8:17

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

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

Latin

Turrim quoque Phanuel subvertit, occisis habitatoribus civitatis.

Hebrew

English

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

The return journey likely followed a straight path through the unknown Ascent of Heres, unlike the circular route needed for the ambush.
The fact that a typical young man from Succoth could write down the names shows that the new alphabetic writing system had become established in Israel.
Gideon's practice of retribution and execution was common in his time. However, his reputation as the Lord's servant was better supported by his skillful diplomacy (Judges 8:1–3) than by harsh punishment.

Gideon's time as a judge ends the first era of judges.

Theme notes and profiles

Judges 8:9
So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!”
1 Kings 12:25
Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.

Peniel: A place where Jacob wrestled with God