9 So he said to the men of Peniel, "When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower."
9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
9 And he said to the men of Penuel, "When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower."
9 Gideon told them, "When I return safe and sound, I'll demolish this tower."
9 So he also spoke to the men of Penuel, saying, "When I come back in peace, I will tear down this tower!"
9 So he said to the people of Peniel, "After I return in victory, I will tear down this tower."
17 He also pulled down the tower of Peniel and killed the men of the town.
17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
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.
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 8:9
Commentary on Judges 8:4-12
(Read Judges 8:4-12)
Gideon's men were faint, yet pursuing; fatigued with what they had done, yet eager to do more against their enemies. It is many a time the true Christian's case, fainting, and yet pursuing. The world knows but little of the persevering and successful struggle the real believer maintains with his sinful heart. But he betakes himself to that Divine strength, in the faith of which he began his conflict, and by the supply of which alone he can finish it in triumph.