שופטים, פרק ח׳, פסוק ח׳

The relentless pursuit of a retreating enemy often tests the loyalty and courage of those caught in the middle. Continuing his chase after the Midianite kings, Gideon arrives at Penuel, a city located not far from Sukkot [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He addresses the residents and asks for their help in the ongoing military campaign, making his request in the exact same manner as he had just done in Sukkot [מצודת דוד]. However, he is met with an absolute refusal. Because Gideon has not yet achieved a decisive victory, the townspeople prefer to avoid any risk and refuse to get involved [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This unwillingness to provide even the most basic assistance sparks intense anger in Gideon, exposing a deep flaw in the people's character. Unlike the situation in Sukkot, where the denial of help appeared to come strictly from the leadership, the refusal in Penuel is backed by a unanimous agreement among all the townspeople [רלב״ג]. Their boldness and confidence in rejecting Gideon stem from a false sense of security, as they rely heavily on a fortified tower standing within their city [אברבנאל].

In response, Gideon threatens that upon his return from the war, he will tear down the very tower they trust to protect them. Because the entire population is united in their stubborn refusal, Gideon actually intends to kill the residents as well. Yet, he keeps his words brief, deliberately hiding his full, deadly intention at that moment [רלב״ג].

Wasting no time, Gideon and his three hundred men immediately resume their swift pursuit of the kings and the fifteen thousand fleeing soldiers who remain from an army that has already lost one hundred and twenty thousand men [אברבנאל]. Remarkably, this entire chain of events unfolds during the very same night the war began [רלב״ג].