Judges 8:9

9 He spoke also to the men of Penu'el, saying, When I come again in shalom, I will break down this tower.

Judges 8:9 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 9 And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel
In a threatening way, as he had spoken to the men of Succoth: saying, when I come again in peace: having conquered all his enemies, and delivered Israel from their bondage, and restored peace and prosperity to them, of which he had no doubt:

I will break down this tower;
pointing to it and which stood in their city, and in which they placed their confidence; and when he threatened them, boasted of it as their security.

Judges 8:9 In-Context

7 Gid`on said, Therefore when the LORD has delivered Zevach and Tzalmunnah into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.
8 He went up there to Penu'el, and spoke to them in like manner; and the men of Penu'el answered him as the men of Sukkot had answered.
9 He spoke also to the men of Penu'el, saying, When I come again in shalom, I will break down this tower.
10 Now Zevach and Tzalmunnah were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the host of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand men who drew sword.
11 Gid`on went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Novach and Yogbehah, and struck the host; for the host was secure.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.