16. So Gideon took the leaders of the city and taught them a lesson using thorns and thistles from the desert.
17. Then he tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of that city.
18. He asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?”They answered, “They were like you. Each one looked like a king’s son.”
19. Gideon replied, “They were my brothers, my mother’s sons. I solemnly swear, as the Lord lives, if you had let them live, I would not have to kill you now.”