We are left completely in the dark as to the circumstances of this battle or massacre. It seems that several of Gideon’s brothers had been captured near Mt. Tabor and slain by these two kings during one of their earlier forays into the land. This is the first intimation that Gideon was redressing a personal injury.

 Heb. ’ephoh. Probably better translated “where” as in Ruth 2:19 and Isa. 49:21. The LXX also has “where.” Gideon knew perfectly well that his brothers had been put to death by these kings. His question was an intimation to the kings that they must now pay for their evil deeds.

 Gideon did not begin to settle accounts with the two captured kings until he had exhibited these men before the people of Succoth and Penuel who had mocked at Gideon’s ability to overcome the large Midianite forces. The scene here described probably did not take place immediately upon the fall of Penuel, but several days later after Gideon had returned to his home in Ophrah. This is suggested by the presence of Gideon’s young son, Jether (v. 20). Being but a timid boy, the lad could hardly have shared in the heroic expedition.