Charles Spurgeon Commentary Judges 8:8-9

"And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them in like manner; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower." — Judges 8:8-9 (ASV)

And he went up from there to Penuel, and spoke to them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. And he spoke also to the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

They took the liberty to speak rudely because theirs was a fortified city, guarded by a strong tower, and Gideon, doubting nothing that he would come back that way, God having given him the victory, said, "When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower."