Then said he to Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom you killed at Tabor? They answered, As you are, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
"They resembled the children of a king"  (Judges 8:18).  This reply was designed to provide a reason for their senseless murder of Gideon's brothers.  The implied plea is that, "Their kingly appearance indicated their importance, and therefore we were afraid to spare them."  Of course, Gideon did not allow such a ridiculous excuse.