Modern Saints, primed by Arnold Friberg’s memorable painting, probably picture Noah as overweight and out of shape. This verse suggests both competence in handling weapons and a fair amount of physical conditioning to be able to ascend a tower-pyramid rapidly enough to stay ahead of a certainly well-conditioned military man. Gideon was obviously competent. For Noah to survive his attack unwounded, even though he was about to be overpowered, suggests a fair level of physical ability.
There is no suggestion that Gideon had to fight past Noah’s guards to reach the king, further suggesting that Gideon had rank and respect from the palace guard. If he had been fighting his way to Noah from outside the palace, Noah would have been alerted and either fled sooner or marshaled a larger guard. In fact, Gideon was apparently leading a palace coup, supported by his own men. If he could reach Noah virtually unhindered, it seems clear that Noah’s rule was over and that Gideon had already effectively seized the government.