Keraia
Judges 9

Judges 9:29

Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites · Judges 9:22–29
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Translations

Modern
If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”
Traditional
And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
Literal
And if only were given this people into my hand, Abimelech I would remove.” I would say to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out.”
Latin
…utinam daret aliquis populum istum sub manu mea, ut auferrem de medio Abimelech. Dictumque est Abimelech: Congrega exercitus multitudinem, et veni.

Original

Hebrew
English
If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”

Notes

Judges 9:27–29

People were unhappy with Abimelech, and there was social unrest. With plenty of wine and careless talk, Gaal easily gained initial support.

Judges 9:26–41

Gaal, son of Ebed (meaning "vile son of a slave"), led a failed rebellion against Abimelech. Many citizens of Shechem died in this event. This partially fulfilled Jotham's curse (Judges 9:20).

Judges 9:22–57

Theological statements in Judges 9:23–24 and 9:56–57 frame the story of the civil conflict that caused the destruction of Abimelech and Shechem. This event fulfilled the curse that Jotham declared (Judges 9:19–20).

Judges 9:1–57

Abimelech's reign marked a shift from the relative peace of the early judges (Judges 3:7–8:35) to the decline of the later years (10:1–16:31).

Theme notes and profiles

Gideon Shechem

Events

People

Abimelech: Son of Gideon, self-proclaimed king of Shechem

Glossary

Abimelech Arumah Baal-Berith Curse, Cursed Ebed Gaal Judges, Book of Shechem (Place) Warfare Zebul

Topics

Conspiracy: Gaal, Against Abimelech Ebed: Father of Gaal Gaal: Conspires Against and is Defeated by Abimelech Judge: Abimelech Zebul: An officer of Abimelech