Keraia
Judges 9

Judges 9:32

The Fall of Shechem · Judges 9:30–49
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Translations

Modern
Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.
Traditional
Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:
Literal
And now get up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.
Latin
Surge itaque nocte cum populo qui tecum est, et latita in agro:

Original

Hebrew
English
Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.

Notes

Judges 9:30–41

The second plot, like the first (Judges 9:22–25), was stopped by an informer, likely an official appointed by the absent Abimelech. Zebul suggested a bold morning ambush, planning to lure Gaal and his followers into the open country for a confrontation. The plan succeeded. Due to his boasting and possibly Zebul’s mocking challenge, Gaal and his men ventured out, only to be driven from town by the loyal Zebul, who acted to cleanse the city.

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

Glossary

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

Topics

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