Keraia
Judges 9

Judges 9:40

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

Modern
…but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.
Traditional
And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.
Literal
And Abimelech chased him, and he fled from him, and many fell wounded as far as the entrance of the gate.
Latin
…qui persecutus est eum fugientem, et in urbem compulit: cecideruntque ex parte ejus plurimi, usque ad portam civitatis.

Original

Hebrew
English
…but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.

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

People

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

Glossary

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

Topics

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