Judges 9:25

KJV

And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927} set {H7760} liers in wait {H693} for him in the top {H7218} of the mountains {H2022}, and they robbed {H1497} all that came {H5674} along that way {H1870} by them: and it was told {H5046} Abimelech {H40}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the men of Sh'khem sent out men to ambush him on the mountaintops. They robbed everyone who went past them, and Avimelekh was told about it.

Berean Standard Bible

The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech.

American Standard Version

And the men of Shechem set liers-in-wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:25 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Abimelech's reign, revealing the active rebellion of the men of Shechem against him. After three years of his tyrannical rule, the Shechemites, who had initially supported Abimelech's bloody ascent to power, now turn against him by setting ambushes on mountain tops to rob travelers, thereby disrupting his control and income. This act of treachery signals the beginning of the fulfillment of Jotham's curse and God's judgment, setting the stage for the violent downfall of both Abimelech and the city of Shechem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:25 is situated within the tragic narrative of Abimelech, the son of Gideon by a concubine from Shechem. The chapter immediately follows the period of Gideon's leadership and the subsequent vacuum, which Abimelech brutally fills by murdering all but one of his seventy half-brothers on a single stone, a horrifying act described in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech's Slaughter of His Brothers"). Only Jotham, the youngest, escapes and delivers a powerful and prophetic parable of the trees, culminating in a curse against Abimelech and the men of Shechem for their unholy alliance and shedding innocent blood ([Judges 9:19-20](/judges/9-19 "Judges 9:19-20 - Jotham's Parable and Curse")). Verse 25 directly follows the statement in [Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit") that God "sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem," indicating that the events described are not merely human machinations but divinely orchestrated retribution. The setting of ambushes is the first tangible manifestation of this divinely initiated discord, setting the stage for the subsequent military conflict and the ultimate destruction of Shechem and Abimelech.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges depicts a period in Israel's history characterized by a lack of centralized authority, moral decay, and recurring cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This era is famously summarized by the phrase, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). Shechem itself was an ancient and significant city, strategically located in a valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and historically a site of covenant renewal (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). The act of "setting liers in wait" on mountain tops was a common and effective tactic in ancient warfare and banditry, particularly in the rugged terrain of the Levant. It allowed for surprise attacks on unsuspecting travelers, caravans, or even military detachments, enabling the ambushers to seize goods, disrupt trade, and undermine the authority of those who claimed control over the routes. This practice highlights the breakdown of civil order and the lawless nature of the period, where personal safety and economic stability were constantly threatened.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:25 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Treachery and Retribution** are central, as the very people who elevated Abimelech now actively conspire against him, demonstrating the inherent instability and self-destructive nature of alliances built on violence, self-interest, and ungodly ambition. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, presenting the chaos and conflict not as random events but as a direct consequence of God's sovereign hand in fulfilling Jotham's curse and bringing justice upon both Abimelech for his fratricide and the Shechemites for their complicity in bloodshed. This serves as a stark reminder of the principle that one reaps what one sows ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")). Thirdly, the passage highlights the **Consequences of Ungodly Leadership**. Abimelech's rule, established through murder and maintained by force, inevitably devolves into discord and rebellion, underscoring the destructive nature of leadership that disregards God's will and moral principles. Finally, the act of robbing travelers signifies a profound **Breakdown of Order**, reflecting the turbulent and lawless nature of the period of the Judges, where societal norms and safety were severely eroded.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Liers in wait (Hebrew, _ʼorev'_):** This term (אֹרֵב) specifically refers to those who lie in ambush, lurk, or set an ambush. It emphasizes the deceitful, stealthy, and predatory nature of the Shechemites' actions. They were not engaging in open, honorable warfare but employing guerrilla tactics designed to surprise and overpower their victims, highlighting their treacherous intent and the clandestine nature of their rebellion against Abimelech.
* **Robbed (Hebrew, _gazal'_):** The verb (גָּזַל) means to seize, plunder, tear away, or violently take. This word conveys the aggressive and illicit nature of the Shechemites' actions. They were not merely collecting tolls or taxes but violently dispossessing travelers of their possessions, indicating a complete disregard for law and order, and a direct assault on the economic stability and authority that Abimelech ostensibly represented.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains":** This clause reveals the agents of the rebellion – "the men of Shechem," who had previously supported Abimelech's rise. Their action, "set liers in wait," signifies a deliberate and organized act of betrayal and hostility. The strategic location "in the top of the mountains" indicates a tactical choice, providing a vantage point for observation and a position of advantage for launching surprise attacks on those traveling below, effectively turning the terrain into a weapon against Abimelech's interests.
* **"and they robbed all that came along that way by them":** This describes the specific method of their rebellion and its immediate impact. By robbing travelers, the Shechemites were not only enriching themselves but also disrupting trade, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, and undermining Abimelech's authority and ability to maintain order and collect tribute. This act of brigandage was a direct challenge to his rule, designed to weaken him economically and politically.
* **"and it was told Abimelech":** This final phrase indicates the immediate consequence of the Shechemites' actions. The news reaching Abimelech signifies that the rebellion has become overt and undeniable. It sets the narrative in motion, forcing Abimelech to confront the betrayal and respond to the challenge to his power, thus initiating the cycle of conflict that will lead to his downfall and the destruction of Shechem.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:25 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very men of Shechem who enthusiastically supported Abimelech's bloody coup and declared him king ([Judges 9:6](/judges/9-6 "Judges 9:6 - The Men of Shechem Make Abimelech King")) are now actively working to undermine and betray him. This highlights the inherent instability and self-destructive nature of alliances founded on ungodly ambition and violence. The act of "setting liers in wait" also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating conflict and the violent retribution that will soon engulf both Abimelech and Shechem, fulfilling Jotham's curse. Furthermore, the "top of the mountains" can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical vantage point but also a place of danger, rebellion, and the untamed, lawless spirit of the age, where authority is challenged and chaos reigns. The entire verse functions as a dramatic pivot, initiating the climactic phase of the narrative where divine judgment begins to visibly unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:25 serves as a profound theological statement on divine justice and the inevitable consequences of sin. The treachery of the Shechemites and their violent acts of robbery are not merely random occurrences but are presented as a direct result of God sending an "evil spirit" between them and Abimelech ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "God Sends an Evil Spirit")). This demonstrates God's sovereignty even over human wickedness, using the sin of one party to punish the sin of another, thereby fulfilling Jotham's curse and bringing judgment upon those who shed innocent blood and established their power through unrighteousness. The passage powerfully illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping, where the violence and deceit used to gain power ultimately lead to internal strife and destruction. It underscores that alliances built on self-interest and disregard for God's law are inherently unstable and destined to crumble, revealing the futility of human efforts to establish lasting peace or security apart from divine righteousness.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalm/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Pit He Dug")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:25 offers enduring lessons for contemporary life, serving as a powerful warning about the long-term consequences of unrighteous actions and unholy alliances. It reminds us that foundations laid in deceit, violence, or self-serving ambition are inherently unstable and will inevitably crumble, leading to discord and destruction. The passage encourages a critical examination of the motivations behind our partnerships, leadership choices, and personal pursuits. Are they built on integrity, justice, and God's principles, or are they driven by fleeting power, selfish gain, or a disregard for moral boundaries? This verse also highlights God's sovereign hand, even amidst human chaos and sin. It assures us that divine justice prevails, and His purposes are ultimately fulfilled, even when it involves using the wickedness of some to judge the wickedness of others. For believers, this calls for discernment in all relationships and a commitment to building lives and communities on the solid rock of Christ's righteousness, rather than the shifting sands of human expediency, which ultimately lead to ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do ungodly alliances or foundations built on sin ultimately unravel, as seen in the relationship between Abimelech and the men of Shechem?**
* **In what ways does God's justice manifest, even through human treachery and chaos, and what does this teach us about His sovereignty?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership and relationships, both personal and communal?**

### FAQ
**Why did the men of Shechem turn against Abimelech after supporting his rise to power?**

Answer: The turning point is explicitly stated in [Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit"), where it says that "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem." This indicates a divine catalyst for their betrayal. While the text doesn't detail their specific grievances, it's implied that Abimelech's tyrannical rule and the inherent instability of a regime founded on murder and self-interest likely led to disillusionment and resentment among the Shechemites. Their initial support was based on self-serving ambition (wanting one of their own to rule, [Judges 9:2](/judges/9-2 "Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Appeal to Shechem")), but such alliances, lacking a moral or divine foundation, are prone to collapse. Their actions were also a fulfillment of Jotham's curse against both parties for their complicity in the murder of Gideon's sons ([Judges 9:19-20](/judges/9-19 "Judges 9:19-20 - Jotham's Parable and Curse")).

**What does "set liers in wait" mean practically in this context?**

Answer: "Setting liers in wait" refers to establishing ambushes. Practically, this meant that the men of Shechem positioned armed groups, likely hidden, on the mountain passes and routes surrounding their city. Their purpose was to launch surprise attacks on travelers, merchants, or anyone associated with Abimelech's regime or those under his protection. By "robbing all that came along that way," they were engaging in brigandage and guerrilla warfare. This tactic aimed to disrupt trade, seize resources, create an atmosphere of fear, and undermine Abimelech's authority and control over the region. It was a direct act of rebellion, designed to weaken his power base and provoke a confrontation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaotic and violent reign of Abimelech, marked by treachery, bloodshed, and ultimate destruction, stands in stark contrast to the righteous and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Abimelech, a self-proclaimed king who seized power through murder and ruled by force, represents the destructive nature of human ambition and the futility of earthly kingdoms built on sin. His downfall, precipitated by the very people who elevated him, vividly illustrates the principle that "everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin" ([John 8:34](/john/8-34 "John 8:34 - Everyone Who Practices Sin is a Slave to Sin")). In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true King, whose authority is not seized but divinely bestowed, and whose kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). While Abimelech's rule brought only discord and ruin, Christ's reign is characterized by justice, peace, and eternal life for those who follow Him ([Hebrews 1:8-9](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8-9 - Christ's Righteous Scepter")). The judgment that fell upon Abimelech and Shechem for their unrighteousness foreshadows the ultimate and perfect judgment of God, which Christ, the righteous Judge, will execute ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - Christ the Righteous Judge")). In Christ, we find the secure and incorruptible leadership that Abimelech utterly failed to provide, a kingdom built on love and truth, offering true refuge and lasting peace from the chaos of a sin-laden world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 8:12

And he took about five thousand men, and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

Joshua 8:13

And when they had set the people, [even] all the host that [was] on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

Joshua 8:4

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready: