Judges 9:27

And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode [the grapes], and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

And they went out {H3318} into the fields {H7704}, and gathered {H1219} their vineyards {H3754}, and trode {H1869} the grapes, and made {H6213} merry {H1974}, and went {H935} into the house {H1004} of their god {H430}, and did eat {H398} and drink {H8354}, and cursed {H7043} Abimelech {H40}.

They went out into the field, gathered their grapes and pressed the juice out of them. Then they held a feast and went into the house of their god to eat and drink, and there they insulted Avimelekh.

And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech.

And they went out into the field, and gathered their vineyards, and trodthe grapes, and held festival, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

Context

Judges 9 describes the tragic reign of Abimelech, son of Gideon by a concubine, who ruthlessly murdered his seventy half-brothers to seize power in Shechem. Only Jotham, the youngest, escaped and delivered a prophetic parable and curse against Abimelech and the people of Shechem, who had originally anointed him king. Verse 27 marks a pivotal moment seven years into Abimelech's rule. During a harvest festival, typically a time of joyous celebration and thanksgiving, the Shechemites' festivities take a turn towards open rebellion and treachery against Abimelech, setting the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of Jotham's curse.

Key Themes

  • Harvest and Revelry: The verse depicts the traditional act of gathering grapes and treading them, a common agricultural practice in ancient Israel that culminated in a festive celebration. However, this merriment quickly devolves into a context for sin and rebellion.
  • Idolatry: The phrase "went into the house of their god" is crucial. This refers to the temple of Baal-berith (also known as El-berith), the "god of the covenant," whom the people of Shechem worshipped (Judges 9:4). Their pagan worship is intertwined with their treachery, highlighting the moral corruption and spiritual apostasy prevalent in the period of the Judges.
  • Treachery and Betrayal: Having previously supported Abimelech's bloody ascent to power, the Shechemites now turn against him, demonstrating their fickle and self-serving nature. Their "cursing Abimelech" is an act of open defiance and rejection of his authority, directly leading to the conflict that follows.
  • Divine Justice Unfolding: This act of rebellion is not merely a political uprising but part of God's larger plan of judgment. As noted in Judges 9:23, "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem," leading to this mutual destruction. The cursing marks the beginning of the fulfillment of Jotham's curse, where fire would consume both parties.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "made merry" translates the Hebrew word samach (שׂמח), which generally means to rejoice or be glad. While often used positively, in this context, it describes the revelry associated with pagan worship and excessive celebration that leads to moral lapse and open defiance. The word "cursed" translates qalal (קלל), which means to treat lightly, make contemptible, or revile. It signifies a strong verbal act of contempt and rejection, not merely a casual insult, but a deliberate act of undermining Abimelech's authority and character.

Practical Application

Judges 9:27 serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unholy alliances and the dangers of idolatry. Just as the Shechemites' revelry in the house of their false god led to their downfall, so too can misplaced loyalties and spiritual compromise lead to ruin. The narrative underscores that sin, especially treachery and rebellion against God's appointed order (even if flawed), often brings about its own destructive consequences. It reminds us that true joy and lasting stability are found not in pagan revelry or shifting allegiances, but in faithfulness to the one true God and adherence to His righteous ways.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Judges 9:4

    And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

  • Luke 17:26

    And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

  • Luke 17:29

    But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

  • Daniel 5:23

    But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

  • Psalms 109:17

    As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

  • Luke 12:19

    And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.

  • Luke 12:20

    But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
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