Judges 9:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:27 vividly portrays a critical turning point in the tumultuous reign of Abimelech, as the people of Shechem engage in their annual grape harvest festival. What commences as a legitimate agricultural celebration—marked by gathering and treading grapes—swiftly descends into pagan revelry within the temple of their false deity, Baal-berith. This idolatrous feasting culminates in a bold act of treachery: the public cursing of Abimelech, the very individual they had previously elevated to power. This pivotal scene not only highlights the Shechemites' spiritual apostasy and fickle loyalties but also sets the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Jotham's earlier prophetic curse, signaling imminent judgment upon both Abimelech and his unfaithful Shechemite allies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:27 is strategically positioned within the tragic and morally complex narrative of Abimelech, Gideon's illegitimate son, who brutally seized power in Shechem by murdering his seventy half-brothers. Only Jotham, the youngest, escaped the massacre and delivered a profound, prophetic parable of the trees, culminating in a curse against Abimelech and the men of Shechem (see [Judges 9:7-21](/judges/9-7-21 "Jotham's Parable and Curse")). Seven years into Abimelech's reign, the narrative tension escalates with the explicit statement in [Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "God Sends an Evil Spirit") that "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem," initiating the breakdown of their unholy alliance. Verse 27 marks the first public manifestation of this divinely orchestrated discord, where the Shechemites' festive revelry provides the context for their overt rebellion, directly leading to the conflict and mutual destruction that fulfills Jotham's earlier imprecation against both parties in [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Curse of Fire"). This verse is the immediate trigger for the unfolding judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene in Judges 9:27 is set during the grape harvest, a profoundly significant agricultural event in ancient Israel and the broader ancient Near East. Such harvests were typically times of immense rejoicing and thanksgiving to Yahweh for His provision, often involving feasting and celebration, as exemplified by the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) in [Deuteronomy 16:13-15](/deuteronomy/16-13-15 "Feast of Tabernacles and Harvest Celebration"). However, in Shechem, this celebration is tragically corrupted by idolatry. The phrase "house of their god" refers to the temple of Baal-berith (or El-berith), the "god of the covenant," as explicitly mentioned in [Judges 9:4](/judges/9-4 "Baal-berith, God of the Covenant"). Shechem possessed a long and complex history of spiritual syncretism, despite being a place where Joshua had previously called all Israel to renew their covenant with Yahweh in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem"). The Shechemites' worship of Baal-berith, a prominent Canaanite fertility and covenant deity, indicates their deep spiritual apostasy and their willingness to enter into unholy covenants, which ultimately led to their political instability and moral decay, characteristic of the period of the Judges where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "No King in Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution and Justice**, as the Shechemites' act of cursing Abimelech directly triggers the fulfillment of Jotham's curse, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in bringing judgment upon those who engage in treachery and violence, even through the actions of wicked individuals. This serves as a stark reminder that God will not be mocked and that sin has consequences, echoing the warnings found in [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "They Shall Eat the Fruit of Their Way"). Secondly, the verse underscores the pervasive theme of **Idolatry and Apostasy**. The Shechemites' celebration in the temple of Baal-berith illustrates the spiritual corruption of the era, where devotion to false gods inevitably leads to moral depravity and political chaos, directly contrasting with the covenant faithfulness commanded in the Shema ([Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "The Shema - Love the Lord Your God")). Thirdly, it exemplifies **Human Fickleness and Treachery**. Having initially supported Abimelech's bloody coup, the Shechemites now turn against him, revealing their self-serving and unreliable nature, echoing the instability of human alliances apart from God's steadfastness (cf. [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Put Not Your Trust in Princes")). Finally, the verse is a crucial moment in the **Cycle of Sin, Servitude, Supplication, and Salvation** that defines the book of Judges, as the people's sin (idolatry, treachery) leads to further oppression and judgment, rather than deliverance, perpetuating the downward spiral of the period.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made Merry (Hebrew, _hillûwl'_):** From the root _hâlal_ (to praise, boast), this noun specifically refers to a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest, often implying boisterous rejoicing. While _hillûwl_ can denote legitimate joy and praise, its context here in Judges 9:27, within pagan worship and excessive revelry, takes on a darker connotation. It describes a celebratory atmosphere that, instead of being directed towards Yahweh in gratitude, becomes a vehicle for unholy indulgence and open defiance against both human authority and divine law. It suggests a joy rooted in worldly pleasure and self-gratification, setting the stage for the subsequent act of rebellion.
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be light" or "to make light." In its Piel stem (as used here), _qâlal_ signifies to treat lightly, make contemptible, or revile. It is a strong verbal act of contempt, dishonor, or denunciation. This was not a casual insult but a deliberate, public act of undermining Abimelech's authority and character, effectively withdrawing their allegiance and declaring him an object of scorn. Such a public curse, especially in ancient Near Eastern cultures, carried significant social and political weight, functioning as a formal act of rebellion and a declaration of war, inviting severe consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode [the grapes]":** This initial clause describes the legitimate and common agricultural activity of the grape harvest. It paints a picture of communal labor and the culmination of a season's hard work, which would naturally lead to a time of celebration and feasting. The bracketed "the grapes" in the KJV is an interpretive addition, but accurately conveys the implied object of "trode," referring to the treading of grapes in a winepress to extract juice.
* **"and made merry":** This phrase captures the festive atmosphere that followed the successful harvest. As explored in the key word analysis, this "merriment," while initially a natural expression of joy, quickly takes on an unholy character as it merges with pagan practices. It becomes a vehicle for the Shechemites' escalating rebellion, transforming from innocent celebration into an environment conducive to spiritual and political disloyalty.
* **"and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink":** This is the crucial turning point in the verse, explicitly revealing the idolatrous nature of their celebration. Their "god" is identified as Baal-berith, a false Canaanite deity. Their feasting and drinking within his temple signify their spiritual apostasy, their reliance on pagan rituals, and their communion with a false god. This act of spiritual infidelity is deeply offensive to Yahweh and serves as the foundation for their subsequent treachery against Abimelech, as their spiritual disloyalty fuels their political disloyalty.
* **"and cursed Abimelech":** This final clause is the culmination of the scene, representing the overt act of defiance. The revelry and idolatry provide the immediate context for this public denunciation. The public cursing of Abimelech signifies a complete rejection of his authority, a formal withdrawal of their allegiance, and a declaration of open hostility. This act is not merely political but is presented as a direct consequence of their spiritual corruption and the "evil spirit" God had sent between them, initiating the fulfillment of Jotham's curse and the ensuing mutual destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:27 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Irony** is profoundly prominent, as a season of harvest and celebration, typically associated with blessing, communal joy, and thanksgiving to God, becomes the very occasion for treachery, idolatry, and the initiation of a destructive conflict. The Shechemites' merriment paradoxically leads directly to their downfall. The verse also functions as a powerful moment of **foreshadowing**, directly setting the stage for the imminent fulfillment of Jotham's curse from [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Curse of Fire"), where "fire" would consume both Abimelech and the men of Shechem. The seemingly innocuous act of cursing Abimelech is depicted as the precise spark that ignites this prophetic judgment. Furthermore, the **symbolism** of the harvest itself is significant; what should be a time of reaping the legitimate fruits of labor and God's blessing becomes a time of reaping the bitter consequences of sin, idolatry, and unholy alliances. The celebratory feast in the temple of Baal-berith also serves as a potent **symbol** of their spiritual depravity and their complete abandonment of Yahweh, underscoring the moral and spiritual chaos characteristic of the Judges period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:27 serves as a stark theological commentary on the devastating consequences of idolatry, misplaced loyalties, and human depravity. The Shechemites' decision to celebrate in the temple of Baal-berith, their "god of the covenant," highlights their profound spiritual infidelity and the corrupting influence of pagan worship. Their subsequent cursing of Abimelech, whom they had previously elevated to power, demonstrates the inherent instability and ultimate futility of alliances built on human ambition and self-interest rather than divine principle. This passage powerfully illustrates that rebellion against legitimate authority (even flawed human authority, when divinely permitted) often stems from deeper spiritual rebellion against God Himself. The unfolding judgment, initiated by God sending an "evil spirit" ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "God Sends an Evil Spirit")), underscores God's sovereign control over human affairs, even using the wickedness of men to bring about His righteous purposes and fulfill His prophetic word. The narrative warns against the dangers of seeking security or prosperity apart from faithfulness to the one true God, as such pursuits inevitably lead to destruction and self-inflicted ruin.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [1 Samuel 8:7-8](/1_samuel/8-7-8 "Rejection of God as King")
* [Hosea 8:4](/hosea/8-4 "They Make Kings, But Not By Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:27 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to critically examine the nature of our celebrations, the objects of our devotion, and where our ultimate loyalties truly lie. Are our moments of joy and revelry genuinely honoring to God, or do they subtly or overtly draw us into spiritual compromise, aligning us with the "gods" of this world—be they materialism, self-indulgence, the pursuit of worldly approval, or political ideologies? The Shechemites' fickle loyalty to Abimelech, turning from anointing him to publicly cursing him, serves as a powerful reminder that human alliances and trust placed in fallible leaders or systems, apart from God's steadfast truth, are inherently unstable and prone to betrayal. True security, lasting joy, and genuine peace are found not in fleeting pleasures or shifting allegiances, but in unwavering faithfulness to the Lord and His righteous ways. This passage calls us to cultivate discerning hearts, recognizing that spiritual apostasy often precedes and fuels moral and social decay, leading to destructive consequences both individually and communally. It compels us to ask: What are we celebrating, and to whom is our celebration truly directed?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary celebrations or gatherings subtly or overtly draw us away from faithfulness to God?**
* **Where do we tend to place our ultimate trust and loyalty—in human leaders, systems, or in God alone?**
* **How does spiritual compromise in our lives contribute to moral or relational breakdown, both personally and communally?**
* **What "curses" (negative consequences) might we be inviting into our lives or communities by aligning with worldly values or false "gods"?**

### FAQ
**Who was "their god" that the Shechemites went to worship?**

Answer: The "god" the Shechemites went to worship was Baal-berith, also known as El-berith. This deity is explicitly mentioned earlier in the chapter in [Judges 9:4](/judges/9-4 "Baal-berith, God of the Covenant"), where it states that Abimelech used seventy pieces of silver from the "house of Baal-berith" to hire ruthless men. Baal-berith means "lord of the covenant" or "god of the covenant," suggesting a local Canaanite deity associated with treaties or agreements. This would have been particularly significant in a city like Shechem, known for its covenant-making history, such as the one renewed by Joshua in [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem"). Their worship of this false god highlights the deep spiritual apostasy prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges, where the people frequently turned away from Yahweh to serve the gods of the surrounding nations.

**What was the significance of "cursing Abimelech" in this context?**

Answer: The act of "cursing Abimelech" was far more than a casual insult; it was a public and formal act of rebellion and a profound rejection of his authority. Having previously anointed him king in [Judges 9:6](/judges/9-6 "Abimelech Anointed King"), the Shechemites now publicly reviled him, signifying a complete withdrawal of their allegiance and a declaration of open hostility. This act directly fulfilled the prophetic curse delivered by Jotham in [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Curse of Fire"), where he declared that "fire shall come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and fire shall come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech." It was the immediate catalyst for the ensuing conflict and mutual destruction, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating judgment through the very wickedness and treachery of men.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:27, with its depiction of a people celebrating in idolatry and turning against their self-appointed king, powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous King. The Shechemites' misplaced worship of Baal-berith and their fickle loyalty to Abimelech reveal humanity's inherent tendency to create false gods and to reject legitimate authority, a spiritual condition that ultimately leads to chaos, betrayal, and destruction. In stark contrast to Abimelech, Jesus Christ is the true King, not one chosen by human ambition or sustained by shifting allegiances, but the one appointed by God Himself, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and unshakeable ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Jesus Will Reign Forever")). Unlike Abimelech, who brought fire and destruction upon those who rejected him, Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering reconciliation, forgiveness, and true peace to all who believe. The Shechemites' revelry in the house of their false god, leading to a curse, stands in stark contrast to the true worship offered to Christ, which brings blessing, life, and eternal communion with God ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "True Worshipers")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, not a "god of the covenant" like Baal-berith, but the very embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness, establishing a new covenant in His blood that guarantees eternal life and true communion with God ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, the cycle of sin and judgment is broken for those who trust in Him, and true joy and lasting security are found in His righteous reign, not in the fleeting pleasures or treacherous alliances of this fallen 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

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?