Judges 9:29

And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

And would to God this people {H5971} were under {H5414} my hand {H3027}! then would I remove {H5493} Abimelech {H40}. And he said {H559} to Abimelech {H40}, Increase {H7235} thine army {H6635}, and come out {H3318}.

If I were in control of this people, I'd get rid of Avimelekh!" Then, addressing his words to Avimelekh, he said, "Come out and fight! I don't care if you make your army even larger!"

If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, โ€˜Muster your army and come out!โ€™โ€

And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

Commentary

Judges 9:29 captures a moment of bold defiance and ambitious challenge from Gaal, the son of Ebed, directed towards Abimelech, the self-proclaimed king of Shechem. This verse is a direct taunt, revealing Gaal's desire to seize control and his contempt for Abimelech's rule.

Context of Judges 9:29

This verse is set within a turbulent period of Israel's history, the era of the Judges, characterized by moral decline and political instability. Abimelech, the son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) by a concubine, had brutally murdered seventy of his brothers to consolidate power in Shechem, a horrific act detailed in Judges 9:5. Only Jotham, the youngest, escaped and delivered a prophetic fable warning the people of Shechem about the destructive nature of their choice in Abimelech (Judges 9:7-21). Gaal, an outsider who had gained influence in Shechem, began stirring up rebellion against Abimelech, fueled by wine and boastful words. This specific verse is Gaal's public declaration of his intent to overthrow Abimelech, challenging him to direct confrontation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ambitious Usurpation: Gaal's declaration, "And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech," highlights his own yearning for power. Ironically, his ambition mirrors Abimelech's, setting up a conflict between two usurpers.
  • Boasting and Challenge: Gaal's words are a direct, arrogant challenge to Abimelech. He isn't merely complaining; he's issuing a public dare, confident in his ability to defeat Abimelech's forces. This public challenge sets the stage for the ensuing battle.
  • Political Instability: The entire narrative of Judges 9, including this verse, vividly illustrates the chaos and lack of central authority during the Judges period, where local power struggles often led to bloodshed and shifting allegiances.
  • Divine Judgment: While Gaal and Abimelech are driven by human ambition, the broader narrative of Judges 9 suggests that these conflicts are part of God's unfolding judgment on Abimelech and the people of Shechem for their wickedness and complicity in Abimelech's crimes, as prophesied by Jotham. The ultimate downfall of Abimelech is seen in Judges 9:53-57.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "would to God" (Hebrew: ืœื•ึผึพืžึดื™ ื™ึดืชึตึผืŸ, lu-mi yitten) expresses a strong, fervent wish or desire, almost an exclamation. It's not necessarily a prayer but an intense longing for a particular outcome. The idiom "under my hand" (Hebrew: ืชึทึผื—ึทืช ื™ึธื“ึดื™, tachat yadi) is common in the Old Testament, signifying being under one's control, authority, or dominion. Gaal desires Shechem to be fully subservient to him so he can decisively act against Abimelech.

Practical Application

Judges 9:29 serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and pride. Gaal's boastful challenge, while seemingly courageous, was rooted in a desire for power that ultimately led to his downfall. This passage reminds us that:

  • Pride Precedes a Fall: Boasting and overconfidence, especially when rooted in selfish ambition, often lead to ruin (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Consequences of Usurpation: The cycle of violence and ambition, initiated by Abimelech and continued by Gaal, illustrates the bitter fruits of seizing power through illegitimate means.
  • God's Sovereignty in Chaos: Even amidst human conflict and wicked intentions, God can use these events to bring about His righteous judgment and fulfill His purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 15:4 (4 votes)

    Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

  • Romans 1:30 (2 votes)

    Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

  • Romans 1:31 (2 votes)

    Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

  • 1 Kings 20:11 (2 votes)

    And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell [him], Let not him that girdeth on [his harness] boast himself as he that putteth it off.

  • 2 Samuel 2:14 (2 votes)

    And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise.

  • 2 Samuel 2:17 (2 votes)

    And there was a very sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.

  • 2 Kings 14:8 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.