Judges 9:32

KJV

Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that [is] with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore up {H6965} by night {H3915}, thou and the people {H5971} that is with thee, and lie in wait {H693} in the field {H7704}:

Complete Jewish Bible

You and the men with you should come up now at night and lie in wait in the field.

Berean Standard Bible

Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.

American Standard Version

Now therefore, up by night, thou and the people that are with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:32 records Abimelech's urgent and strategic command to his forces: to prepare for a covert, nighttime military operation aimed at ambushing the rebellious citizens of Shechem, led by Gaal. This directive is a pivotal moment in the unfolding conflict, showcasing Abimelech's decisive military acumen in response to a direct challenge to his usurped authority, setting the stage for the ensuing battle and the ultimate consequences of his violent reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the tumultuous narrative of Judges 9, which chronicles the rise and fall of Abimelech, the illegitimate "king" of Shechem. Immediately preceding this verse, Gaal, son of Ebed, has incited rebellion against Abimelech in Shechem, boasting of his intention to overthrow him. Zebul, Abimelech’s officer in Shechem, secretly informs Abimelech of Gaal’s defiant words and actions, prompting Abimelech’s rapid and calculated response. The entire chapter serves as a tragic epilogue to the period of the Judges, illustrating the chaos and moral decay that characterized Israel before the monarchy, particularly the dangers of self-appointed leadership and the cycle of violence initiated by Abimelech's brutal murder of his seventy brothers in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers"). It directly follows Zebul's advice to Abimelech to act quickly, setting up the ambush described here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was marked by decentralization, tribal conflicts, and a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Shechem was an ancient and significant city, a covenantal center (cf. [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")) that had now fallen under the sway of a violent usurper. Military tactics in ancient Israel frequently involved ambushes, night raids, and siege warfare, as seen in various biblical accounts. The command to "up by night" and "lie in wait in the field" reflects a common and effective strategy for gaining a decisive advantage over an unsuspecting enemy, leveraging the cover of darkness for stealth and surprise. Abimelech's actions are typical of a ruthless warlord seeking to consolidate power in a fragmented society.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:32 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Cycle of Violence and Retribution**, demonstrating how Abimelech's initial act of violence (the murder of his brothers) directly leads to a rebellion that he must suppress through further violence. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Illegitimate Authority and its Consequences**, as Abimelech's self-appointed kingship, devoid of divine sanction, is inherently unstable and leads to internal strife. Jotham's parable in [Judges 9:8-15](/judges/9-8 "Judges 9:8-15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees") powerfully foreshadows the destructive nature of Abimelech's reign. Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Military Strategy and Decisive Action**, showcasing Abimelech's tactical prowess even in the service of an unrighteous cause. Finally, it subtly points to **Divine Justice**, as the unfolding events, though driven by human agency, ultimately serve to bring about the judgment prophesied by Jotham against Abimelech and the men of Shechem who supported him (cf. [Judges 9:56-57](/judges/9-56-57 "Judges 9:56-57 - Divine Retribution Against Abimelech and Shechem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Up (קוּם, _qum_):** This Hebrew verb means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to arise." In this context, it conveys a sense of immediate and decisive action, an urgent call to prepare and mobilize. It's not merely a suggestion but a direct command for swift and resolute movement, emphasizing the need for prompt execution of the military plan.
* **By night (בַּלַּיְלָה, _ba'laylah_):** The inclusion of "by night" is crucial for understanding the tactical nature of Abimelech's command. Darkness provides cover for stealth, concealment of troop movements, and the element of surprise. It suggests a calculated effort to catch the enemy off guard, minimizing their ability to prepare a defense or counter-attack.
* **Lie in wait (וְאֹרַבְתָּ, _v'oravta_):** This verb is derived from the root אָרַב (_'arav_), meaning "to lie in ambush" or "to set an ambush." It explicitly denotes a military maneuver involving concealment, patience, and a sudden, overwhelming attack on an unsuspecting foe. It highlights the strategic intent to gain a decisive advantage through surprise and deception, a common and effective tactic in ancient warfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that [is] with thee":** This opening clause conveys the urgency and directness of Abimelech's command. The "Now therefore" indicates a logical consequence of the intelligence received from Zebul. "Up by night" is the core instruction for immediate, covert action. The inclusion of "thou and the people that [is] with thee" emphasizes that this is a collective effort, requiring the full participation and readiness of Abimelech's entire fighting force, under his direct leadership.
* **"and lie in wait in the field":** This second clause specifies the nature and location of the covert operation. "Lie in wait" clearly defines the tactic as an ambush, a pre-planned, concealed attack. "In the field" indicates the chosen location for this ambush, likely an open area outside the city walls where Gaal's forces might be expected to gather or pass, providing ideal conditions for a surprise assault. It implies a strategic positioning to intercept or encircle the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message and impact. The most prominent is **Military Imagery**, which pervades the command, painting a vivid picture of ancient warfare with terms like "up by night" and "lie in wait." This imagery emphasizes the brutal realities of the conflict and Abimelech's ruthless pragmatism. There is also a strong sense of **Foreshadowing**, as this strategic command directly sets the stage for the violent confrontation that follows, hinting at the bloodshed and destruction to come. The swift, decisive tone of Abimelech's words also creates a sense of **Urgency**, reflecting the high stakes of the rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly uses **Irony**, as Abimelech, who seized power through treachery and murder, now employs cunning and deception to maintain that ill-gotten authority, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence and deceit in his reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:32, though a tactical command, resonates with profound theological and thematic truths. It illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the inevitable consequences that follow actions rooted in violence and injustice. Abimelech's strategic brilliance is undeniable, yet it is employed in the service of an illegitimate and blood-stained kingship. The narrative, by detailing his subsequent downfall, implicitly teaches that human cunning and military might, when divorced from righteousness, ultimately lead to ruin. God's moral order ensures that even when justice seems delayed, the seeds of unrighteousness will eventually bear bitter fruit, demonstrating that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap." This verse is a small but critical piece in the larger biblical tapestry that consistently portrays the self-destructive path of those who reject God's ways and pursue power through their own strength and deceit.

* [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")
* [Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Your Sin Will Find You Out")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Judges 9:32 describes a military maneuver from a distant past, its underlying principles offer timeless insights for reflection and application in our lives today. Abimelech's swift and calculated response to a threat, though morally tainted, underscores the importance of being prepared and decisive in the face of challenges. However, the broader narrative of Judges 9 serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the dangers of unholy ambition, self-serving leadership, and the cycle of violence that often results from them. We are reminded that true strength and lasting peace do not come from cunning or force, but from adherence to divine principles of justice, integrity, and humility. The verse challenges us to examine our own motives and methods when facing opposition or pursuing goals, asking whether our "strategies" align with God's character and lead to life-giving outcomes, or if they risk perpetuating cycles of conflict and destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abimelech's ambition and tactical approach serve as a warning for us regarding the pursuit of power or personal gain?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the long-term consequences of violent or unjust actions, even if they appear successful in the short term?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "lie in wait" or act deceptively in our own lives, and what is the biblical alternative to such tactics in resolving conflict?**

### FAQ

**Who was Abimelech and why was he fighting Shechem?**

Answer: Abimelech was the son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) by a concubine from Shechem. After Gideon's death, Abimelech, driven by ruthless ambition, conspired with the leaders of Shechem to make himself king. He brutally murdered all but one of his seventy half-brothers on one stone in Ophrah, as recorded in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers"), to eliminate any rivals to his self-proclaimed kingship. His rule was illegitimate and violent. After three years, the people of Shechem grew restless and rebelled against him, aligning themselves with Gaal, son of Ebed. Abimelech's fight against Shechem was therefore a struggle to maintain his usurped authority against a populace that had turned against him, fulfilling the curse pronounced by Jotham in [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse on Shechem and Abimelech").

**What was the significance of ambushes in ancient warfare?**

Answer: Ambushes were a highly significant and frequently employed tactic in ancient warfare due to their effectiveness in achieving decisive victories with minimal casualties to the attacking force. They relied on the element of surprise, catching an unsuspecting enemy off guard and preventing them from forming a proper defense. The cover of darkness, as specified in [Judges 9:32](/judges/9-32 "Judges 9:32 - Abimelech's Ambush Plan"), was often crucial for concealing troop movements and positions. Ambushes allowed a smaller, well-positioned force to overcome a larger, unprepared one, making them a favored strategy for commanders like Abimelech who sought a swift and overwhelming advantage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abimelech, including his strategic ambush in Judges 9:32, stands in stark contrast to the kingship of Jesus Christ. Abimelech's reign was characterized by violence, usurpation, and self-serving ambition, leading to a cycle of bloodshed and ultimately his own ignominious death. His "kingdom" was of this world, established and maintained by force and deception. In profound contrast, Jesus declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Christ, the true King, did not come to seize power through military might or cunning ambushes, but to establish His reign through self-sacrifice and humble service. He conquered not by taking lives, but by laying down His own, defeating sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). While Abimelech sought to ambush his enemies, Christ willingly allowed Himself to be "ambushed" by death, only to rise victorious, thereby disarming the powers of darkness and delivering those who were held captive by fear ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrew/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Conquers Death")). His is a kingdom of peace, justice, and righteousness, fulfilling God's covenant promises and offering true liberation from the cycle of sin and violence exemplified by figures like Abimelech.

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

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 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Job 24:14

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

Job 24:17

For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.

Romans 3:15

Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

Psalms 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.