Judges 9:43

KJV

And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people [were] come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} the people {H5971}, and divided {H2673} them into three {H7969} companies {H7218}, and laid wait {H693} in the field {H7704}, and looked {H7200}, and, behold, the people {H5971} were come forth {H3318} out of the city {H5892}; and he rose up {H6965} against them, and smote {H5221} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

He took his men, divided them into three groups, and lay in wait in the field. When he saw the people going out of the city, he came out of hiding and slaughtered them.

Berean Standard Bible

So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them.

American Standard Version

And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people came forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:43 details a critical phase in Abimelech's military campaign against Thebez, showcasing his calculated strategy to ambush the city's inhabitants. He meticulously divided his forces into three tactical companies and positioned them covertly in the open field, patiently awaiting the moment the people of Thebez would emerge from their city gates. Upon their appearance, Abimelech launched a swift and decisive attack, "smoting" them, securing a significant victory in his relentless and brutal pursuit of power. This verse vividly illustrates Abimelech's ruthless ambition and tactical acumen, set against the backdrop of a chaotic period in Israel marked by moral decay and the absence of righteous leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:43 is situated within the tumultuous narrative of Abimelech, the illegitimate son of Gideon, who violently seized power in Shechem. The preceding verses (Judges 9:42) describe Abimelech's initial, brutal assault on Shechem, where he destroyed the city and symbolically sowed it with salt to signify its utter desolation. Following this act of vengeance, the narrative shifts to Abimelech's continued campaign against other rebellious factions, specifically those in Thebez. Verse 43 describes a precise tactical maneuver in this ongoing conflict, immediately preceding the climax of Abimelech's reign in [Judges 9:50-54](/judges/9-50-54 "Judges 9:50-54 - Abimelech's Death at Thebez"), where he meets his ignominious end. The broader literary context of [Judges 9](/judges/9 "Judges 9 - Abimelech's Reign") serves as a stark cautionary tale about the dangers of illegitimate kingship and the chaos that ensues when a people reject divine guidance, contrasting sharply with Gideon's earlier refusal of kingship in [Judges 8:23](/judges/8-23 "Judges 8:23 - Gideon Refuses Kingship").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th centuries BCE) was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy in Israel, lacking a central monarchical authority. This era was marked by recurrent cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, often summarized by the phrase "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Abimelech's attempt to establish himself as king in Shechem was a premature and illegitimate move, reflecting a growing desire for stable leadership but executed through brutal and self-serving means. The military tactics described, such as dividing forces into companies and laying ambushes, were common in ancient warfare, designed to maximize surprise and overwhelm an enemy. Cities like Thebez were typically fortified, and engagements often occurred outside the city walls, either during a siege or when inhabitants ventured out for resources or a counter-attack. The use of an ambush highlights the strategic thinking prevalent in the military engagements of the time, emphasizing cunning over direct confrontation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [Judges 9](/judges/9 "Judges 9 - The Reign of Abimelech") and the broader book of Judges. Firstly, it underscores the **Cycle of Violence and Retribution** that permeates the book. Abimelech's initial violence against his seventy brothers ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers")) sets off a chain reaction of bloodshed and betrayal, culminating in his own violent demise. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Illegitimate Leadership and its Consequences**. Abimelech's self-appointed kingship, based on murder and ambition rather than divine anointing or communal consent, leads only to destruction and chaos, serving as a stark contrast to the divinely appointed leaders (judges) and foreshadowing the complexities of later Israelite monarchy. Finally, the verse subtly points to **Divine Justice**, as Abimelech's actions, though seemingly successful in the short term, ultimately lead to his downfall, fulfilling Jotham's prophetic curse against him and the men of Shechem ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divided (Hebrew, _châtsâh'_):** From the primitive root H2673 (חָצָה), meaning "to cut or split in two; to halve." In this military context, it signifies Abimelech's deliberate act of organizing his forces into separate, manageable units. This strategic division allowed for greater tactical flexibility, enabling a multi-pronged attack or a coordinated surprise from different directions, a common and effective maneuver in ancient warfare.
* **Laid wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** From the primitive root H693 (אָרַב), meaning "to lurk; (lie in) ambush(-ment), lay (lie in) wait." This word emphasizes the premeditated, deceptive, and strategic nature of Abimelech's attack. It was not an open battle but a calculated surprise assault, designed to catch the people of Thebez off guard as they emerged from the relative safety of their city, highlighting Abimelech's cunning and ruthlessness.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From the primitive root H5221 (נָכָה), meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, make (slaughter), slay, smite." In a military context, this verb implies a violent, decisive, and destructive blow, leading to injury, death, or rout. Here, it signifies the effectiveness and brutality of Abimelech's ambush, resulting in a significant defeat and likely casualties among the people of Thebez who ventured outside their city walls.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the people, and divided them into three companies":** This clause reveals Abimelech's strategic planning and command. He gathered his fighting force, likely composed of mercenaries and loyalists, and organized them into three distinct tactical units. This division was a standard military strategy, allowing for enhanced maneuverability, the ability to cover different approaches, or to launch a coordinated attack from multiple directions, maximizing the element of surprise.
* **"and laid wait in the field":** This describes the positioning of Abimelech's forces. They concealed themselves in the open terrain surrounding Thebez, patiently awaiting their opportune moment. The "field" (H7704, _sâdeh_) suggests an area outside the immediate city walls, where city dwellers might emerge for various reasons, such as foraging, defense, or even daily activities, making them vulnerable targets.
* **"and looked, and, behold, the people [were] come forth out of the city":** This indicates the precise moment of opportunity for Abimelech. He, or his scouts, observed the inhabitants of Thebez leaving their fortifications. This "coming forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) likely refers to a significant portion of the city's population, perhaps a defensive sortie or a group unaware of the imminent danger. The interjection "behold" adds a sense of immediacy and the dramatic reveal of the ambush's unsuspecting targets.
* **"and he rose up against them, and smote them":** This describes the swift execution and devastating result of the ambush. Upon seeing their target, Abimelech's hidden forces launched their attack. To "rose up" (H6965, _qûwm_) denotes a sudden, aggressive charge from their concealed positions. "Smote them" (H5221, _nâkâh_) signifies a decisive and violent engagement, resulting in the defeat and likely significant casualties among the people of Thebez.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Military Rhetoric** is evident in the precise description of tactical maneuvers—dividing forces, laying an ambush, and striking the enemy—which paints a vivid picture of ancient warfare. There is a subtle **Irony** in Abimelech's use of the "three companies" tactic, which was famously and successfully employed by his father, Gideon, for a divinely sanctioned victory over the Midianites ([Judges 7:16](/judges/7-16 "Judges 7:16 - Gideon's Three Companies")). Abimelech, however, employs this same tactic for his own selfish, violent, and illegitimate ends, highlighting the perversion of a previously righteous strategy. The swiftness of the action, from "laid wait" to "rose up" and "smote," creates a sense of **Pace and Urgency**, emphasizing the sudden and overwhelming nature of the attack. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** in a broader sense; while Abimelech achieves a temporary victory here, the meticulous detail of his military actions at Thebez ironically sets the stage for his own inglorious defeat and death at the very same city later in the chapter ([Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53 - Abimelech's Death")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:43, though describing a military engagement, serves as a grim illustration of the spiritual and moral decay during the period of the Judges. Abimelech's ruthless ambition and reliance on cunning and violence rather than justice or divine guidance underscore the dangers of human leadership divorced from God's will. This verse, in conjunction with the entire Abimelech narrative, highlights the principle that those who live by the sword often perish by the sword, reflecting a divine principle of justice and retribution. It also speaks to the consequences of a society that rejects God's covenant and seeks to establish its own order, leading to internal strife and bloodshed. The repeated cycles of sin and suffering in Judges demonstrate humanity's persistent need for a righteous and true King, one who rules with justice and mercy.

* [Judges 9:56-57](/judges/9-56-57 "Judges 9:56-57 - God Repays Abimelech's Evil")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Abimelech's military strategy at Thebez, while a historical record of ancient conflict, offers profound lessons for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that cunning and power, when unconstrained by moral principles or divine wisdom, lead to destructive outcomes. Abimelech's story is a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the insidious nature of violence, demonstrating how the pursuit of self-interest can sow discord and reap devastation. For believers, this narrative calls for a sober assessment of our own motives and methods. Are we seeking to advance our own agendas through manipulative or aggressive means, or are we committed to righteous and peaceful paths? The world often operates on principles of power and surprise, much like Abimelech's ambush, but followers of Christ are called to a different standard—one of integrity, love, and justice. We are to be discerning, understanding the tactics of spiritual opposition, yet always acting with the purity of heart that reflects our allegiance to the Prince of Peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abimelech's military strategy reflect his character and the broader moral climate of the Judges period?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, be tempted to employ "ambush" tactics (e.g., manipulation, deceit) to achieve our goals, rather than walking in integrity?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the long-term consequences of seeking power through unrighteous means?**
* **How can we apply the principle of vigilance and preparedness in our spiritual lives without resorting to worldly tactics?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of dividing forces into "three companies" in ancient warfare?**

Answer: Dividing forces into "three companies" was a common and highly effective military tactic in the ancient Near East, designed to maximize strategic advantage. It allowed for multi-directional assaults, the encirclement of an enemy, or the creation of a coordinated surprise attack from different flanks. This method could confuse and overwhelm an opponent, making it difficult for them to defend effectively. Gideon, Abimelech's father, famously used this tactic to great success against the Midianites in [Judges 7:16-22](/judges/7-16-22 "Judges 7:16-22 - Gideon's Strategy"). In Abimelech's case, it demonstrates his tactical acumen, even if his motives were corrupt and self-serving.

**How does this verse contribute to the overall message of the book of Judges?**

Answer: Judges 9:43, within the broader narrative of Abimelech, serves as a powerful illustration of the central theme of the book of Judges: the chaos and suffering that result when "there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Abimelech's illegitimate and violent reign, culminating in his tactical victories and eventual demise, underscores the futility and destructiveness of human leadership that is not divinely appointed or guided. It highlights the desperate need for a righteous king to bring order, justice, and peace to Israel, ultimately pointing to the future Davidic monarchy and, by extension, the true King, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim account of Abimelech's ruthless ambition and tactical violence in Judges 9:43, though seemingly far removed from the New Testament, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Abimelech represents the epitome of a fallen, self-appointed king who seeks to establish his dominion through bloodshed and cunning, ultimately leading to destruction. He is a stark contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ. While Abimelech "laid wait" to "smote them," Jesus, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not come to ambush and destroy, but to be ambushed and sacrificed for the salvation of humanity. He is the King who conquers not by force of arms, but by self-giving love, laying down His life on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Unlike Abimelech, whose reign was marked by chaos and ultimately ended in ignominy, Christ's kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). He is the true and legitimate King, not chosen by human ambition but appointed by God ([John 18:36-37](/john/18-36-37 "John 18:36-37 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), whose victory over sin and death was achieved through suffering, not by striking down His enemies, but by bearing their sin. The narrative of Abimelech's failed, violent kingship ultimately magnifies the glory and redemptive power of Christ's perfect, eternal reign.

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.