Judges 9:44

And Abimelech, and the company that [was] with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two [other] companies ran upon all [the people] that [were] in the fields, and slew them.

And Abimelech {H40}, and the company {H7218} that was with him, rushed forward {H6584}, and stood {H5975} in the entering {H6607} of the gate {H8179} of the city {H5892}: and the two {H8147} other companies {H7218} ran upon {H6584} all the people that were in the fields {H7704}, and slew {H5221} them.

Avimelekh and his group rushed forward and occupied the entrance to the city gate, while the other two groups attacked all those in the field and killed them.

Then Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two companies rushed against all who were in the fields and struck them down.

And Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the two companies rushed upon all that were in the field, and smote them.

Commentary

Judges 9:44 vividly describes a pivotal moment in Abimelech’s campaign against the city of Shechem, showcasing his aggressive military strategy and the brutal realities of ancient warfare during the tumultuous period of the Judges in Israel. This verse is part of a larger narrative that underscores the consequences of unrighteous ambition and the cycle of violence.

Context

The events of Judges 9 unfold after the death of Gideon, Abimelech's father. Abimelech, a son of Gideon by a concubine, ruthlessly murdered his seventy brothers to seize power in Shechem, establishing himself as king (see Judges 9:5). However, his reign was marked by conflict, leading to a revolt by the men of Shechem under Gaal, son of Ebed. Abimelech, aware of the rebellion, devised a strategic attack. As detailed in Judges 9:43, he divided his forces into three companies. Verse 44 describes the execution of this coordinated assault: Abimelech personally led one company to secure the city gate, while the other two companies attacked the unsuspecting populace in the fields outside the city walls, ensuring a comprehensive and devastating strike.

Key Themes

  • Aggressive Military Tactics: Abimelech’s approach demonstrates a calculated and ruthless military mind. By simultaneously rushing the city gate and attacking those in the fields, he aimed to prevent escape, cut off outside support, and inflict maximum damage, highlighting the brutal nature of ancient siege warfare.
  • Consequences of Usurpation and Violence: This verse serves as a grim illustration of the ongoing violence that characterized Abimelech's reign, directly stemming from his initial act of seizing power through fratricide. His rule was a period of instability and destruction, aligning with the prophetic words of Jotham's fable in Judges 9:20.
  • Divine Retribution: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader narrative of Judges 9 portrays these events as God’s judgment upon both Abimelech for his wickedness and the men of Shechem for their complicity in his rise to power and subsequent rebellion (see Judges 9:56).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "rushed forward" (וַיִּפְשֹׁט, vayyiphshot) conveys a sense of sudden, swift, and aggressive deployment or attack. This emphasizes the decisive and forceful nature of Abimelech's movement to control the city's primary access point. The "entering of the gate" was a critical strategic location, often heavily fortified, and controlling it was key to dominating an ancient city.

Practical Application

Judges 9:44, while describing historical conflict, offers enduring lessons. It underscores the destructive path of unchecked ambition and the cycles of violence that can emerge when individuals or societies operate outside of divine principles. The narrative of Abimelech's rise and fall serves as a powerful reminder that power gained through unrighteous means often leads to further conflict and ultimately, ruin. It highlights the importance of just leadership and the truth that actions have consequences, echoing the biblical principle that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 5:15

    But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

  • Judges 9:15

    And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

  • Judges 9:20

    But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.