Judges 9:45

KJV

And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that [was] therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abimelech {H40} fought {H3898} against the city {H5892} all that day {H3117}; and he took {H3920} the city {H5892}, and slew {H2026} the people {H5971} that was therein, and beat down {H5422} the city {H5892}, and sowed {H2232} it with salt {H4417}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avimelekh fought against the city all that day; captured it, killed its people, destroyed its buildings and sowed its land with salt.

Berean Standard Bible

And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.

American Standard Version

And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that were therein: and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:45 vividly portrays the brutal and definitive end of Abimelech's campaign against Shechem. After a day-long siege, Abimelech not only conquered the city but executed its inhabitants, systematically demolished its structures, and then, in a chilling symbolic act, sowed its ground with salt. This extreme measure was intended to signify a permanent curse of barrenness and desolation, ensuring the city's irreversible ruin and serving as a stark fulfillment of Jotham's earlier prophetic warning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:45 serves as the violent culmination of a tragic narrative arc within the book of Judges. Abimelech, the illegitimate son of Gideon, had previously seized power by orchestrating the massacre of his seventy half-brothers, with the notable exception of Jotham, who escaped ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech's Ascent to Power")). Shechem, a prominent city, initially supported Abimelech's bloody coup and crowned him king. However, their alliance was fraught with treachery and divine retribution, as God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the Shechemites, leading to their mutual destruction ([Judges 9:22-24](/judges/9-22-24 "Judges 9:22-24 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")). The events of this verse describe Abimelech's final, devastating act of vengeance against the city that had once elevated him, directly fulfilling, in part, the prophetic curse pronounced by Jotham in his famous parable of the trees, where fire was prophesied to consume both Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem ([Judges 9:7-20](/judges/9-7-20 "Judges 9:7-20 - Jotham's Parable and Curse")). The narrative immediately following this verse details Abimelech's ultimate, equally violent demise, underscoring the pervasive cycle of sin, violence, and divine judgment characteristic of the Judges period.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "sowing a city with salt" was a powerful and deeply symbolic gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying a permanent curse of desolation and an intent to render the land infertile and uninhabitable. While salt was a vital commodity for seasoning and preservation, its deliberate application in large quantities to agricultural land was understood to poison the soil, preventing future growth and making it unsuitable for cultivation. This was not a practical agricultural technique but a ritualistic act of extreme vengeance and a declaration of utter ruin. By sowing Shechem with salt, Abimelech aimed to eradicate the city's very potential for recovery, ensuring that no future community could thrive there. It was a public and dramatic statement that the land was cursed, forever dedicated to barrenness, serving as an enduring monument to the city's irreversible downfall and the finality of Abimelech's wrath. This act underscored the severity of the conflict and the desire for absolute annihilation of the enemy's future.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:45 powerfully contributes to several major themes woven throughout the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It vividly illustrates the theme of **utter desolation and destruction**, portraying a complete and irreversible annihilation not merely of a city's inhabitants, but of its very potential for future life and habitation. The act of "sowing it with salt" serves as a potent **symbolic curse**, emphasizing barrenness, divine judgment, and the eradication of memory. Furthermore, the events underscore the dire **consequences of ambition and treachery**, demonstrating the bitter fruit of Abimelech's ruthless pursuit of power and the treachery of Shechem, which first supported a murderer and then rebelled against him. This cycle of violence perpetuates itself, leading to devastating outcomes for all involved, a recurring pattern in the book of Judges, exemplified by the retribution meted out to Adoni-Bezek ([Judges 1:4-7](/judges/1-4-7 "Judges 1:4-7 - Adoni-Bezek's Retribution")). Ultimately, the destruction of Shechem can be seen as a manifestation of **divine judgment** against the city for its wickedness and its complicity in Abimelech's initial atrocities, aligning with the broader theological theme in Judges of a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, often through violent and chaotic means due to Israel's spiritual decline.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slew (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** (H2026) A primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, kill, murder, put to death, make slaughter, slay." The use of this verb here emphasizes the deliberate, comprehensive, and merciless massacre of the city's inhabitants. It signifies an act of total annihilation of life, going beyond mere military conquest to a complete eradication of the population.
* **beat down (Hebrew, _nâthats'_):** (H5422) A primitive root meaning "to tear down; beat down, break down (out), cast down, destroy, overthrow, pull down, throw down." This word signifies the systematic and complete physical destruction of Shechem's infrastructure. Abimelech did not merely conquer the city; he meticulously leveled its buildings, walls, and defenses, leaving nothing standing. This ensured the city's immediate and long-term uninhabitability, serving as a powerful visual testament to his destructive power.
* **sowed (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** (H2232) A primitive root meaning "to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify." In this context, combined with "salt," it refers to the act of scattering salt over the ground. While "sow" typically implies planting for growth, here it is used paradoxically to describe an act that ensures the opposite: desolation. Applied in large quantities, salt renders soil infertile, preventing agricultural growth. This act was a ritualistic curse, signifying that the land was forever consecrated to barrenness, incapable of supporting life or future habitation, thus symbolically erasing the city's memory and potential for resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abimelech fought against the city all that day;":** This opening clause establishes the intensity and duration of the conflict. Abimelech's assault was not a swift victory but a sustained, determined effort, reflecting his relentless pursuit of vengeance and his unwavering commitment to the city's complete destruction. It highlights the ferocity and prolonged nature of the battle.
* **"and he took the city, and slew the people that [was] therein,":** This phrase details the immediate and brutal consequences of the day-long battle: conquest followed by a merciless massacre. Abimelech's victory was absolute, marked not only by military occupation but by the wholesale slaughter of the civilian population, demonstrating the extreme cruelty characteristic of his reign and the chaotic period of the Judges.
* **"and beat down the city,":** Beyond the killing of its inhabitants, Abimelech engaged in the physical demolition of Shechem. This act of leveling the city ensured that it could not be easily rebuilt or reoccupied, serving as a powerful visual testament to his destructive power and the finality of his vengeance. It left the once-prominent city in utter ruins.
2. **"and sowed it with salt.":** This climactic act is the ultimate expression of Abimelech's wrath and his desire for permanent desolation. It was a symbolic curse, a ritualistic gesture intended to render the ground barren and uninhabitable. This act aimed to ensure Shechem's permanent ruin, preventing any future crops from growing and symbolically erasing the city from existence, leaving behind a permanent monument to its downfall.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the horror and finality of Shechem's destruction. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extreme nature of the actions described, particularly "sowing it with salt." While it is unlikely that the entire area was literally rendered permanently barren, this phrase dramatically exaggerates the extent of the desolation to emphasize the totality and irreversible nature of the curse. **Symbolism** is central, with salt representing barrenness, desolation, and a permanent curse. The act transforms a common commodity into an instrument of ultimate destruction, serving as a powerful visual metaphor for the city's complete eradication. Furthermore, the entire event serves as a grim **fulfillment** of Jotham's earlier curse in the parable of the trees ([Judges 9:7-20](/judges/9-7-20 "Judges 9:7-20 - Jotham's Parable and Curse")), where "fire" (representing destructive conflict) was prophesied to come out from Abimelech and consume Shechem, and vice versa. This violent end for Shechem, at the hands of the very "bramble" they chose to rule over them, highlights the profound **irony** of their initial choice and subsequent rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:45 stands as a chilling testament to the devastating consequences of human depravity, unchecked ambition, and the pervasive cycle of violence and treachery that characterized the period of the Judges. The utter destruction of Shechem, though carried out by a wicked human instrument, ultimately reflects a principle of divine justice, where wickedness and complicity in evil eventually face a reckoning. It underscores the biblical truth that choices have profound and often tragic consequences, and that a society without a true commitment to God's covenant and righteous leadership inevitably descends into chaos and self-destruction. The desolation wrought by Abimelech serves as a stark warning against aligning with ungodly power and engaging in rebellion against divine order, illustrating the bitter fruit of sin.

* [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Land Cursed with Sulfur and Salt")
* [Psalm 107:34](/psalms/107-34 "Psalm 107:34 - Fruitful Land Made Barren for Wickedness")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The image of a city "sowed with salt" is one of profound and lasting desolation, a grim monument to the depths of human depravity and the tragic consequences of a society without a strong moral compass or a true commitment to God's covenant. Judges 9:45 offers a stark warning about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition, violence, and treachery, reminding us that violence often begets more violence, leading to widespread suffering and ruin. The tragic end of Shechem serves as a powerful reminder that choices, particularly those involving alignment with evil or engaging in rebellion against righteous principles, have profound and often devastating consequences, even leading to complete desolation. This passage challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, both individually and corporately, and the critical importance of seeking peace, justice, and righteous paths to avoid such catastrophic outcomes. It also implicitly highlights the desperate need for righteous and just leadership, which was largely absent in Israel during this chaotic period, emphasizing the societal breakdown when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the extreme act of "sowing with salt" challenge our understanding of justice, vengeance, and the limits of human cruelty?**
* **What are the "salts" we might sow in our relationships, communities, or even our own hearts that lead to barrenness, bitterness, or desolation?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be complicit in cycles of violence or unrighteousness, and how can we break free?**
* **What lessons does this passage offer about the importance of discerning leadership and the dangers of aligning with those driven by selfish ambition?**

### FAQ

**Was "sowing with salt" a common practice in the ancient Near East?**

Answer: While not a routine agricultural practice, "sowing with salt" was a known symbolic act of cursing and desolation in the ancient Near East, particularly in contexts of extreme vengeance or the complete destruction of an enemy city. It was intended to render the land infertile and uninhabitable, ensuring that the city could not be rebuilt or reoccupied. This act was more ritualistic and symbolic than a practical method of land management, serving as a powerful declaration of permanent ruin and the eradication of a place's memory. Similar concepts of divine judgment involving barrenness are found elsewhere in the Bible, such as in [Deuteronomy 29:23](/deuteronomy/29-23 "Deuteronomy 29:23 - Cursed Land") where land is described as becoming "brimstone, and salt, and burning," indicating a state of divine judgment and desolation.

**What was the significance of Shechem in Israelite history?**

Answer: Shechem was a city of immense historical and religious significance for ancient Israel, making its utter destruction by Abimelech particularly poignant. It was one of the first places Abraham settled in Canaan ([Genesis 12:6](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6 - Abraham at Shechem")), where Jacob bought land and built an altar ([Genesis 33:18-20](/genesis/33-18-20 "Genesis 33:18-20 - Jacob Buys Land at Shechem")), and where Joseph's bones were eventually buried after the Exodus ([Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph Buried at Shechem")). Most notably, Shechem was the site where Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to renew their covenant with the Lord, calling them to choose whom they would serve ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). Its destruction by Abimelech, a self-proclaimed king who murdered his brothers, symbolizes the deep spiritual and moral decay of Israel during the period of the Judges, a stark contrast to its earlier role as a place of covenant and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:45, with its grim depiction of total desolation and the sowing of salt as a curse, stands in stark contrast to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Abimelech's reign was marked by violence, treachery, and ultimately, barrenness, Christ came as the true King, not to destroy and curse, but to bring life, reconciliation, and fruitfulness. The curse of barrenness symbolized by the salt-sown ground points to the spiritual barrenness and death that sin brings, a state from which humanity cannot deliver itself. Yet, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full curse of sin on the cross, becoming a curse for us so that we might receive blessing and the Spirit ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeems from the Curse")). Unlike Abimelech, who sought to eradicate memory and potential, Christ's work is one of new creation and restoration, transforming barren lives into fruitful ones through the power of the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He is the one who breaks the cycle of violence and treachery, establishing a kingdom of peace, righteousness, and abundant life, where the ground of our hearts, once sown with the salt of sin, is made fertile for eternal fruit, as we abide in Him, the true vine ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine")).

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

2 Kings 3:25

And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about [it], and smote it.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Ezekiel 47:11

But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.

1 Kings 12:25

¶ Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.