Judges 9:48

KJV

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that [were] with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid [it] on his shoulder, and said unto the people that [were] with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, [and] do as I [have done].

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abimelech {H40} gat him up {H5927} to mount {H2022} Zalmon {H6756}, he and all the people {H5971} that were with him; and Abimelech {H40} took {H3947} an axe {H7134} in his hand {H3027}, and cut down {H3772} a bough {H7754} from the trees {H6086}, and took {H5375} it, and laid {H7760} it on his shoulder {H7926}, and said {H559} unto the people {H5971} that were with him, What ye have seen {H7200} me do {H6213}, make haste {H4116}, and do {H6213} as I {H3644} have done.

Complete Jewish Bible

so he led all his men up to Mount Tzalmon, where he took an axe in his hand, cut a branch off a tree, and laid it on his shoulder. Then he said to those with him, "Quick! Do just what you saw me do!"

Berean Standard Bible

he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.”

American Standard Version

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it up, and laid it on his shoulder: and he said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:48 captures Abimelech's relentless and brutal leadership as he orchestrates the final destruction of the fortified tower in Thebez. Having already devastated Shechem, Abimelech personally demonstrates a siege tactic—cutting and carrying a large bough—to compel his troops to follow his destructive example, ensuring the annihilation of the remaining inhabitants and the complete fulfillment of Jotham's curse. This verse vividly portrays his hands-on, ruthless approach to warfare and his expectation of immediate, unquestioning obedience from his men.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial moment in the tragic narrative of Abimelech, the ambitious and violent son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). The preceding verses detail his ruthless ascent to power, beginning with the murder of his seventy brothers in Ophrah, save for Jotham who escaped and delivered a scathing parable and curse against Abimelech and the men of Shechem ([Judges 9:1-21](/judges/9 "Judges 9:1-21 - Jotham's Parable and Curse")). The narrative then describes the three-year reign of Abimelech, marked by conflict and treachery, culminating in the Shechemites' rebellion and Abimelech's subsequent brutal retaliation, including the destruction of Shechem and its temple ([Judges 9:22-45](/judges/9 "Judges 9:22-45 - Abimelech's Reign and Destruction of Shechem")). Judges 9:48 specifically follows Abimelech's pursuit of the remaining Shechemites to Thebez, where they sought refuge in a strong tower, setting the stage for his final, decisive act of siege warfare.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and frequent inter-tribal conflicts or clashes with surrounding peoples. Fortified towers were common defensive structures in ancient Near Eastern cities, providing a last refuge for a city's inhabitants during a siege. These towers were typically robust, built of stone or brick, and difficult to breach. Ancient siege warfare often involved various tactics, including undermining walls, using battering rams, or, as seen here, setting fires against wooden gates or the base of walls to weaken them. Mount Zalmon, likely a wooded hill or mountain near Thebez, would have provided the necessary timber for such a tactic. Abimelech's actions reflect the brutal realities of warfare in this era, where total destruction and annihilation of enemies were often pursued without mercy. His direct involvement also speaks to the nature of leadership in a tribal society, where commanders often led from the front.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:48 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and specifically in Abimelech's story. Firstly, it highlights **Leadership by Example (Negative)**: Abimelech doesn't merely issue commands; he physically demonstrates the destructive action he expects from his troops. This hands-on approach underscores his ruthless efficiency and the absolute obedience he demands, serving as a stark warning about the corrupting influence of power and leadership used for wicked ends. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Calculated Destruction**: The act of cutting branches to create a bonfire against the tower walls was a well-known and effective siege tactic designed for total annihilation. Abimelech's methodical approach reflects his character—a man driven by ambition and willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his destructive goals. Finally, this episode serves as a chilling fulfillment of the **Consequences of Sin and Rebellion**, particularly Jotham's curse. The "fire" that would consume Abimelech and the men of Shechem ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse")) is vividly enacted here, with Abimelech himself initiating the fiery destruction, albeit ironically, upon others before it ultimately consumes him. The violence and bloodshed of Abimelech's reign are a direct outcome of Israel's spiritual apostasy and political fragmentation during the Judges period ([Judges 2:11-19](/judges/2 "Judges 2:11-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy in Judges")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gat him up (Hebrew, _`alah`_):** This verb literally means "to go up" or "ascend." In this context, it simply indicates Abimelech's movement upwards onto Mount Zalmon. It conveys a sense of purposeful action and determination, as he physically positions himself to acquire the necessary materials for his siege strategy. The ascent is not merely a topographical detail but signifies his active participation and leadership in the destructive act.
* **bough (Hebrew, _`saraph`_):** This term refers to a large, thick branch or limb of a tree. The choice of a "bough" rather than smaller branches implies a substantial piece of wood, suitable for creating a significant and intense fire. This detail underscores the calculated nature of Abimelech's plan—he wasn't gathering kindling but substantial fuel for a destructive blaze against the tower's defenses, likely its wooden doors or foundational timbers.
* **do as I have done (Hebrew, _`ka'asher ra'item 'oti 'oseh, ken ta'asu`_):** This is a direct, imperative command emphasizing immediate and precise imitation. The phrase highlights Abimelech's leadership style: he leads by direct, physical example, leaving no room for misinterpretation or hesitation. It signifies his absolute authority and the expectation of unquestioning obedience from his troops, demonstrating a form of destructive "followership" where the leader's actions become the explicit blueprint for the followers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that [were] with him;":** This clause sets the scene, indicating Abimelech's strategic movement with his entire force to a nearby wooded area. His ascent to Mount Zalmon is purposeful, signifying his intention to gather materials for the siege. The inclusion of "all the people that [were] with him" emphasizes the collective nature of the military operation and the direct observation by his troops of his subsequent actions.
* **"and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid [it] on his shoulder,":** This detailed sequence of actions underscores Abimelech's personal involvement and hands-on leadership. He doesn't merely command; he physically performs the laborious task himself. Taking an axe, cutting a large branch, and carrying it on his shoulder demonstrates his resolve, strength, and willingness to lead by example, even in the most brutal of tasks. This visual act is designed to instruct and motivate his soldiers.
* **"and said unto the people that [were] with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, [and] do as I [have done].":** This is Abimelech's direct command, immediately following his demonstration. The phrase "What ye have seen me do" explicitly links his physical act to the command, leaving no ambiguity about what he expects. The urgency implied by "make haste" and the demand for exact imitation ("do as I have done") reveal his desire for swift, unified, and devastating action. This command is a chilling testament to his effective, albeit wicked, leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:48 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Leadership by Example**, though in a profoundly negative and destructive sense. Abimelech's actions are meticulously detailed—taking an axe, cutting a bough, laying it on his shoulder—before his verbal command. This visual demonstration serves as a direct, non-verbal instruction, making his expectations unequivocally clear to his soldiers. This technique amplifies the impact of his command, ensuring immediate and precise replication. There is also a strong element of **Irony** at play. Abimelech, the self-proclaimed king, is seen performing manual labor, a task typically associated with common soldiers or laborers, not royalty. This irony highlights his brutal pragmatism and his willingness to stoop to any level to achieve his destructive aims. Furthermore, the passage contributes to the pervasive **Symbolism** of fire throughout Judges 9, particularly in relation to Jotham's curse ([Judges 9:15](/judges/9-15 "Judges 9:15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees")). Abimelech, the "fire" that came out of the bramble, is now actively gathering fuel to unleash fire upon others, foreshadowing the very judgment that will ultimately consume him. The precise, almost ritualistic description of his actions also lends a sense of **Foreshadowing** to his own violent and ignominious end, where he himself will be consumed by fire and a millstone ([Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53 - Abimelech's Death")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:48 stands as a stark biblical illustration of the power of example, particularly when wielded for destructive purposes. Abimelech's leadership, characterized by personal demonstration of violence and an expectation of immediate, uncritical imitation, serves as a profound warning against unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of Israel's spiritual decline during the Judges period, where a lack of righteous leadership led to chaos, bloodshed, and a cycle of sin and judgment. Abimelech's actions here are a direct fulfillment of Jotham's curse, demonstrating divine justice at work, even through the wicked acts of men. It highlights how human sin (the Shechemites' rebellion and Abimelech's tyranny) can become the very instrument of divine judgment, bringing about a destructive end for all involved. This passage challenges us to consider the nature of true leadership, which, in contrast to Abimelech's, should build up, not tear down, and should lead by examples of righteousness and service.

* [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Curse Fulfilled")
* [Proverbs 29:12](/proverbs/29-12 "The Influence of a Ruler")
* [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16 "You Will Know Them by Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abimelech's grim demonstration on Mount Zalmon provides a chilling, yet potent, lesson on the nature of leadership and influence. While his example is undeniably negative, the principle remains timeless: actions often speak louder than words, and those in positions of authority—whether in families, churches, workplaces, or communities—exert a profound influence through their behavior. Abimelech's men followed his destructive lead precisely because he modeled it first, illustrating how easily people can be swayed to participate in harmful acts when led by a charismatic but corrupt figure. This passage compels us to critically examine the examples we set for others and the leaders we choose to follow. It serves as a sober reminder that true, godly leadership is characterized by self-sacrifice, service, and integrity, building up rather than tearing down. We are called to discern carefully, to resist complicity in wickedness, and to strive to be positive influences who inspire others towards righteousness and constructive action, rather than destructive ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my actions, more than my words, influence those around me (e.g., family, colleagues, community)?**
* **How can I ensure that the example I set is one that glorifies God and builds up others, rather than leading them astray or towards destructive paths?**
* **What are the dangers of following leaders uncritically, and how can I cultivate discernment to recognize and resist flawed or harmful leadership?**
* **How does Abimelech's "hands-on" approach to destruction contrast with the "hands-on" service and sacrifice exemplified by Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was the strategic purpose of Abimelech cutting down a bough and laying it on his shoulder?**

Answer: Abimelech's action was a direct, practical demonstration of a common ancient siege tactic. By personally cutting down a large bough (a substantial branch) and carrying it, he was showing his soldiers exactly what he wanted them to do. The purpose of these boughs was to be piled against the wooden gates or the base of the fortified tower in Thebez, then set on fire. This intense heat would weaken the structure, burn through wooden components, or create smoke and chaos, forcing the inhabitants out or causing the tower to collapse. His "hands-on" approach ensured his troops understood the task and instilled a sense of urgency and collective participation in the destructive act. It was a brutal but effective method of leading by example in warfare.

**How does this verse connect to Jotham's curse in Judges 9?**

Answer: Judges 9:48 is a chilling fulfillment of Jotham's curse, particularly the part found in [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse"). After Abimelech murdered his brothers and was made king by the men of Shechem, Jotham, the sole surviving brother, delivered a parable of the trees, concluding with a curse: "If not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech." Here, Abimelech, the "fire" from the bramble, is actively gathering fuel to unleash literal fire upon the very people (the remaining Shechemites in Thebez) who had made him king. This act of setting fire to the tower directly embodies the destructive "fire" that came from Abimelech, fulfilling the first part of the curse. Later, Abimelech himself will die by a millstone dropped by a woman from the tower, an ironic twist of fate that completes the curse's reciprocal judgment ([Judges 9:53-54](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53-54 - Abimelech's Ignominious Death")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Abimelech's leadership in Judges 9:48 is a dark testament to human depravity and destructive ambition, it serves as a profound negative archetype that illuminates the perfect, self-sacrificial leadership of Jesus Christ. Abimelech leads by example, but his example is one of violence, self-aggrandizement, and the destruction of others for personal gain. He commands his followers to "do as I have done" in an act of annihilation. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, also leads by example, but His example is one of humble service, radical love, and ultimate self-sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. He did not come to destroy but to save ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save")). He commanded His disciples to "do as I have done" not in acts of violence, but in acts of washing feet ([John 13:15](/john/13-15 "John 13:15 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")), loving one another ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")), and bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Abimelech's reign ends in ignominious death, consumed by the very violence he propagated ([Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53 - Abimelech's Death")), while Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross leads to resurrection, eternal life, and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom that brings peace and reconciliation, not destruction ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Thus, Judges 9:48, in its portrayal of a corrupt and destructive leader, powerfully foreshadows the desperate need for a righteous King, one who would truly lay down His life for His people, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.

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

Psalms 68:14

When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was [white] as snow in Salmon.

Judges 7:17

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do.

Judges 7:18

When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that [are] with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, [The sword] of the LORD, and of Gideon.

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 1:12

Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: