Judges 9:49

KJV

And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put [them] to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the people {H5971} likewise cut down {H3772} every man {H376} his bough {H7754}, and followed {H3212}{H310} Abimelech {H40}, and put {H7760} them to the hold {H6877}, and set {H3341} the hold {H6877} on fire {H784} upon them; so that all the men {H582} of the tower {H4026} of Shechem {H7927} died {H4191} also, about a thousand {H505} men {H376} and women {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They all did likewise, each man cutting off his branch; and they followed Avimelekh. They put the branches up against the stronghold, set them on fire, and burned down the stronghold; so that all the people from the Sh'khem fortress died, about a thousand men and women.

Berean Standard Bible

So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women.

American Standard Version

And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:49 vividly recounts the brutal culmination of Abimelech's vengeance against the city of Shechem, detailing the fiery destruction of its fortified tower. After besieging the stronghold where approximately a thousand Shechemite men and women had sought refuge, Abimelech commanded his forces to cut down branches, pile them against the tower, and set it ablaze. This horrific act resulted in the indiscriminate death of all inside, serving as a stark illustration of unchecked human ambition, the devastating consequences of ungodly leadership, and the grim fulfillment of Jotham's prophetic curse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the climactic and tragic end of Abimelech's campaign against Shechem, a city that had initially crowned him king. The narrative immediately precedes this event with Abimelech's earlier destruction of Shechem itself, plowing it with salt as a symbol of utter desolation, as recorded in [Judges 9:45](/judges/9-45 "Abimelech Destroys Shechem"). The remaining citizens, about a thousand, fled to a fortified citadel, often identified as the "hold of the house of El-berith" mentioned in [Judges 9:46](/judges/9-46 "The Hold of the House of El-berith"). This entire episode is a direct and gruesome fulfillment of Jotham's Fable and Curse, delivered from Mount Gerizim, where he prophesied that fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem, and fire from Shechem would consume Abimelech, as found in [Judges 9:15](/judges/9-15 "Jotham's Fable of the Trees") and [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Prophetic Curse"). The verse underscores the escalating violence and moral decay characteristic of the period of the Judges.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by political decentralization, tribal conflicts, and a pervasive moral decline, famously summarized by the phrase, "every man did what was right in his own eyes" in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "No King in Israel"). Shechem itself was an ancient and historically significant city, a place where Abraham built an altar ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Abraham at Shechem")), Jacob settled ([Genesis 33:18-20](/genesis/33-18-20 "Jacob Buys Land in Shechem")), and Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem")). The "tower of Shechem" or "hold of the house of El-berith" was likely a fortified temple or citadel, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern cities, serving as a last refuge during sieges. Abimelech's siege tactic of cutting down trees to pile against a stronghold and set it on fire was a well-known and effective method of warfare in the ancient world, designed to force surrender or cause mass casualties through smoke and heat.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:49 powerfully illustrates several major themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **brutality and destructiveness of unchecked human ambition** and the pursuit of power outside of divine appointment. Abimelech, having already murdered his seventy half-brothers to secure his rule, as detailed in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Abimelech Murders His Brothers"), demonstrates a ruthless willingness to inflict extreme violence to maintain control. Secondly, the verse underscores the **dire consequences of ungodly leadership** and a community's choice to align with such a leader. The tragic deaths of a thousand people serve as a stark warning about the outcomes when a society elevates self-serving individuals over those who might lead with integrity and divine guidance. Finally, while seemingly a triumph for Abimelech, this event also subtly points to the theme of **divine justice**, which, though sometimes delayed, ultimately prevails. The narrative of Judges frequently shows that such acts of violence and rebellion against God's ways inevitably lead to the perpetrator's own downfall, a fate that soon awaits Abimelech himself, as seen in [Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Abimelech's Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cut down (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This term (H3772) is a primitive root meaning "to cut off, down, or asunder." In this context, it describes the act of severing branches from trees, emphasizing the deliberate and systematic effort by Abimelech's forces to gather fuel for the impending conflagration. The word highlights the destructive intent behind the preparation for the siege.
* **Bough (Hebrew, _sôwk'_):** This word (H7754) refers to a branch, specifically one that is interleaved or forms part of a thicket. Here, it denotes the individual branches collected by each man, underscoring the raw, natural, and readily available material that was transformed into an instrument of mass destruction. Its use emphasizes the primitive yet effective nature of the siege tactic.
* **Hold (Hebrew, _tsᵉrîyach'_):** This term (H6877) denotes a citadel, a high place, or a fortified stronghold. It describes the structure where the Shechemites sought refuge, emphasizing its intended purpose as a secure sanctuary. The tragic irony is that this place of supposed safety became the very instrument of their demise, highlighting the futility of human fortifications against overwhelming force and divine judgment.
* **Set on fire (Hebrew, _yâtsath'_):** This primitive root (H3341) means "to burn or set on fire," and figuratively, "to desolate." Its use here is direct and unambiguous, describing the deliberate act of arson that led to the mass casualties. The vivid imagery of fire consuming the stronghold and its inhabitants evokes themes of judgment and complete devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough":** This clause emphasizes the collective and systematic nature of the action. Abimelech's entire force participated, each man contributing to the fuel for the inferno. It speaks to the chilling obedience to a ruthless leader and the chilling complicity of many in a horrific act.
* **"and followed Abimelech, and put [them] to the hold":** This highlights Abimelech's direct leadership and the strategic placement of the collected branches. His men were not acting randomly but were organized in their destructive purpose, piling the boughs specifically against the fortified structure where the Shechemites had taken refuge, ensuring maximum impact.
* **"and set the hold on fire upon them":** This is the decisive action, the ignition of the pyre. The phrase "upon them" underscores that the fire was directed at the people inside the hold, not merely at the structure. It was an act of intentional mass murder by immolation, designed to consume the inhabitants.
* **"so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women":** This final clause states the devastating outcome. The phrase "all the men... died also" confirms the complete annihilation of those who sought refuge. The specific mention of "about a thousand men and women" emphasizes the scale of the tragedy and the indiscriminate nature of the slaughter, highlighting that no one, regardless of gender, was spared.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:49 employs several potent literary devices to convey its grim message. There is a profound **Irony** in the fact that the "hold" or "tower," a structure built for refuge and defense, becomes the very instrument of death for those who sought sanctuary within its walls. This reversal of purpose underscores the futility of human efforts when confronted by overwhelming evil or divine judgment. The verse also serves as a chilling **Fulfillment** of Jotham's prophetic curse, where he foretold that fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Prophecy of Fire")). The narrative thus uses **Foreshadowing** earlier in the chapter to build narrative tension and demonstrate the inevitable consequences of ungodly choices. The numerical detail of "about a thousand men and women" functions as **Hyperbole** or a round number, emphasizing the immense scale of the tragedy and the complete devastation wrought by Abimelech's forces, rather than a precise census. Finally, the use of **Symbolism** is evident in the fire itself, which, while physically enacted by Abimelech, carries connotations of divine judgment and consuming wrath, echoing biblical themes of purification and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:49 stands as a grim testament to the destructive power of human sin, ambition, and the tragic consequences of rejecting divine order. It illustrates the principle that those who sow violence and deceit will reap destruction, a theme consistently woven throughout the book of Judges. The Shechemites, by aligning themselves with Abimelech—a man who seized power through fratricide and ambition, rather than God's anointing—ultimately suffered a horrific fate under his hand. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that true security and flourishing are found not in human strength or strategic alliances, but in faithful obedience to God and His righteous ways. It underscores the biblical truth that unchecked evil inevitably leads to self-destruction, even if the immediate perpetrator seems to achieve a temporary victory.

* [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Prophecy of Fire") – This verse is the direct fulfillment of Jotham's curse, where fire from Abimelech consumes the men of Shechem.
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction") – "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This proverb encapsulates the trajectory of Abimelech's reign and the Shechemites' choices.
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping") – "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." This New Testament principle finds a stark illustration in the events of Judges 9:49.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:49, though a dark passage, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It compels us to consider the nature of leadership and the critical importance of discerning character, whether in political, corporate, or even spiritual spheres. Leaders driven by self-interest, power, and violence, as Abimelech was, inevitably bring destruction to those they govern and to themselves. This passage also challenges us to examine our own allegiances and choices. When individuals or communities compromise their values, align with ungodly agendas, or seek security in worldly strength rather than divine wisdom, they often find themselves entangled in destructive cycles. The Shechemites' tragic end serves as a sobering reminder that true refuge is not found in fortified towers or human alliances, but in the steadfastness of God. We are called to seek justice, righteousness, and peace, understanding that true flourishing comes from walking in God's ways, not from embracing the fleeting and violent paths of human ambition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern true, godly leadership from self-serving ambition in our own contexts today?**
* **What are the potential consequences when communities or individuals compromise their values for temporary security or power?**
* **Where do we seek ultimate refuge and security in times of crisis and societal upheaval?**
* **How does this account of human depravity and its consequences inform our understanding of the ongoing need for divine intervention and redemption?**

### FAQ
**Was Abimelech's action justified as retribution for Shechem's rebellion?**

Answer: From a biblical perspective, Abimelech's action was not a justified act of divine retribution but rather a brutal expression of his own unchecked ambition and vengeance. While Shechem had indeed rebelled against him, Abimelech's initial rise to power was marked by the murder of his seventy half-brothers, as described in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Abimelech Murders His Brothers"), making him an illegitimate and ungodly ruler. The destruction of the tower and the slaughter of a thousand people fulfilled Jotham's prophetic curse ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Prophetic Curse")), highlighting the tragic consequences of human sin and the cycle of violence that permeated the Judges period, rather than a righteous act sanctioned by God.

**What is the significance of "men and women" dying in the tower?**

Answer: The explicit mention of "men and women" dying emphasizes the indiscriminate and total nature of the destruction. It highlights the ruthlessness of Abimelech's campaign and the complete lack of mercy shown to the inhabitants of the tower. This detail underscores the profound tragedy and the extensive loss of life, demonstrating that Abimelech's vengeance spared no one, regardless of age or gender, further illustrating the depths of human depravity during this chaotic period in Israel's history.

**How does this event relate to Jotham's Fable?**

Answer: This event is a direct and grim fulfillment of Jotham's Fable and Curse, delivered earlier in [Judges 9](/judges/9 "The Fable of the Trees and Abimelech"). In his fable, Jotham warned the trees (representing the people of Israel) about choosing a bramble (Abimelech) to rule over them, prophesying that "fire will come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon" ([Judges 9:15](/judges/9-15 "Jotham's Fable")). He then explicitly cursed both Abimelech and the men of Shechem, stating, "let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo and devour Abimelech" ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Jotham's Prophetic Curse")). Judges 9:49 vividly depicts the first part of this curse's fulfillment, with Abimelech's actions bringing fiery destruction upon Shechem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The grim narrative of Judges 9:49, with its depiction of a self-appointed king bringing fiery destruction upon his own people, stands in stark contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ. Abimelech's "kingship" was founded on murder, ambition, and violence, leading to death and desolation. He offered no true refuge, turning a place of supposed safety into a tomb. In contrast, Jesus, the Son of God, is the King whose reign is established not by force but by self-sacrifice and love. He came "that they may have life and have it abundantly," as declared in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus the Good Shepherd"), not to destroy. While Abimelech brought literal fire, Christ's coming brought a refining fire of judgment against sin, but also the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit, leading to new life, as prophesied by John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "John the Baptist on Jesus' Baptism"). The "hold" in Shechem proved to be a false refuge, but Christ is our ultimate and eternal stronghold, "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," as affirmed in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God Our Refuge"). His kingdom is not of this world, not built on earthly power or violence, as Jesus Himself stated in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), but on truth and grace. Through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the true Lamb of God took away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), breaking the cycle of human violence and offering genuine salvation and eternal refuge to all who believe.

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

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.

James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

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.