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Commentary on Judges 9 verses 22–49
Three years Abimelech reigned, after a sort, without any disturbance; it is not said, He judged Israel, or did any service at all to his country, but so long he enjoyed the title and dignity of a king; and not only the Shechemites, but many other places, paid him respect. They must have been fond of a king that could please themselves with such a one as this. But the triumphing of the wicked is short. Within three years, as the years of a hireling, all this glory shall be contemned, and laid in the dust, Isa 16:14. The ruin of these confederates in wickedness was from the righteous hand of the God to whom vengeance belongs. He sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the Shechemites (Jdg 9:23), that is, they grew jealous one of another and ill-affected one to another. He slighted those that set him up, and perhaps countenanced other cities which now began to come into his interests more than he did theirs; and then they grew uneasy at his government, blamed his conduct, and quarrelled at his impositions. This was from God. He permitted the devil, that great mischief-maker, to sow discord between them, and he is an evil spirit, whom God not only keeps under his check, but sometimes serves his own purposes by. Their own lusts were evil spirits; they are devils in men's own hearts; from them come wars and fightings. These God gave them up to, and so might be said to send the evil spirits between them. When men's sin is made their punishment, though God is not the author of the sin, yet the punishment is from him. The quarrel God had with Abimelech and the Shechemites was for the murder of the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:24): That the cruelty done to them might come and their blood be laid as a burden upon Abimelech that slew them, and the men of Shechem that helped him. Note, 1. Sooner or later God will make inquisition for blood, innocent blood, and will return it on the heads of those that shed it, who shall have blood given them to drink, for they are worthy. 2. Accessaries shall be reckoned with, as well as principals, in that and other sins. The Shechemites that countenanced Abimelech's pretensions, aided and abetted him in his bloody project, and avowed the fact by making him king after he had done it, must fall with him, fall by him, and fall first. 3. Those that combine together to do wickedly are justly dashed in pieces one against another. Blood cannot be a lasting cement to any interest.
I. The Shechemites began to affront Abimelech, perhaps they scarcely knew why or wherefore, but they were given to change. 1. They dealt treacherously with him, Jdg 9:23. It is not said, They repented of their sin in owning him. Had they done so, it would have been laudable to disown him; but they did it only upon some particular pique conceived against him by their pride or envy. Those that set him up were the first that deserted him and endeavoured to dethrone him. It is not strange that those who were ungrateful to Gideon were unfaithful to Abimelech; for what will hold those that will not be held by the obligation of such merits as Gideon's? Note, It is just with God that those who tempt others to be cone perfidious should afterwards be themselves betrayed by those whom they have taught to be perfidious. 2. They aimed to seize him when he was at Arumah (Jdg 9:41), his country-seat. Expecting him to come to town, they set liers in wait for him (Jdg 9:25), who should make him their prisoner whom they had lately made their prince. Those who were thus posted, he not coming, took the opportunity of robbing travellers, which would help to make the people more and more uneasy under Abimelech, when they saw he could not or would not protect them from highway-men. 3. They entertained one Gaal, and set him up as their head in opposition to Abimelech, Jdg 9:26. This Gaal is said to be the son of Ebed, which signifies a servant, perhaps denoting the meanness of his extraction. As Abimelech was by the mother's side, so he by the father's, the son of a servant. Here was one bramble contesting with another. We have reason to suspect that this Gaal was a native Canaanite, because he courts the Shechemites into subjection to the men of Hamor, who was the ancient lord of this city in Jacob's time. He was a bold ambitious man, served their purpose admirably well when they were disposed to quarrel with Abimelech, and they also served his purpose; so he went over to them to blow the coals, and they put their confidence in him. 4. They did all the despite they could to Abimelech's name, Jdg 9:27. They made themselves very merry in his absence, as those who were glad he was out of the way, and who, now that they had another to head them, were in hopes to get clear of him; nay, they went into the house of their god, to solemnize their feast of in-gathering, and there they did eat, and drink, and cursed Abimelech, not only said all the ill they could of him in their table-talk and the song of their drunkards, but wished all the ill they could to him over their sacrifices, praying to their idol to destroy him. They drank healths to his confusion, and with as loud huzzas as ever they had drunk them to his prosperity. That very temple whence they had fetched money to set him up with did they now meet in to curse him and contrive his ruin. Had they deserted their idol-god with their image-king, they might have hoped to prosper; but, while they still cleave to the former, the latter shall cleave to them to their ruin. How should Satan cast out Satan? 5. They pleased themselves with Gaal's vaunted defiance of Abimelech, Jdg 9:28, Jdg 9:29. They loved to hear that impudent upstart speak scornfully, (1.) Of Abimelech, though calling him in disdain Shechem, or a Shechemite, he reflected upon their own city. (2.) Of his good father likewise, Gideon: Is not he the son of Jerubbaal? So he calls him, perhaps in an impious indignation at his name and memory for throwing down the altar of Baal, turning that to his reproach which was his praise. (3.) Of his prime minister of state, Zebul his officer, and ruler of the city. "We may well be ashamed to serve them, and need not be afraid to oppose them." Men of turbulent ambitious spirits thus despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Gaal aimed not to recover Shechem's liberty, only to change their tyrant: "O that this people were under my hand! What I would do! I would challenge Abimelech to try titles for the crown;" and it should seem he desired his friends to send him word that he was ready to dispute it with him whenever he pleased: "Increase thy army, and come out. Do thy worst; let the point be determined by the sword." This pleased the Shechemites, who were now as sick of Abimelech as ever they had been fond of him. Men of no conscience will be men of no constancy.
II. Abimelech turned all his force upon them, and, in a little time, quite ruined them. Observe the steps of their overthrow.
1.The Shechemites' counsels were betrayed to Abimelech by Zebul his confidant, the ruler of the city, who continued hearty for him. His anger was kindled (Jdg 9:30), and the more because Gaal had spoken slightly of him (Jdg 9:28), for perhaps, if he had complimented and caressed him now that things were in this ferment, he might have gained him to his interest; but he, being disobliged, sends notice to Abimelech of all that was said and done in Shechem against him, Jdg 9:31. Betrayers are often betrayed by some among themselves, and the cursing of the king is sometimes strangely carried by a bird of the air. He prudently advises him to come against the city immediately, and lose no time, Jdg 9:32, Jdg 9:33. He thinks it best that he should march his forces by night into the neighbourhood, surprise the city in the morning, and then make the best of his advantages. How could the Shechemites hope to speed in their attempt when the ruler of their city was in the interests of their enemy? They knew it, and yet took no care to secure him.
2.Gaal, that headed their faction, having been betrayed by Zebul, Abimelech's confidant, was most wretchedly bantered by him. Abimelech, according to Zebul's advice, drew all his forces down upon Shechem by night, Jdg 9:34. Gaal, in the morning, went out to the gate (Jdg 9:35) to see what posture things were in, and to enquire, What news? Zebul, as a ruler of the city, met him there as a friend. Abimelech and his forces beginning to move towards the city, Gaal discovers them (Jdg 9:36), takes notice of their approach to Zebul that was standing with him, little thinking that he had sent for them and was now expecting them. "Look," says he, "do not I see a body of men coming down from the mountain towards us? Yonder they are," pointing to the place. "No, no," says Zebul; "thy eye-sight deceives thee; it is but the shadow of the mountains which thou takest to be an army." By this he intended, (1.) To ridicule him, as a man of no sense or spirit, and therefore very unfit for what he pretended to, as a man that might easily be imposed upon and made to believe any thing, and that was so silly and so cowardly that he apprehended danger where there was none, and was ready to fight with a shadow. (2.) To detain him, and hold him in talk, while the forces of Abimelech were coming up, that thereby they might gain advantage. But when Gaal, being content to believe those he now saw to be but the shadow of the mountains (perhaps the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, which lay close by the city), was undeceived by the discovery of two other companies that marched apace towards the city, then Zebul took another way to banter him, upbraiding him with what he had said but a day or two before, in contempt of Abimelech (Jdg 9:38): Where is now thy mouth, that foul mouth of thine, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech? Note, Proud and haughty people are often made in a little time to change their note, and to dread those whom they had most despised. Gaal had, in a bravado, challenged Abimelech to increase his army and come out; but now Zebul, in Abimelech's name, challenges him: Go out, and fight with them, if thou darest. Justly are the insolent thus insulted over.
3.Abimelech routed Gaal's forces that sallied out of the town, Jdg 9:39, Jdg 9:40. Gaal, disheartened no doubt by Zebul's hectoring him, and perceiving his interest weaker than he thought it was, though he marched out against Abimelech with what little force he had, was soon put to the worst, and obliged to retire into the city with great precipitation. In this action the Shechemites' loss was considerable: Many were overthrown and wounded, the common effect of popular tumults, in which the inconsiderate multitude are often drawn into fatal snare by those that promise them glorious success.
4.Zebul that night expelled Gaal, and the party he had brought with him into Shechem, out of the city (Jdg 9:41), sending him to the place whence he came. For though the generality of the city continued still averse to Abimelech, as appears by the sequel of the story, yet they were willing to part with Gaal, and did not oppose his expulsion, because, though he had talked big, both his skill and courage had failed him when there was occasion for them. Most people judge of men's fitness for business by their success, and he that does not speed well is concluded not to do well. Well, Gaal's interest in Shechem is soon at an end, and he that had talked of removing Abimelech is himself removed, nor do we ever hear of him any more. Exit Gaal - Gaal retires.
5.Abimelech, the next day, set upon the city, and quite destroyed it, for their treacherous dealings with him. Perhaps Abimelech had notice of their expelling Gaal, who had headed the faction, with which they thought he would have been satisfied, but the crime was too keep to be thus atoned for, and his resentments were too keen to be pacified by so small an instance of submission, besides that it was more Zebul's act than theirs; by it their hands were weakened, and therefore he resolved to follow his blow, and effectually to chastise their treachery. (1.) He had intelligence brought him that the people of Shechem had come out into the field, Jdg 9:42. Some think into the field of business to plough and sow (having lately gathered in their harvest), or to perfect their harvest, for it was only their vintage that they had made an end of (Jdg 9:27), and then it intimates that they were secure. And because Abimelech had retired (Jdg 9:41) they thought themselves in no danger from him, and then the issue of it is an instance of sudden destruction coming upon those that cry, Peace and safety. Others think they went out into the field of battle; though Gaal was driven out, they would not lay down their arms, but put themselves into a posture for another engagement with Abimelech, in which they hoped to retrieve what they had lost the day before, (2.) He himself, with a strong detachment, cut off the communication between them and the city, stood in the entering of the gate (Jdg 9:44), that they might neither make their retreat into the city nor receive any succours from the city, and then sent two companies of his men, who were too strong for them, and they put them all to the sword, ran upon those that were in the fields and slew them. When we go out about our business we are not sure that we shall come home again; there are deaths both in the city and in the field. (3.) He then fell upon the city itself, and, with a rage reaching up to heaven, though it was the place of his nativity, laid it in ruins, slew all the people, beat down all the buildings, and, in token of his desire that it might be a perpetual desolation, sowed it with salt, that it might remain a lasting monument of the punishment of perfidiousness. Yet Abimelech prevailed not to make its desolations perpetual; for it was afterwards rebuilt, and became so considerable a place that all Israel came thither to make Rehoboam king, Kg1 12:1. And the place proved an ill omen. Abimelech intended hereby to punish the Shechemites for their serving him formerly in the murder of Gideon's sons. Thus, when God makes use of men as instruments in his hand to do his work, he means one thing and they another, Isa 10:6, Isa 10:7. They design to maintain their honour, but God to maintain his.
6.Those that retired into a strong-hold of their idol-temple were all destroyed there. These are called the men of the tower of Shechem (Jdg 9:46, Jdg 9:47), some castle that belonged to the city, but lay at some distance from it. They, hearing of the destruction of the city, withdrew into a hold of the temple, trusting, it is likely, not so much to its strength as to its sanctity; they put themselves under the protection of their idol: for thus all people will walk in the name of their god, and shall not we then choose to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our life? For in the time of trouble he shall hide us in his pavilion, Psa 27:5. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, Pro 18:10. But that which they hoped would be for their welfare proved to them a snare and a trap, as those will certainly find that run to idols for shelter; it will prove a refuge of lies. When Abimelech had them altogether penned up in that hold he desired no more. That barbarous project immediately came into his head of setting fire to the strong-hold, and, so to speak, burning all the birds together in the nest. He kept the design to himself, but set all his men on work to expedite the execution of it, Jdg 9:48, Jdg 9:49. He ordered them all to follow him, and do as he did: as his father had said to his men (Jdg 7:17), Look on me, and do likewise; so saith he to his, as becomes a general that will not be wanting to give both the plainest direction and the highest encouragement that can be to his soldiers: What you have seen me do make haste to do, as I have done. Not Ite illuc - Go thither; but Venite huc - Come hither. The officers in Christ's army should thus teach by their example, Phi 4:9. He and they fetched each of them a bough from a wood not far off, laid all their boughs together under the wall of this tower, which it is probable was of wood, set fire to their boughs, and so burnt down their hold and all that were in it, who were either burnt or stifled with the smoke. What inventions men have to destroy one another! Whence come these cruel wars and fightings but from their lusts? Some think that the men of the tower of Shechem were the same with the house of Millo, and then Jotham's just imprecation was answered in the letter: Let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour not only in general the men of Shechem, but in particular the house of Millo, Jdg 9:20. About 1000 men and women perished in these flames, many of whom, it is probable, were no way concerned in the quarrel between Abimelech and the Shechemites, nor meddled with either side, yet, in this civil war, they came to this miserable end; for men of factious turbulent spirits perish not alone in their iniquity, but involve many more, that follow them in their simplicity, in the same calamity with them.
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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. 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. 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 and Judges 9:20. 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. Shechem itself was an ancient and historically significant city, a place where Abraham built an altar (Genesis 12:6-7), Jacob settled (Genesis 33:18-20), and Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel (Joshua 24:1-28). 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, 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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). 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.
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
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, 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), 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. 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). 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 9:49 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, 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. 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. His kingdom is not of this world, not built on earthly power or violence, as Jesus Himself stated in John 18:36, 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, breaking the cycle of human violence and offering genuine salvation and eternal refuge to all who believe.