Judges 9:50

KJV

¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then went {H3212} Abimelech {H40} to Thebez {H8405}, and encamped {H2583} against Thebez {H8405}, and took {H3920} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Avimelekh went to Tevetz, set up camp against Tevetz and captured it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it.

American Standard Version

Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:50 succinctly records Abimelech's continued military campaign, detailing his advance to the city of Thebez, his subsequent siege, and its successful capture. This brief verse serves as a critical narrative bridge, highlighting Abimelech's relentless ambition and brutal efficiency in consolidating his self-proclaimed kingship, immediately preceding the dramatic and divinely ordained climax of his reign. It underscores the destructive nature of unchecked power and sets the stage for the swift justice that awaits him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:50 is situated within the tumultuous narrative of Abimelech's rise and fall, a stark deviation from the divinely appointed judges who preceded him. Immediately prior to this verse, Abimelech has brutally suppressed the rebellion in Shechem, utterly destroying the city and sowing it with salt as a symbol of its desolation ([Judges 9:45](/judges/9-45 "Judges 9:45 - Abimelech Destroys Shechem")). His actions at Shechem were a direct response to the city's betrayal after they had initially crowned him king. The move to Thebez signifies Abimelech's continued campaign to crush any remaining resistance and solidify his tyrannical grip on the region, demonstrating his unwavering resolve to eliminate all opposition following the Shechemite uprising. This verse thus marks a continuation of his violent consolidation of power before the narrative pivots to his ultimate demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a lack of central authority, as articulated by the recurring phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). This power vacuum allowed ambitious individuals like Abimelech, the illegitimate son of Gideon, to seize control through force and intimidation. Cities like Shechem and Thebez were typically fortified settlements, often with internal political structures (like the "lords of Shechem" mentioned in [Judges 9:2](/judges/9-2 "Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Appeal to Shechem")). A siege, as implied by "encamped against," was a common military tactic involving surrounding a city to cut off supplies and eventually breach its defenses. The swift capture of Thebez suggests either a quick victory or a less formidable defense compared to the protracted conflict at Shechem, yet it still represents a significant military maneuver in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Judges 9 and the broader book. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Relentless Ambition and Conquest** of Abimelech, who, having murdered his seventy brothers to seize power ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers")), continues to pursue total dominion through military might. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Cycles of Violence and Retribution**, where Abimelech's initial bloodshed leads to further conflict, culminating in the destruction of cities and the loss of life. The narrative consistently illustrates that unrighteous leadership begets chaos and suffering. Finally, while not explicitly stated in this verse, it subtly underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**. The conquest of Thebez, though seemingly a success for Abimelech, immediately precedes the fulfillment of Jotham's curse ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse Fulfilled")), foreshadowing God's ultimate judgment against Abimelech's wickedness and the violence he perpetrated.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thebez (Hebrew, _Tēbēṣ_):** A city located northeast of Shechem, identified with modern Tubas. Its inclusion in Abimelech's campaign indicates its strategic importance or its alignment with the rebellious elements that opposed his rule. The fact that Abimelech, after destroying Shechem, immediately moves to Thebez underscores his determination to consolidate power and eliminate all pockets of resistance.
* **encamped (Hebrew, וַיִּחַן, _wayyiḥan_):** This verb, derived from the root חָנָה (ḥānâ), means "to encamp," "to pitch a tent," or "to lay siege." In a military context, it specifically denotes the act of setting up a military camp around a city, signaling an intention to besiege or attack. The use of this term here indicates that Abimelech did not merely pass through Thebez but initiated a deliberate military operation to conquer it, implying a period of strategic positioning and preparation for assault.
* **took it (Hebrew, וַיִּלְכְּדֶהָ, _vayyilkedah_):** This verb, from the root לָכַד (lāḵaḏ), means "to capture," "to seize," or "to take." It signifies a successful military conquest, indicating that Abimelech's siege was effective and he gained control of the city. The directness of the phrase emphasizes the swift and decisive nature of Abimelech's military action, portraying him as an effective, albeit ruthless, conqueror.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went Abimelech to Thebez":** This clause describes Abimelech's strategic movement following his devastating victory at Shechem. It highlights his relentless pursuit of power and his determination to quash any remaining opposition. His journey to Thebez is not a random act but a calculated continuation of his violent consolidation of authority.
* **"and encamped against Thebez":** This phrase details the military action taken upon arrival. "Encamped against" implies the initiation of a siege, a common tactic in ancient warfare to isolate and conquer fortified cities. It suggests a deliberate, organized military operation, demonstrating Abimelech's tactical approach to warfare.
* **"and took it":** This final clause states the immediate outcome of the siege: the successful capture of Thebez. The brevity and directness of this statement convey the efficiency and brutal effectiveness of Abimelech's campaign. It marks another victory in his bloody ascent, setting the immediate stage for the dramatic events that will follow.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** and **Brevity**, delivering a stark, factual account of military action without embellishment. This unadorned reporting underscores the brutal efficiency and relentless nature of Abimelech's campaign. The repetition of "Thebez" (implied in "it") also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the specific target of Abimelech's aggression. Furthermore, while the verse itself is purely descriptive, its placement within the broader narrative creates a powerful sense of **Foreshadowing**. The swift conquest of Thebez, though seemingly another triumph for Abimelech, immediately precedes his dramatic and ignominious downfall, building narrative tension and preparing the reader for the inevitable fulfillment of Jotham's curse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:50, though a brief military report, powerfully illustrates the consequences of human depravity and the dangers of unrighteous ambition. Abimelech's relentless pursuit of power, marked by fratricide and the destruction of cities, stands in stark contrast to the divine call for righteous leadership and justice. His actions reveal the destructive cycle that ensues when individuals prioritize self-interest and control over God's established order. Yet, even in this period of chaos and violence, the narrative subtly points to God's overarching sovereignty. Abimelech's "success" in taking Thebez is immediately followed by his judgment, serving as a reminder that human wickedness, no matter how seemingly triumphant, cannot ultimately thwart divine justice. This verse underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and that pride and violence inevitably lead to a downfall.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Pit He Dug")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:50 offers a sobering glimpse into the destructive path of unchecked ambition and the inevitable consequences of unrighteous leadership. Abimelech's story serves as a profound cautionary tale, reminding us that power divorced from moral integrity and divine guidance invariably leads to tyranny, violence, and ultimately, self-destruction. This verse, though brief, highlights the relentless pursuit of control that characterized Abimelech's reign, a pursuit that brought immense suffering to others and eventually to himself. For us today, it prompts reflection on the nature of leadership in all spheres—personal, communal, and societal. Do we seek power for selfish gain or for the good of others? Are our ambitions tempered by humility and a commitment to justice? The swiftness with which Abimelech "took" Thebez belies the immediate and severe judgment awaiting him, a powerful reminder that our actions, whether good or ill, have repercussions that extend beyond the immediate moment. It calls us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when evil seems to prevail, knowing that His sovereignty ensures that every seed sown will eventually yield its harvest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abimelech's relentless pursuit of power in Judges 9:50 contrast with biblical ideals of leadership, particularly those found in the New Testament?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Abimelech's story about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power in our own lives or in the broader society?**
* **In what ways does the narrative of Judges 9, culminating in Abimelech's downfall, encourage us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when human wickedness seems to triumph temporarily?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Thebez in Abimelech's campaign?**

Answer: Thebez was significant as another fortified city that likely resisted Abimelech's self-proclaimed rule, similar to Shechem. His campaign against Thebez, immediately following the destruction of Shechem, demonstrates his relentless determination to eliminate all opposition and consolidate his tyrannical grip on the region. Its capture marked a continuation of his violent expansion of power, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely ordained climax of his reign.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Judges 9?**

Answer: Judges 9:50 is a pivotal verse that marks the culmination of Abimelech's military "successes" just before his dramatic downfall. It highlights his character as a ruthless conqueror, driven by ambition. More importantly, it sets the immediate scene for the fulfillment of Jotham's curse from [Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Prophecy of Fire") and [Judges 9:57](/judges/9-57 "Judges 9:57 - God Repays Abimelech's Evil"), which prophesied that fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the people, and fire would come out from the people and consume Abimelech. The events immediately following the capture of Thebez directly lead to Abimelech's death, demonstrating God's justice in action.

**Does this verse imply God's approval of Abimelech's actions?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply God's approval. The book of Judges, particularly the narrative of Abimelech, consistently portrays a period of moral decay and human depravity where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). While Abimelech achieves military success, this is presented as a consequence of human ambition and violence, not divine endorsement. The subsequent verses reveal God's judgment against Abimelech, fulfilling the curse of Jotham and demonstrating that God ultimately holds even the most powerful human rulers accountable for their wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brutal and self-serving kingship of Abimelech, culminating in his violent conquest of Thebez, stands in stark contrast to the righteous and redemptive reign of Jesus Christ. Abimelech seized power through murder and maintained it through oppression and destruction, ultimately meeting a humiliating end in his quest for earthly dominion. His story is a tragic illustration of humanity's desperate need for a true king, one who rules not by force but by love, not for self-aggrandizement but for the salvation of His people. Jesus, the true Son of David and the rightful King of Israel, did not come to conquer cities through bloodshed but to conquer sin and death through self-sacrifice. He came not to destroy but to save ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), laying down His life as the ultimate Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike Abimelech, whose reign brought only chaos and judgment, Christ's kingdom is one of peace, justice, and eternal life ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prince of Peace")). He is the King who willingly submitted to humiliation and death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philip/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")) to secure a victory far greater than any earthly conquest, offering true freedom and reconciliation to all who believe ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Abimelech's failed kingship points forward to the absolute necessity and glorious reality of Christ's perfect, eternal, and redemptive reign.

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.