Judges 9:32

Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that [is] with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

Now therefore up {H6965} by night {H3915}, thou and the people {H5971} that is with thee, and lie in wait {H693} in the field {H7704}:

You and the men with you should come up now at night and lie in wait in the field.

Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.

Now therefore, up by night, thou and the people that are with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

Commentary

Judges 9:32 captures a pivotal moment in the unfolding conflict between Abimelech and the rebellious citizens of Shechem, led by Gaal, son of Ebed. This verse records Abimelech's tactical command, instructing his forces to prepare for a swift, covert military operation under the cover of darkness.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of Abimelech's tumultuous and illegitimate reign as king over Shechem. Having seized power by brutally murdering his seventy brothers (except Jotham), as recounted in Judges 9:5, Abimelech's rule was marked by violence and instability. The people of Shechem, who initially supported him, later grew restless and rebelled, aligning themselves with Gaal. Zebul, Abimelech's officer in Shechem, secretly informed Abimelech of Gaal's boasts and defiance, leading to this strategic directive. The entire chapter serves as a stark commentary on the dangers of self-appointed leadership and the consequences of ambition fueled by violence, a theme powerfully introduced by Jotham's parable of the trees.

Key Themes

  • Military Strategy and Ambush: The core of this verse is Abimelech's instruction for a precise military maneuver. The command to "up by night" and "lie in wait in the field" reveals a calculated plan for a surprise attack, a common and effective tactic in ancient warfare for gaining a decisive advantage over an unsuspecting enemy.
  • Decisive Action: Upon receiving intelligence about Gaal's uprising, Abimelech does not hesitate. His immediate response is to formulate a plan for a swift and aggressive counter-offensive, demonstrating his readiness to defend his usurped authority.
  • Unfolding Consequences: While focused on strategy, this verse is part of a larger narrative showcasing the tragic consequences of Abimelech's earlier actions. The rebellion he now faces is a direct result of his violent seizure of power, illustrating how injustice often begets further conflict and instability.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "up by night" (ืงื•ึผื ื‘ึทึผืœึทึผื™ึฐืœึธื”, qum ba'laylah) conveys urgency and the necessity of initiating action under the cover of darkness. The instruction to "lie in wait" (ื•ึฐืึนืจึทื‘ึฐืชึธึผ, v'oravta) explicitly means to ambush, a military term signifying concealment and a sudden, overwhelming attack. These terms underscore the stealth and surprise elements critical to Abimelech's plan, aiming to catch Gaal and his forces unprepared.

Practical Application

Though detailing an ancient military command, Judges 9:32 offers broader insights:

  • The Nature of Conflict: The verse reminds us that conflicts, whether personal or societal, often involve strategic thinking, information gathering, and decisive action. It highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of opposition.
  • Preparedness and Response: Abimelech's quick planning illustrates the principle of being prepared to respond effectively to challenges or threats. While his motives were corrupt, the tactical readiness is a practical lesson.
  • Consequences of Actions: Ultimately, this verse serves as a piece of a larger narrative illustrating that actions, especially those driven by unrighteous ambition, often lead to a cycle of violence and conflict. The events that follow Abimelech's ambush are a direct result of the rebellion he faces, echoing themes of justice and retribution found throughout Scripture, such as Galatians 6:7.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 1:11 (2 votes)

    If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

  • Proverbs 1:16 (2 votes)

    For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

  • Proverbs 4:16 (2 votes)

    For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

  • Job 24:14 (2 votes)

    The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

  • Job 24:17 (2 votes)

    For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.

  • Romans 3:15 (2 votes)

    Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:

  • Psalms 36:4 (2 votes)

    He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.