Judges 9:53

And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.

And a certain {H259} woman {H802} cast {H7993} a piece {H6400} of a millstone {H7393} upon Abimelech's {H40} head {H7218}, and all to brake {H7533} his skull {H1538}.

a woman dropped an upper millstone on Avimelekh's head, cracking his skull.

But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.

And a certain woman cast an upper millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and brake his skull.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 9:53 (KJV)

This verse describes the dramatic and sudden end of Abimelech, the ambitious son of Gideon's concubine. After seizing power by killing his seventy brothers (except Jotham), Abimelech's reign was marked by violence and conflict. He is besieging the city of Thebez and has cornered the inhabitants in a tower within the city.

Context

The story of Abimelech unfolds in Judges chapter 9. After the death of Gideon, Abimelech conspires with the leaders of Shechem to make himself king, eliminating his rivals in a brutal act at Ophrah (see Judges 9:5). His rule is a stark contrast to the leadership of the judges raised up by God, showing the consequences of seeking power through bloodshed and human means rather than divine appointment. His attack on Thebez is part of his ongoing campaign to solidify his control, leading directly to his demise in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: Abimelech's violent end is often seen as divine retribution for his wicked deeds, particularly the murder of his brothers and the inhabitants of Shechem. His downfall illustrates the principle that one reaps what one sows.
  • God Uses the Unexpected: Abimelech, a mighty warrior, is defeated not by a soldier but by an unnamed woman using a common household item, a piece of a millstone. This highlights how God can use the weak and unexpected to accomplish His purposes and bring down the powerful.
  • The Downfall of Pride: Abimelech's ambition and pride led him to seize power violently. His ignominious death, being struck down by a woman, was particularly humiliating in that culture, emphasizing the ultimate futility of prideful, self-serving power.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "all to brake" in the King James Version is an older English idiom meaning "completely broke" or "utterly shattered." It emphasizes the severity of the injury Abimelech sustained.

Application

This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ruthless ambition and violence. It reminds us that seizing power unjustly often leads to a tragic end. Furthermore, it offers encouragement that God can use anyone, regardless of status or strength, to enact His will and bring about justice. We should not despise humble means or unexpected instruments in God's hands.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 11:21 (6 votes)

    Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

  • Job 31:3 (4 votes)

    [Is] not destruction to the wicked? and a strange [punishment] to the workers of iniquity?

  • Judges 9:20 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 50:45 (3 votes)

    Therefore hear ye the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Babylon; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make [their] habitation desolate with them.

  • Jeremiah 49:20 (3 votes)

    Therefore hear the counsel of the LORD, that he hath taken against Edom; and his purposes, that he hath purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out: surely he shall make their habitations desolate with them.

  • Judges 9:15 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 20:21 (2 votes)

    The matter [is] not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, [even] against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.