Judges 9:20
Judges 9:20 in Multiple Translations
But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”
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.
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.
But if not, may fire come out from Abimelech, burning up the townsmen of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out from the townsmen of Shechem and Beth-millo, for the destruction of Abimelech.
But if you haven't, then may fire flame out from Abimelech, and may it burn up the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire flame out from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and burn up Abimelech!”
But if not, let a fire come out from Abimelech, and consume the men of Shechem and the house of Millo: also let a fire come foorth from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and consume Abimelech.
and if not — fire cometh out from Abimelech and devoureth the masters of Shechem and the house of Millo, and fire cometh out from the masters of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and devoureth Abimelech.'
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.”
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.
But if unjustly: let fire come out from him, and consume the inhabitants of Sichem, and the town of Mello: and let fire come out from the men of Sichem, and from the town of Mello, and devour Abimelech.
But if what you did was not right, I wish/desire that Abimelech will burn up all of you leaders of Shechem and Beth-Millo with fire! And I also hope/desire that the leaders of Shechem and Beth-Millo will cause fire to burn up Abimelech!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
אַ֕יִן
תֵּ֤צֵא
אֵשׁ֙
מֵ/אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
וְ/תֹאכַ֛ל
אֶת
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
שְׁכֶ֖ם
וְ/אֶת
בֵּ֣ית
מִלּ֑וֹא
וְ/תֵצֵ֨א
אֵ֜שׁ
מִ/בַּעֲלֵ֤י
שְׁכֶם֙
וּ/מִ/בֵּ֣ית
מִלּ֔וֹא
וְ/תֹאכַ֖ל
אֶת
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
אַ֕יִן
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
תֵּ֤צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מֵ/אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
Prep | N-proper
וְ/תֹאכַ֛ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
master
N-mp
שְׁכֶ֖ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מִלּ֑וֹא
millôwʼ
H4407
Millo
N-proper
וְ/תֵצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵ֜שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
מִ/בַּעֲלֵ֤י
baʻal
H1167
master
Prep | N-mp
שְׁכֶם֙
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
N-proper
וּ/מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מִלּ֔וֹא
millôwʼ
H4407
Millo
N-proper
וְ/תֹאכַ֖ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:20
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אַ֕יִן
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
תֵּ֤צֵא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֵשׁ֙
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מֵ/אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
Prep | N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
וְ/תֹאכַ֛ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּעֲלֵ֥י
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
שְׁכֶ֖ם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִלּ֑וֹא
millôwʼ
H4407
"Millo"
N-proper
Millo refers to the citadel or rampart of Jerusalem, a fortified area of the city. It is mentioned in the Bible as a part of the city's defenses. The name means 'rampart' or 'mound'.
Definition: § Millo = "rampart" or "mound" This name is used for a part of the fortifications of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Millo. See also H1037 (בֵּית מִלּוֹא). See also: Judges 9:6; 1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 32:5.
וְ/תֵצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֵ֜שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
מִ/בַּעֲלֵ֤י
baʻal
H1167
"master"
Prep | N-mp
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
שְׁכֶם֙
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
וּ/מִ/בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מִלּ֔וֹא
millôwʼ
H4407
"Millo"
N-proper
Millo refers to the citadel or rampart of Jerusalem, a fortified area of the city. It is mentioned in the Bible as a part of the city's defenses. The name means 'rampart' or 'mound'.
Definition: § Millo = "rampart" or "mound" This name is used for a part of the fortifications of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Millo. See also H1037 (בֵּית מִלּוֹא). See also: Judges 9:6; 1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 32:5.
וְ/תֹאכַ֖ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
Study Notes — Judges 9:20
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- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:20
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- Sermons on Judges 9:20
Context — Jotham’s Parable
18but you have risen up against my father’s house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother—
19if you have acted faithfully and honestly toward Jerubbaal and his house this day, then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you.
20But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”
21Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech. 22After Abimelech had reigned over Israel for three years,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:15 | But the thornbush replied, ‘If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’ |
| 2 | Judges 9:56–57 | In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 20:22–23 | The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. |
| 4 | Psalms 120:3–4 | What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree! |
| 5 | Psalms 140:10 | May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. |
| 6 | Psalms 28:4 | Repay them according to their deeds and for their works of evil. Repay them for what their hands have done; bring back on them what they deserve. |
| 7 | Psalms 52:1–5 | Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin; He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent; He will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah |
| 8 | Judges 9:23 | God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully, |
| 9 | Judges 7:22 | And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. |
| 10 | Psalms 21:9–10 | You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them. You will wipe their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from the sons of men. |
Judges 9:20 Summary
Judges 9:20 is a warning from Jotham that if the leaders of Shechem have not acted faithfully and honestly toward Gideon and his house, then they will face God's judgment, as seen in other biblical accounts like Numbers 11:1-3. This verse teaches us that our actions have consequences, and that God will hold us accountable for our decisions, as mentioned in Galatians 6:7-10. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking to follow godly leaders and promoting faithfulness and honesty in our communities, as encouraged in Proverbs 11:3 and 1 Timothy 4:12. By trusting in God's sovereignty and judgment, we can have confidence that He will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness, as promised in Psalm 37:1-40 and Revelation 20:11-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Jotham's curse in Judges 9:20?
Jotham's curse is a response to the leaders of Shechem making Abimelech, the son of Gideon's maidservant, their king, as seen in Judges 9:18, and a warning of the destruction that will come if they have not acted faithfully and honestly toward Gideon and his house, as mentioned in Judges 9:19.
What does the 'fire' represent in Jotham's curse?
The 'fire' in Jotham's curse represents God's judgment and destruction, similar to the fire that consumed the enemies of God's people in other biblical accounts, such as in Numbers 11:1-3 and 2 Kings 1:10-12.
Is Jotham's curse a prophetic statement or just a wish?
Jotham's curse can be seen as a prophetic statement, as it is a declaration of God's judgment on the leaders of Shechem and Abimelech, similar to the prophetic statements found in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Jeremiah 23:10-22.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on leadership and accountability?
This verse highlights the importance of faithful and honest leadership, as emphasized in Proverbs 28:2 and Romans 13:1-7, and serves as a warning to leaders who abuse their power, as seen in Isaiah 3:14-15 and Ezekiel 34:1-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply Jotham's warning to my own life and leadership, considering the importance of faithfulness and honesty as seen in Matthew 25:14-30?
- How can I discern whether my actions and decisions are pleasing to God, as Jotham prayed for in Judges 9:19?
- What are some potential consequences of following ungodly leaders, as seen in the story of Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem?
- In what ways can I seek to promote faithfulness and honesty in my own community, as Jotham desired for the leaders of Shechem in Judges 9:19?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and judgment, even when I see wickedness and injustice in the world, as expressed in Psalm 37:1-40?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:20
But if not,.... If it appeared that they had not acted uprightly and sincerely in this matter: let fire come out of Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; let wrath, rage,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:20
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:20
This is not a prediction, but an imprecation or curse, as it is called, , which, being grounded upon just cause, and being the only way by which Jotham could perform the duty of the avenger of his brethren’ s blood, which was incumbent upon him, had its effect, as others in like case had, as , compared with .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:20
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.Ver. 20. But if not.] As your own consciences, those domestical chaplains, will tell you: for “ Conscia mens ut cuique sua est, ira concipit intra Pectora pro facto spemque metumque, suo. ” - Ovid. Let fire come.] See Judges 9:15.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:20
(20) Let fire come out.—The malediction is that they may perish by mutual destruction. It was exactly fulfilled (Judges 9:45-49). So when (Œetes is crucified as he had crucified Polykrates, Herodotus notices the similarity of the Nemesis (3:128).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:20
Verse 20. Let fire come out from Abimelech] As the thorn or bramble may be the means of kindling other wood, because it may be easily ignited; so shall Abimelech be the cause of kindling a fire of civil discord among you, that shall consume the rulers and great men of your country. A prophetic declaration of what would take place.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:20
20. but if not etc.] ‘Your chief will be fatal to you and you to him,’ cf. Judges 9:15 b. This was Jotham’s ‘curse’; the fulfilment comes in Judges 9:44 ff., Judges 9:56 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:20
20. Devour Abimelech — The application transcends the fable itself.
Sermons on Judges 9:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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God's Normal Order - Called to Be Priests by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good product that doesn't require excessive promotion. He reflects on the past advertising strategies used in yout |
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Sing Praise to the Lord! by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the power of singing and praising in the midst of troubles, encouraging a shift from overthinking to joyful worship. He illustrates how singing can rel |
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Ii Chronicles 20:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the power of praise in achieving victory, as demonstrated in II Chronicles 20:22. King Jehoshaphat faced an overwhelming enemy and sought the Lord, acknowled |
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Exposition on Psalm 121 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of seeking help from God, emphasizing that our help comes from Him and His fullness. He urges believers to pray for guidance and protection |
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Spiritual Warfare - 5 "Our Position in Christ" by Jim Logan | In this sermon, the speaker shares various experiences and encounters with spiritual forces of darkness. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and rebuking these forces in the nam |
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Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be |