Judges 9:29
Judges 9:29 in Multiple Translations
If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”
And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
If only I had authority over this people! I would put Abimelech out of the way, and I would say to Abimelech, Make your army strong, and come out.
If I was the one in charge of you people, I would dispose of Abimelech! I would tell him, ‘Get your army together, and come and fight!’”
Now would God this people were vnder mine hand: then would I put away Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
and oh that this people were in my hand — then I turn Abimelech aside;' and he saith to Abimelech, 'Increase thy host, and come out.'
I wish that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” He said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!”
And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thy army, and come out.
Would to God that some man would put this people under my hand, that I might remove Abimelech out of the way. And it was said to Abimelech: Gather together the multitude of an army, and come.
If you would appoint me to be your leader, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, ‘Get your army ready, and then come to fight us!’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:29
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Judges 9:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:29
Study Notes — Judges 9:29
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:29
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:29
- Sermons on Judges 9:29
Context — Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites
29If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”
30When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger. 31So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 15:4 | And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 2:14–17 | Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim. The battle that day was intense, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. |
| 3 | Isaiah 36:8–9 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? |
| 4 | Romans 1:30–31 | slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 18:23 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! |
| 6 | Psalms 10:3 | For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 14:8 | Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:11 | And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” |
Judges 9:29 Summary
In Judges 9:29, Gaal son of Ebed is saying that if he were in charge, he would get rid of Abimelech, who had become a bad leader. Gaal wants to be the one to lead the people and make things right, but his desire for power and control can be a warning to us about the dangers of pride and ambition, as seen in Proverbs 16:18. We can learn from Gaal's statement by recognizing the importance of humble and godly leadership, as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, and by trusting God to guide us in our own lives, as seen in Psalm 32:8-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Gaal's statement in Judges 9:29?
Gaal's statement is a response to the oppression of Abimelech, who had become a tyrannical leader in Shechem, as seen in Judges 9:22-25, and Gaal is expressing his desire to lead the people and remove Abimelech from power, as stated in Judges 9:29.
Who is Gaal son of Ebed in the Bible?
Gaal son of Ebed is a man who came to Shechem and began to stir up the people against Abimelech, as seen in Judges 9:26-31, and his actions are a key part of the events that unfold in Judges 9.
What is the significance of Gaal's statement about mustering an army in Judges 9:29?
Gaal's statement about mustering an army is a declaration of his intention to challenge Abimelech's authority and take control of the city, which is similar to the way that God instructed Moses to muster an army in Numbers 31:3-6, and it shows Gaal's confidence in his ability to lead the people to victory.
How does Gaal's statement in Judges 9:29 relate to the broader theme of leadership in the Bible?
Gaal's statement reflects the human desire for power and control, as seen in other biblical leaders such as Saul in 1 Samuel 15:1-31, and it highlights the importance of humble and godly leadership, as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be like Gaal, desiring to take control of situations and lead others, and how can I surrender those desires to God's sovereignty?
- How can I discern when my desire for leadership or control is motivated by pride or a desire for power, rather than a genuine desire to serve others, as seen in Matthew 20:20-28?
- In what ways can I trust God to lead and guide me, even in situations where I feel like I need to take control, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 23:1-4?
- What are some biblical principles of leadership that I can apply to my own life, such as humility, compassion, and wisdom, as seen in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Matthew 20:26-28?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:29
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:29
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:29
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:29
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:29
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:29
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:29
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:29
Sermons on Judges 9:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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The Tragedy of Third Generation Religion by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead preaches on the tragedy of third-generation religion, using Judges chapter 2 to illustrate how the Israelites turned to idols despite witnessing God's miracles. He e |
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He Is Precious by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher discusses the concept of arrogance, describing it as a sin that stems from a feeling of personal superiority and manifests in contempt towards others. Arrogance is hig |
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God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1 |
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The Folly of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian leads the congregation in reading various verses from Proverbs 20. The verses touch on topics such as the dangers of wine and strong drink, the importa |






