Judges 9:31

Verse

So 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee.

Bible in Basic English

And he sent to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, See, Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are working up the town against you.

Free Bible Version

He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech to tell him, “Look, Gaal, son of Ebed, and his relatives have arrived in Shechem, and they are stirring up the town to rebel against you.

Geneva Bible 1599

Therefore he sent messengers vnto Abimelech priuily, saying, Beholde, Gaal the sonne of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem, and beholde, they fortifie the citie against thee.

King James (Authorized) Version

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

Translation for Translators

He secretly sent some messengers to Abimelech. They told him, “Gaal and his brothers have come here to Shechem, and they are causing the people of the city to rebel against you.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He sent messengers to Abimelech in order to deceive, saying, “See, Gaal son of Ebed and his relatives are coming to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.

Noah Webster Bible

And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren, are come to Shechem; and behold, they fortify the city against thee.

World English Bible

He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and behold, they incite the city against you.

Young's Literal Translation

and he sendeth messengers unto Abimelech deceitfully, saying, 'Lo, Gaal son of Ebed and his brethren are coming into Shechem, and lo, they are fortifying the city against thee;

Context

The Fall of Shechem

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.³²Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.

Sermons

The Ministry of Restoration - Part 3

Dick Hussey

886

Summary

In this verse, the actions of Abimelek and his men are highlighted as they prepare to ambush the people of Shechem who had turned against him. The deceit and violence in their plan reveal the destructive consequences of seeking power and control through unrighteous means. This verse serves as a cautionary tale against the pursuit of authority through manipulation and bloodshed, emphasizing the importance of integrity and righteousness in leadership. It also underscores the principle that actions rooted in wickedness ultimately lead to downfall and judgment.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Now therefore up by night,.... The night following, that no time might be lost: and the people that is with thee; the troops he had with him; not only such he had for his own guards, but what he had been raising, having intelligence before this of the revolt of the Shechemites from him: and lie in wait in the fields; he thought it most advisable for him to march with the forces he had, from the place where he was in the night, and less liable to be discovered, and remain in the fields of Shechem till morning, and then come upon Shechemites before they were aware, and surprise them.