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Chapter 9
Verse 9

Judges 9:39

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,

American Standard Version (1901)

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Bible in Basic English

So Gaal went out at the head of the townsmen of Shechem and made war on Abimelech.

Free Bible Version

So Gaal led the leaders of Shechem out of the town and fought with Abimelech.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Translation for Translators

So Gaal led the men of Shechem outside the city to fight Abimelech and his men.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Gaal went out and he was leading the men of Shechem, and he fought Abimelech.

Noah Webster Bible

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

World English Bible

Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Young's Literal Translation

And Gaal goeth out before the masters of Shechem, and fighteth against Abimelech,

Context

The Fall of Shechem

³⁸“Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!”³⁹So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,⁴⁰but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.

Summary

In this verse, Abimelek's death is foretold through the actions of a woman who drops a millstone on his head, fulfilling the curse pronounced by Jotham. This event serves as a reminder of God's justice and the consequences of seeking power through deceit and violence. It also highlights the theme of divine retribution against those who oppress and harm others, showcasing God's sovereignty over human affairs. Ultimately, Abimelek's demise reflects the principle that those who live by the sword will die by the sword, reinforcing the importance of righteousness and humility in leadership.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

Then Gaal went out "before the citizens of Shechem;" i.e., not at their head as their leaders, which is the meaning of לפני in Gen 33:3; Exo 13:21; Num 10:35, etc., - for, according to Jdg 9:33-35, Gaal had only gone out of the town with his own retinue, and, according to Jdg 9:42, Jdg 9:43, the people of Shechem did not go out till the next day, - but "in the sight of the lords of Shechem," so that they looked upon the battle. But the battle ended unfortunately for him. Abimelech put him to flight (רדף as in Lev 26:36), and there fell many slain up to the gate of the city, into which Gaal had fled with his followers.

Judges 9:39

The Fall of Shechem

³⁸“Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!”³⁹So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,⁴⁰but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,

American Standard Version (1901)

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Bible in Basic English

So Gaal went out at the head of the townsmen of Shechem and made war on Abimelech.

Free Bible Version

So Gaal led the leaders of Shechem out of the town and fought with Abimelech.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Translation for Translators

So Gaal led the men of Shechem outside the city to fight Abimelech and his men.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Gaal went out and he was leading the men of Shechem, and he fought Abimelech.

Noah Webster Bible

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

World English Bible

Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Young's Literal Translation

And Gaal goeth out before the masters of Shechem, and fighteth against Abimelech,