Judges 9:40

Verse

but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.

American Standard Version (1901)

And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even unto the entrance of the gate.

Bible in Basic English

And Abimelech went after him and he went in flight before him; and a great number were falling by the sword all the way up to the town.

Free Bible Version

Abimelech attacked, and chased him and his men as they ran away, killing many of them as they tried to get back to the town gate.

Geneva Bible 1599

But Abimelech pursued him, and he fledde before him, and many were ouerthrowen and wounded, euen vnto the entring of the gate.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.

Translation for Translators

Abimelech and his men pursued them, and they killed many of Gaal’s men before they could return safely inside the city gate.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Abimelech chased him, and Gaal fled before him. Many fell with deadly wounds before the entrance to the city gate.

Noah Webster Bible

And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even to the entrance of the gate.

World English Bible

Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many fell wounded, even to the entrance of the gate.

Young's Literal Translation

and Abimelech pursueth him, and he fleeth from his presence, and many fall wounded — unto the opening of the gate.

Context

The Fall of Shechem

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.⁴¹Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Summary

This verse depicts the turning point in the story of Abimelek's rise to power, where his arrogance leads to his downfall. The actions of a woman who drops a millstone on his head fulfill the curse of Jotham, highlighting the consequences of seeking power through deceit and violence. It serves as a reminder of God's justice and the eventual downfall of those who act wickedly. Ultimately, this event reflects the theme of divine retribution and the triumph of righteousness over evil in the book of Judges.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah,.... Called also Aarima as Jerom (l) says, and in his time called Remphtis; it seems to be not far off from Shechem, he returned to the place where he was before, see Jdg 9:31 contenting himself with the advantage he had got, and waiting when another opportunity would offer, which quickly did, to be revenged on the Shechemites: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem; there seems to have been two parties in Shechem before, one that hated Abimelech, and another more friendly to his interest; by which means Zebul his officer kept his post, and Gaal could not get the government into his hand; and now by the loss in the late battle, who were Abimelech's sworn enemies, and the disgrace Gaal fell into by being beaten, Zebul was able, so far able to carry his point, as to drive Gaul and his brethren out of the city; though he had not strength to put him to death, or to seize him and deliver him into the hands of Abimelech. (l) De loc. Heb. fol. 94. B.