CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 9:45 And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-45.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/07_Jdg_09_45.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:45 - The Fall of Shechem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/9-45.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/9-45.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 45</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/9-44.htm" title="Judges 9:44">◄</a> Judges 9:45 <a href="/judges/9-46.htm" title="Judges 9:46">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The battle went on all day before Abimelech finally captured the city. He killed the people, leveled the city, and scattered salt all over the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed the people who were in it, and he razed the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that <i>was</i> therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he took the city and killed the people who <i>were</i> in it; and he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city that whole day, and he captured the city and killed the people who <i>were</i> in it; then he tore down the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he captured the city and killed the people who were in it; then he razed the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he captured the city and killed the people who <i>were</i> in it; then he razed the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he captured the city and killed the people who <i>were</i> in it; then he tore the city down and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city that entire day. He took the city and killed the people who were in it; he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech fought against the city that entire day, captured it, and killed the people who were in it. Then he tore down the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech fought against the city that entire day, captured it, and killed the people who were in it. Then he tore down the city and sowed it with salt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that were therein: and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He and his troops fought in Shechem all day, until they had killed everyone in town. Then he and his men tore down the houses and buildings and scattered salt everywhere. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein: and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech attacked the city all day long. He captured the city and killed the people in it. He also tore down the city and scattered salt all over the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The fighting continued all day long. Abimelech captured the city, killed its people, tore it down, and covered the ground with salt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day, captured the city, killed the people in it, then tore the city to the ground and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed all the people in it. Then he leveled the city and spread salt over it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and killed the people who were in it. And he destroyed the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that were in it, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city and killed the people in it. He beat down the city and sowed it with salt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abimelech has fought against the city all that day, and captures the city, and has slain the people who [are] in it, and he breaks down the city, and sows it [with] salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abimelech hath fought against the city all that day, and captureth the city, and the people who are in it he hath slain, and he breaketh down the city, and soweth it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he will take the city, and the people which in it he killed, and he will tear down the city, and will sow it with salt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech assaulted the city all that day: and took it, and killed the inhabitants thereof, and demolished it, so that he sowed salt in it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now Abimelech assaulted the city all that day. And he seized it, and he killed its inhabitants, and he destroyed it, so much so that he scattered salt in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />That entire day Abimelech fought against the city. He captured it, killed the people who were in it, and demolished the city itself, sowing it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he took the city, and killed the people that were in it; and he razed the city and sowed it with salt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abimeleck fought in the city all that day; and he took the city, and he slew all the people that were in it, and he destroyed the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek fought in the city all that day and defeated the city, and all the people that were in it he killed, and he destroyed the city and he sowed it with salt<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that were therein; and he beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and took the city, and slew the people that were in it, and destroyed the city, and sowed it with salt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-45.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3061" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">The Fall of Shechem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">44</span>Then Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two companies rushed against all who were in the fields and struck them down. <span class="reftext">45</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">And all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: wa·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: nil·ḥām (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">fought</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: bā·‘îr (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">against the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/3920.htm" title="3920: way·yil·kōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To capture, seize, take. A primitive root; to catch; generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose; figuratively, to cohere.">until he had captured it</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: hā·rāḡ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">and killed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">its people.</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/bāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5422.htm" title="5422: way·yit·tōṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To pull down, break down. A primitive root; to tear down.">Then he demolished</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/2232.htm" title="2232: way·yiz·rā·‘e·hā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3fs) -- To sow, scatter seed. A primitive root; to sow; figuratively, to disseminate, plant, fructify.">and sowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4417.htm" title="4417: me·laḥ (N-ms) -- Salt. From malach; properly, powder, i.e. salt">it with salt.</a> </span><span class="reftext">46</span>On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-25.htm">2 Kings 3:25</a></span><br />They destroyed the cities, and each man threw stones on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-haraseth was left with stones in place, but men with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/48-18.htm">Jeremiah 48:18</a></span><br />Come down from your glory; sit on parched ground, O daughter dwelling in Dibon, for the destroyer of Moab has come against you; he has destroyed your fortresses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/25-2.htm">Isaiah 25:2</a></span><br />Indeed, You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin. The fortress of strangers is a city no more; it will never be rebuilt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a></span><br />All its soil will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unsown and unproductive, with no plant growing on it, just like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-4.htm">Ezekiel 26:4</a></span><br />They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-13.htm">Isaiah 34:13</a></span><br />Her towers will be overgrown with thorns, her fortresses with thistles and briers. She will become a haunt for jackals, an abode for ostriches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-11.htm">Jeremiah 9:11</a></span><br />“And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/2-9.htm">Zephaniah 2:9</a></span><br />Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah—a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-13.htm">Jeremiah 50:13</a></span><br />Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">Isaiah 13:19</a></span><br />And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Matthew 11:23</a></span><br />And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-43.htm">Luke 19:43-44</a></span><br />For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. / They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/18-21.htm">Revelation 18:21</a></span><br />Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-2.htm">Matthew 24:2</a></span><br />“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-2.htm">Mark 13:2</a></span><br />“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.</p><p class="hdg">he took</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">beat</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm">Deuteronomy 29:23</a></b></br> <i>And that</i> the whole land thereof <i>is</i> brimstone, and salt, <i>and</i> burning, <i>that</i> it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25</a></b></br> Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/3-25.htm">2 Kings 3:25</a></b></br> And they beat down the cities, and on every good piece of land cast every man his stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the wells of water, and felled all the good trees: only in Kirharaseth left they the stones thereof; howbeit the slingers went about <i>it</i>, and smote it.</p><p class="hdg">sowed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/judges/8-14.htm">Captureth</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/6-40.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/6-4.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/judges/6-38.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-58.htm">Razed</a> <a href="/joshua/18-19.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-3.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/judges/9-18.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/judges/6-3.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">Soweth</a> <a href="/judges/8-25.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/19-22.htm">Beat</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Captureth</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-6.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Death</a> <a href="/judges/20-21.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/judges/16-14.htm">Pulled</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-13.htm">Razed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">Salt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/judges/15-16.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/psalms/107-37.htm">Sowed</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Soweth</a> <a href="/judges/16-30.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a></span><br><span class="reftext">56. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And all that day Abimelech fought against the city</b><br>Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to establish his rule over Shechem, a significant city in the tribal territory of Ephraim. The phrase "all that day" indicates a prolonged and determined assault, reflecting Abimelech's relentless ambition and the intensity of the conflict. This battle is part of the broader narrative of Abimelech's violent rise to power, which contrasts with the leadership of his father, Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel.<p><b>until he had captured it and killed its people.</b><br>The capture and subsequent massacre of the city's inhabitants highlight the brutal nature of Abimelech's rule. This act of violence fulfills Jotham's curse (<a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20</a>), which predicted destruction for both Abimelech and the men of Shechem due to their treachery. The killing of the people underscores the theme of divine retribution and justice, as Abimelech's actions lead to his eventual downfall.<p><b>Then he demolished the city</b><br>The destruction of Shechem serves as a physical manifestation of Abimelech's wrath and a warning to others who might oppose him. In biblical times, demolishing a city was a common practice to ensure it could not be easily rebuilt or used as a base for rebellion. This act also symbolizes the complete eradication of opposition and the consequences of turning away from God, as Shechem had done by supporting Abimelech.<p><b>and sowed it with salt.</b><br>Sowing a city with salt was a symbolic act meant to curse the land, rendering it barren and uninhabitable. This practice is mentioned in other ancient Near Eastern texts and signifies total desolation. The use of salt here can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment, as salt is often associated with covenant and purity in Scripture (e.g., <a href="/leviticus/2-13.htm">Leviticus 2:13</a>). This act foreshadows the ultimate futility of Abimelech's reign, as his kingdom, like the salted land, would not endure.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He declared himself king after the death of his father and is known for his ruthless ambition and violent actions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It was a city of refuge and a place where important covenants were made.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_attack_on_shechem.htm">The Attack on Shechem</a></b><br>Abimelech's assault on Shechem was a brutal campaign to solidify his power. His actions were driven by vengeance and a desire to eliminate opposition.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sowing_with_salt.htm">Sowing with Salt</a></b><br>A symbolic act of cursing and rendering the land barren, indicating total destruction and a desire to prevent future habitation or prosperity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition_and_power.htm">The Dangers of Ambition and Power</a></b><br>Abimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons. His actions led to destruction and judgment, reminding us to seek leadership that aligns with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The destruction of Shechem illustrates the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder that our actions have lasting impacts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_salt.htm">Symbolism of Salt</a></b><br>In biblical times, salt was a symbol of both preservation and destruction. Abimelech's sowing of salt represents a curse, teaching us about the dual nature of our actions and words.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>Despite Abimelech's temporary success, his account ultimately demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to bring justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_deut_29_22-28_curses.htm">(Deut 29:22–28) Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that the severe curses and land devastation described actually occurred? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(45) <span class= "bld">Beat down the city.</span>--Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/17-13.htm" title="Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.">2Samuel 17:13</a>; <a href="/micah/3-12.htm" title="Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.">Micah 3:12</a>.<p>Sowed it with salt.--Nothing can better show his deadly execration against the populace to whom he owed his elevation, and who had been the instrument of his crimes. By this symbolic act he devoted the city to barrenness and desolation. (See <a href="/psalms/107-34.htm" title="A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.">Psalm 107:34</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/29-23.htm" title="And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor bears, nor any grass grows therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:">Deuteronomy 29:23</a>; <a href="/job/39-6.htm" title="Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.">Job 39:6</a>, and marg.) "When Milan was taken, in A.D. 1162, it was sown with salt, and the house of Admiral Coligny, A.D. 1572, was sown with salt by the command of Charles IX., king of France" (Wordsworth). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 45.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Abimelech fought against the city</span>, etc. When all the Shechemites in the field were smitten or dispersed, Abimelech stormed the city, weakened as it was by the previous loss of so many of its defenders. The city made an obstinate defence notwithstanding, but was taken before night, and all the inhabitants were put to the sword. The walls were then razed to the ground, and the site was sown with salt to express the wish that it might be barren and uninhabited for ever (cf. <a href="/psalms/107-34.htm">Psalm 107:34</a>, marg.; <a href="/jeremiah/17-6.htm">Jeremiah 17:6</a>). This action of sowing with salt is not elsewhere mentioned; but it is well known that salt destroys vegetation, and is used by gardeners for this very purpose. Pliny (quoted by Rosenmuller) says, <span class="accented">Omnis locus in quo reperitur sal sterilis est.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-45.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And all</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֚ל</span> <span class="translit">(kōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֔וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fought</span><br /><span class="heb">נִלְחָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(nil·ḥām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against the city</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּעִ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(bā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until he had captured it</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּלְכֹּד֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yil·kōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3920.htm">Strong's 3920: </a> </span><span class="str2">To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and killed</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָ֑ג</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rāḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smite with deadly intent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its people.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then he demolished</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֹּץ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tōṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5422.htm">Strong's 5422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, break down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֔יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and sowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּזְרָעֶ֖הָ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiz·rā·‘e·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2232.htm">Strong's 2232: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sow, to disseminate, plant, fructify</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it with salt.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלַח׃</span> <span class="translit">(me·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4417.htm">Strong's 4417: </a> </span><span class="str2">Powder, salt</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-45.htm">Judges 9:45 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-45.htm">OT History: Judges 9:45 Abimelech fought against the city all that (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-44.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:44"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:44" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-46.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:46"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:46" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>