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 9:49 So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-49.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/07_Jdg_09_49.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:49 - The Fall of Shechem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women." /><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/9-49.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/9-49.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 49</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="/ad9.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/9-48.htm" title="Judges 9:48">◄</a> Judges 9:49 <a href="/judges/9-50.htm" title="Judges 9:50">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a> So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelek. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire with the people still inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died. <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> So each of them cut down some branches, following Abimelech’s example. They piled the branches against the walls of the temple and set them on fire. So all the people who had lived in the tower of Shechem died—about 1,000 men and women. <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women. <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> So each of the people likewise cut down his own bough and followed Abimelech, put them against the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire above them, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem died, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So all the people also cut down, each one, his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on top of the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> All the people also cut down each one his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And all the people also cut down each one his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And all the people also cut down each one his branch and followed Abimelech and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about one thousand men and women. <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So everyone of the people also cut down his branch and followed Abimelech, and they put the branches on top of the inner chamber and set it on fire over those inside, so that all the people in the Tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Each of the troops also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire; about a thousand men and women died, including all the men of the Tower of Shechem. <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Each person also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire around the people, and all the people in the Tower of Shechem died—about 1,000 men and women. <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When they all had branches, they followed Abimelech back to Shechem. They piled the branches against the fortress and set them on fire, burning down the fortress and killing about 1,000 men and women. <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So all his troops also cut brushwood and followed Abimelech. They piled the brushwood on top of the basement and set it on fire with the people inside. So all the people in Shechem's Tower died too. There were about a thousand men and women. <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> So everyone cut off a tree limb; then they followed Abimelech and piled the wood up against the stronghold. They set it on fire, with the people inside, and all the people of the fort died--about a thousand men and women. <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then his entire army also cut down a branch for each soldier, followed Abimelech to the inner chamber, and set fire to it while they were inside. As a result, all the men of the tower of Shechem died, including about a thousand men and women. <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> So each of his men also cut off a branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the stronghold and set fire to it. All the people of the Tower of Shechem died--about a thousand men and women. <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> All the people likewise cut down his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire on them; so that all the men of the Tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them: so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> All the people likewise each cut down his bough, followed Abimelech, and put them at the base of the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And every one of the people cuts down his bough and goes after Abimelech, and sets [them] at the high place, and burns the high place with fire by these, and also all the men of the Tower of Shechem die—about one thousand men and women. <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And all the people also cut down each one his bough, and go after Abimelech, and set them at the high place, and burn by these the high place with fire, and also all the men of the tower of Shechem die, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And also all the people will cut each a bough, and will go after Abimelech, and they will put upon the tower, and will set the tower on fire upon them, and all the men of the tower of Shechem will die; about a thousand men and women.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So they cut down boughs from the trees, every man as fast as he could, and followed their leader. And surrounding the fort they set it on fire: and so it came to pass that with the smoke and with the fire a thousand persons were killed, men and women together, of the inhabitants of the tower of Sichem. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, eagerly cutting down branches from the trees, they followed their leader. And surrounding the fortified place, they set it on fire. And so it happened that, by smoke and fire, one thousand persons died, men and women together, the occupants of the tower of Shechem. <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> So all the soldiers likewise cut down brushwood and, following Abimelech, placed it against the crypt. Then they set the crypt on fire over them, so that every one of the people of the Migdal-shechem, about a thousand men and women, perished. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So every one of the troops cut down a bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So every man cut down his branch and followed Abimeleck, and they piled them up, and then set the city on fire, so that all the men that were in the tower of Shechem died in fire, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they cut each man his branch and they followed after Abimelek. And they placed a heap and they burned the city in fire, and all the men that were in the Tower of Shekeem died in the fire, about one thousand, between men and woman<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they cut down likewise even every man a branch, and went after Abimelech, and laid them against the place of gathering, and burnt the place of gathering over them with fire; and they died, even all the men of the tower of Sicima, about a thousand men and women. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-49.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3101" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">The Fall of Shechem</a> …48he and all his men went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his axe in his hand and cut a branch from the trees, which he lifted to his shoulder, saying to his men, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.” 49<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">So each</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">also</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">cut</a> <a href="/hebrew/7754.htm" title="7754: śō·w·ḵōh (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Branch, brushwood. Or sowkah; from suwk; a branch.">his own branch</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and followed</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (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/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śî·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">Then they piled the branches</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/6877.htm" title="6877: haṣ·ṣə·rî·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- Perhaps excavation, underground chamber. From tsarach in the sense of clearness of vision; a citadel.">the inner chamber</a> <a href="/hebrew/3341.htm" title="3341: way·yaṣ·ṣî·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To kindle, burn. A primitive root; to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate.">and set</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/6877.htm" title="6877: haṣ·ṣə·rî·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- Perhaps excavation, underground chamber. From tsarach in the sense of clearness of vision; a citadel.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: bā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">on fire</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">above them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·yā·mu·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">killing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: miḡ·dal- (N-proper-fs) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">in the tower</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: kə·’e·lep̄ (Prep-k:: Number-msc) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">about a thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·’iš·šāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">and women.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_kings/19-18.htm">2 Kings 19:18</a> They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. <a href="/isaiah/37-19.htm">Isaiah 37:19</a> They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. <a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9</a> Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, <a href="/ezekiel/6-13.htm">Ezekiel 6:13</a> Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols. <a href="/2_chronicles/34-4.htm">2 Chronicles 34:4</a> Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. <a href="/1_kings/14-23.htm">1 Kings 14:23</a> They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-2.htm">Deuteronomy 12:2-3</a> Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are dispossessing have served their gods—atop the high mountains, on the hills, and under every green tree. / Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the idols of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place. <a href="/hosea/4-13.htm">Hosea 4:13</a> They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. <a href="/2_kings/17-10.htm">2 Kings 17:10</a> They set up for themselves sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm">Isaiah 1:29</a> Surely you will be ashamed of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be embarrassed by the gardens that you have chosen. <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Matthew 3:10</a> The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/luke/3-9.htm">Luke 3:9</a> The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” <a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a> If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned. <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Matthew 7:19</a> Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-21</a> Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire on them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.put them<a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Judges 9:15,20</a> And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon… <a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15</a> But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.<a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a> For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Bough</a> <a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Died</a> <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/8-8.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/judges/8-26.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/5-29.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Bough</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Died</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/11-24.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/judges/9-57.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-4.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/judges/12-6.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>So each man also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. This phrase highlights the collective action of Abimelech's followers, demonstrating their loyalty and obedience to his command. The act of cutting branches is reminiscent of military tactics used in ancient warfare, where soldiers would use available resources to achieve strategic goals. Abimelech, a son of Gideon, had declared himself king and was known for his ruthless ambition. This event occurs after Abimelech's violent rise to power, which included the murder of his seventy brothers. The followers' actions reflect the influence and control Abimelech had over his men, as well as the desperation and fear that drove them to comply with his orders.Then they piled the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire above them, The piling of branches against the inner chamber indicates a siege tactic aimed at destroying the stronghold of the tower of Shechem. This method of warfare was brutal and effective, designed to smoke out or burn those inside. The inner chamber likely served as a place of refuge for the people of Shechem, who had sought safety from Abimelech's wrath. The act of setting the chamber on fire is a testament to the destructive nature of Abimelech's reign and his willingness to annihilate those who opposed him. This event foreshadows the eventual downfall of Abimelech, as his violent actions lead to his own demise, fulfilling the principle of reaping what one sows.killing everyone in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women. The mass killing of about a thousand men and women in the tower of Shechem underscores the severity of Abimelech's tyranny and the tragic loss of life resulting from his quest for power. This massacre is a stark reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God, as they had turned away from His commandments and sought leadership from a man like Abimelech. The destruction of Shechem, a city with historical significance as a center of covenant renewal (Joshua 24), symbolizes the spiritual and moral decay of the nation. This event also serves as a warning against the dangers of ungodly leadership and the importance of seeking God's guidance in choosing leaders. The narrative of Abimelech's reign and its violent end is a sobering reflection on the cyclical nature of sin and judgment in the book of Judges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who declared himself king over Shechem and led a violent campaign to consolidate power. 2. <a href="/topical/m/men_of_shechem.htm">Men of Shechem</a> The inhabitants of Shechem who initially supported Abimelech but later turned against him due to his tyrannical rule. 3. <a href="/topical/t/tower_of_shechem.htm">Tower of Shechem</a> A fortified structure where the people of Shechem sought refuge from Abimelech's attack. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_stronghold.htm">The Stronghold</a> The place where the people of Shechem gathered for protection, ultimately becoming the site of their demise. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a> Abimelech's men cut branches, piled them against the stronghold, and set it on fire, killing about a thousand men and women inside.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition_and_pride.htm">The Dangers of Ambition and Pride</a> Abimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and pride, which can lead to destructive outcomes. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a> The people of Shechem's betrayal of Abimelech and vice versa illustrate the destructive cycle of betrayal and mistrust. <a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_false_security.htm">The Illusion of False Security</a> The Tower of Shechem represents false security; true refuge is found in God alone. <a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_justice.htm">Judgment and Justice</a> God's justice is ultimately served, as seen in the downfall of Abimelech and the people of Shechem. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a> Abimelech's failure as a leader underscores the need for leaders who follow God's principles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_send_an_evil_spirit_in_judges_9_23.htm">Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?</a> <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 href="/q/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 49. - Set the hold on fire - thus literally fulfilling Jotham's curse in vers. 15 and 20. It is thought by many that those who thus perished miserably by suffocation and fire in the hold of the temple of Baal-berith had taken sanctuary there, not occupied it for the purposes of defence. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-49.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So each כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person also גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and cut וַיִּכְרְת֨וּ (way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant his own branch שׂוֹכֹ֗ה (śō·w·ḵōh) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7754.htm">Strong's 7754: </a> Branch, brushwood and followed וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk Abimelech. אֲבִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name Then they piled [the branches] וַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set against עַֽל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the inner chamber הַצְּרִ֔יחַ (haṣ·ṣə·rî·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6877.htm">Strong's 6877: </a> Perhaps excavation, underground chamber and set it וַיַּצִּ֧יתוּ (way·yaṣ·ṣî·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> To burn, set on fire, to desolate on fire בָּאֵ֑שׁ (bā·’êš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire above them, עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against killing וַיָּמֻ֜תוּ (way·yā·mu·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill everyone כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every in the tower מִֽגְדַּל־ (miḡ·dal-) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers of Shechem, שְׁכֶ֛ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor about a thousand כְּאֶ֖לֶף (kə·’e·lep̄) Preposition-k | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> A thousand men אִ֥ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person and women. וְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (wə·’iš·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-49.htm">Judges 9:49 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-49.htm">OT History: Judges 9:49 All the people likewise cut down every (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-48.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:48"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:48" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:50"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:50" /></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>