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<!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 9:23 God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/07_Jdg_09_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:23 - Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully," /><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'; 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and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem; and the lords of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem acted treacherously against Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit to cause problems between Abimelech and citizens of Shechem. So citizens of Shechem turned against Abimelech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then God made Abimelech and the men of Shechem hostile to each other, and they rebelled against Abimelech. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit to divide Abimelech and the "lords" of Shechem <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />God sent a spirit to stir up hostility between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. He made the leaders of Shechem disloyal to Abimelech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And God sent a spirit of hostility between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem; and the lords of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and God sends an evil spirit between Abimelech and the masters of Shechem, and the masters of Shechem deal treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and God sendeth an evil spirit between Abimelech and the masters of Shechem, and the masters of Shechem deal treacherously with Abimelech,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And God will send an evil spirit between Abimelech and between the lords of Shechem; and the lords of Shechem will act deceitfully with Abimelech,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord sent a very evil spirit between Abimelech and the inhabitants of Sichem: who began to detest him, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord put a very grievous spirit between Abimelech and the inhabitants of Shechem, who began to detest him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God put an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem, and the lords of Shechem broke faith with the house of Abimelech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem; and the lords of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then God sent an evil spirit upon Abimeleck and upon the lords of Shechem; and the lords of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimeleck,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And God sent an evil spirit upon Abimelek and upon the Lords of Shekeem, and the Masters of Shekeem were treacherous toward Abimelek<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Sicima; and the men of Sicima dealt treacherously with the house of Abimelech:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-23.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=2834" 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">Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22</span>After Abimelech had reigned over Israel for three years, <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">a spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘āh (Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">of animosity</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bên (Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">between</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/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the leaders</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/1167.htm" title="1167: ḇa·‘ă·lê- (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">and caused them</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ba·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">to treat Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/898.htm" title="898: way·yiḇ·gə·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To act or deal treacherously. A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage.">deceitfully,</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.…<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="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a></span><br />Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress from the LORD began to torment him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-22.htm">1 Kings 22:22-23</a></span><br />And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:11</a></span><br />For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a></span><br />The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a></span><br />But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">1 Kings 12:15</a></span><br />So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-21.htm">2 Chronicles 18:21-22</a></span><br />And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ / So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28</a></span><br />Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23</a></span><br />And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-15.htm">1 Samuel 28:15</a></span><br />Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am deeply distressed,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1</a></span><br />Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-14.htm">1 Kings 11:14</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up against Solomon an adversary, Hadad the Edomite, from the royal line of Edom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-23.htm">1 Kings 11:23</a></span><br />And God raised up against Solomon another adversary, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master, Hadadezer king of Zobah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-26.htm">1 Kings 11:26</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">2 Samuel 17:14</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Judges 9:15,20</a></b></br> And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, <i>then</i> come <i>and</i> put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14-16</a></b></br> But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-9.htm">1 Samuel 18:9,10</a></b></br> And Saul eyed David from that day and forward… </p><p class="hdg">dealt</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-16.htm">Judges 9:16</a></b></br> Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/33-1.htm">Isaiah 33:1</a></b></br> Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou <i>wast</i> not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; <i>and</i> when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></b></br> For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/judges/1-24.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/judges/6-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/6-34.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Townsmen</a> <a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Treacherously</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/judges/9-26.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/ruth/1-8.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/judges/18-4.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/11-29.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Townsmen</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-33.htm">Treacherously</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>God sent a spirit of animosity</b><br>This phrase indicates divine intervention in the affairs of men, a common theme in the Old Testament where God actively influences events to fulfill His purposes. The "spirit of animosity" suggests a supernatural influence that incites discord, similar to how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in Exodus. This reflects the biblical principle that God can use even negative circumstances to achieve His will.<p><b>between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem</b><br>Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought power through violence and manipulation, killing his brothers to become king. Shechem was a significant city in Israel's history, located in the hill country of Ephraim. It was a place of covenant renewal (Joshua 24) and had a history of internal strife (Genesis 34). The leaders of Shechem initially supported Abimelech, but their alliance was fragile, highlighting the instability of human alliances when not grounded in righteousness.<p><b>and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully</b><br>The deceitful treatment reflects the consequences of Abimelech's own treachery. This phrase underscores the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>). The leaders' betrayal is a direct result of the spirit of animosity, illustrating how God can use human actions, even those with evil intent, to bring about justice and fulfill His divine plan. This also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Abimelech, serving as a warning against the pursuit of power through unrighteous means.<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 killing his seventy brothers, except for Jotham, who escaped.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>A significant city in the hill country of Ephraim, where Abimelech's mother was from. The men of Shechem initially supported Abimelech's rise to power.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign deity who intervenes in the affairs of men, as seen in <a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23</a>, where He sends an evil spirit to create discord between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/leaders_of_shechem.htm">Leaders of Shechem</a></b><br>The men who initially supported Abimelech but later turned against him due to the evil spirit sent by God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/evil_spirit.htm">Evil Spirit</a></b><br>A spirit sent by God to cause division and conflict between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to the eventual downfall of Abimelech.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>God is in control of all events, even those that seem chaotic or evil. He can use any situation to fulfill His divine purposes and bring about justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Abimelech's actions and the subsequent events highlight the destructive nature of sin and the inevitable consequences that follow. Sin often leads to division and strife.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_justice.htm">Divine Justice</a></b><br>God's intervention in sending an evil spirit demonstrates His commitment to justice. He will not allow wickedness to go unpunished indefinitely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_human_choice.htm">The Role of Human Choice</a></b><br>While God is sovereign, human choices still have real consequences. The leaders of Shechem chose to support Abimelech initially, and their later betrayal led to their downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a></b><br>Believers can trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when circumstances seem dire. His plans are ultimately for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His purposes.<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/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><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_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/why_would_god_send_an_'evil_spirit'.htm">In 1 Samuel 16:14, why would God send an “evil spirit” to torment Saul, contradicting the idea of a benevolent deity? </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>(23) <span class= "bld">An evil spirit.</span>--Whether the word used for spirit (<span class= "ital">ruach</span>) is here meant to be <span class= "ital">personal </span>or not we cannot say. Sometimes it seems to mean an evil being (<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm" title="But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.">1Samuel 16:14</a>), sometimes only an evil temper (<a href="/numbers/14-24.htm" title="But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into where he went; and his seed shall possess it.">Numbers 14:24</a>). The later Jews would have made little or no difference between the two, since they attributed almost every evil to the direct agency of demons.<p><span class= "bld">Dealt treacherously.</span>--The word is used for the beginning of a defection.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23, 24.</span> - These two verses contain the summary of what is related in detail in the rest of the chapter, and we arc told that it all happened providentially, <span class="accented">that the violence done to the sons of Jerubbaal</span>, <span class="accented">and their blood</span>, <span class="accented">might come to be laid</span> (literally, <span class="accented">for some one to lay</span>) <span class="accented">upon Abimelech</span>, etc. <span class="cmt_word">Which aided him</span> - literally, <span class="accented">strengthened his</span> hands, by giving him money, and encouraging him to make way to the throne by killing his brothers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-23.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">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">an evil</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֣וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">between</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(bên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבֵ֖ין</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> </span><span class="str2">An interval, space between</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the leaders</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲלֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and caused them</span><br /><span class="heb">בַעֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇa·‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to treat Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ba·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">deceitfully,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְגְּד֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·gə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_898.htm">Strong's 898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, to act covertly, to pillage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-23.htm">Judges 9:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-23.htm">OT History: Judges 9:23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:24" /></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>