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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 9:52 When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-52.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/07_Jdg_09_52.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:52 - Abimelech's Punishment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></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/9-52.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/9-52.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 52</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="/ad1.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/9-51.htm" title="Judges 9:51">◄</a> Judges 9:52 <a href="/judges/9-53.htm" title="Judges 9:53">►</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="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </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 />Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech came as far as the tower and fought against it; and he drew near the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and drew near unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abimelech and his army rushed to the fortress and tried to force their way inside. Abimelech himself was about to set the heavy wooden doors on fire, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech came to the tower. He began to fight against it and went near the entrance of the tower to burn it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he went up to the door to set the tower on fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech approached the tower, attacked it, and approached the tower's gate, intending to burn it down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech came and attacked the tower. When he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and came near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and came near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. <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 comes to the tower, and fights against it, and draws near to the opening of the tower to burn it with fire,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abimelech cometh unto the tower, and fighteth against it, and draweth nigh unto the opening of the tower to burn it with fire,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech will come even to the tower, and will fight against it, and will urge on, even to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<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 coming near the tower, fought stoutly: and approaching to the gate, endeavoured to set fire to it: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech, drawing near the tower, fought valiantly. And approaching the gate, he strove to set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech came up to the tower and fought against it. When he came close to the entrance of the tower to set it on fire,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and came near to the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire.<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 advanced as far as the tower, and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek arrived unto the tower and fought against it and he came unto the gate of the tower to burn it in fire<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 came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went close unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech drew near to the tower, and they besieged it; and Abimelech drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-52.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3135" 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">Abimelech's Punishment</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">51</span>But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. <span class="reftext">52</span><span class="highl"><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.">When Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: way·yil·lā·ḥem (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">attack</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: ham·miḡ·dāl (Art:: N-ms) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">the tower,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gaš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">he approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: ham·miḡ·dāl (Art:: N-ms) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">its</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/8313.htm" title="8313: lə·śā·rə·p̄ōw (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3ms) -- To burn. A primitive root; to be on fire.">to set it on fire.</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ḇā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire."></a> </span><span class="reftext">53</span>But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.…<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_samuel/11-21.htm">2 Samuel 11:21</a></span><br />Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-17.htm">2 Samuel 11:17-21</a></span><br />And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. / Joab sent to David a full account of the battle / and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king a full account of the battle, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">2 Kings 14:10</a></span><br />You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-14</a></span><br />Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/25-19.htm">2 Chronicles 25:19</a></span><br />You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/25-17.htm">2 Chronicles 25:17-24</a></span><br />Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-13.htm">Isaiah 30:13</a></span><br />this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-12.htm">Isaiah 30:12-14</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you have rejected this message, trusting in oppression and relying on deceit, / this iniquity of yours is like a breach about to fail, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant! / It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-13.htm">Jeremiah 21:13</a></span><br />Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley, atop the rocky plateau—declares the LORD—you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our dwellings?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-11.htm">Jeremiah 21:11-14</a></span><br />Moreover, tell the house of the king of Judah to hear the word of the LORD. / O house of David, this is what the LORD says: ‘Administer justice every morning, and rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor, or My wrath will go forth like fire and burn with no one to extinguish it because of their evil deeds. / Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley, atop the rocky plateau—declares the LORD—you who say, “Who can come against us? Who can enter our dwellings?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a></span><br />Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">Matthew 21:33-44</a></span><br />Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-10.htm">Mark 12:10</a></span><br />Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Mark 12:1-11</a></span><br />Then Jesus began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. / But they seized the servant, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Luke 20:17</a></span><br />But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and went hard to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Judges 9:48,49</a></b></br> And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that <i>were</i> with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid <i>it</i> on his shoulder, and said unto the people that <i>were</i> with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, <i>and</i> do as I <i>have done</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/14-10.htm">2 Kings 14:10</a></b></br> Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory <i>of this</i>, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to <i>thy</i> hurt, that thou shouldest fall, <i>even</i> thou, and Judah with thee?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/15-16.htm">2 Kings 15:16</a></b></br> Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that <i>were</i> therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not <i>to him</i>, therefore he smote <i>it; and</i> all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/3-20.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/judges/9-45.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/joshua/2-5.htm">Close</a> <a href="/judges/4-20.htm">Door</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/judges/8-20.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/judges/4-24.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/joshua/21-1.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/judges/9-40.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/judges/6-37.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Stormed</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">Tower</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-55.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Close</a> <a href="/judges/11-31.htm">Door</a> <a href="/judges/20-37.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/18-16.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/ruth/2-20.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/judges/18-16.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/judges/14-4.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-14.htm">Stormed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-9.htm">Tower</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 /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>When Abimelech came</b><br />Abimelech, whose name means "my father is king," was a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. His rise to power was marked by ambition and violence, as he sought to establish himself as a ruler over Shechem and its surrounding areas. Historically, Abimelech's actions reflect the turbulent period of the Judges, where Israel lacked centralized leadership and often fell into cycles of sin and retribution. His coming to the tower signifies a continuation of his aggressive campaign to consolidate power, a stark contrast to the leadership of his father, Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel.<p><b>to attack the tower</b><br />The tower in question was likely a fortified structure within the city of Thebez, used as a last refuge for its inhabitants. Towers in ancient times served as defensive strongholds, providing a vantage point and protection against invaders. Abimelech's attack on the tower demonstrates his relentless pursuit of control and his willingness to destroy any opposition. This act of aggression is emblematic of the chaos and moral decline during the era of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>).<p><b>he approached its entrance</b><br />Approaching the entrance of the tower indicates Abimelech's boldness and determination to overcome the resistance of Thebez's inhabitants. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for the relentless nature of sin and the enemy's attempts to breach the defenses of our lives. The entrance represents a point of vulnerability, and Abimelech's approach underscores the need for vigilance and spiritual fortification against the forces that seek to undermine our faith and integrity.<p><b>to set it on fire</b><br />Fire, in biblical symbolism, often represents judgment, destruction, and purification. Abimelech's intention to set the tower on fire reveals his ruthless strategy to eliminate his adversaries completely. Historically, fire was a common method of warfare used to destroy fortifications and force surrender. In the broader narrative of Judges, this act foreshadows Abimelech's own downfall, as his violent methods ultimately lead to his demise. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the consequences of turning away from God's righteous path.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(52) <span class= "bld">Went hard unto the door.</span>--Hard, <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>close. Like other bad men, Abimelech was not lacking in physical courage. He had all his father's impetuous energy. The peril of such rashness served the Israelites as a perpetual warning (<a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm" title="Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went you near the wall? then say you, Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.">2Samuel 11:21</a>).<p><span class= "bld">To burn it with fire.</span>--He naturally anticipated another hideous success like that at Millo.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 52.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To burn it with fire</span> - encouraged by his success at the tower of Shechem. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-52.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">When Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙</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">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">attack</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yil·lā·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person 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">the tower,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּגְדָּ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miḡ·dāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he approached</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּגַּ֛שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yig·gaš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּגְדָּ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miḡ·dāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers</span><br /><br /><span class="word">entrance</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֥תַח</span> <span class="translit">(pe·ṯaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, entrance way</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to set it on fire.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׂרְפ֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·śā·rə·p̄ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8313.htm">Strong's 8313: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, on fire</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-52.htm">Judges 9:52 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-52.htm">OT History: Judges 9:52 Abimelech came to the tower and fought (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-51.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:51"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:51" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-53.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:53"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:53" /></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>