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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 9:34 So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-34.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_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:34 - The Fall of Shechem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.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/9-33.htm" title="Judges 9:33">◄</a> Judges 9:34 <a href="/judges/9-35.htm" title="Judges 9:35">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all his men went by night and split into four groups, stationing themselves around Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that <i>were</i> with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who <i>were</i> with him rose by night, and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who <i>were</i> with him got up at night, and lay in wait against Shechem, in four units.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who <i>were</i> with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who <i>were</i> with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people who were with him got up during the night, and set up an ambush against Shechem, in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the troops with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the people with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So one night, Abimelech led his soldiers to Shechem. He divided them into four groups, and they all hid near the town. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech and all his troops started out at night. He used four companies to set ambushes around Shechem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all his men made their move at night and hid outside Shechem in four groups. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech and his entire army got up that night and waited in ambush against Shechem in four separate companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all his men came up at night and set an ambush outside Shechem--they divided into four units.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech rose, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. <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 rises, and all the people who [are] with him, by night, and they lay wait against Shechem—four detachments;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abimelech riseth, and all the people who are with him, by night, and they lay wait against Shechem -- four detachments;<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 rise, and all the people which are with him, by night, and they will lie in wait against Shechem in four heads.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech therefore arose with all his army by night, and laid ambushes near Sichem in four places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so Abimelech rose up, with all his army, by night, and he set ambushes near Shechem in four places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />During the night Abimelech went into action with all his soldiers and set up an ambush outside of Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Abimelech and all the troops with him got up by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<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 and all the people that were with him rose up by night, and they laid in ambush against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek arose in the night, and all the people that were with him, and they laid ambush against Shekeem in four divisions<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 rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech and all the people with him rose up by night, and formed an ambuscade against Sychem in four companies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-34.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=2955" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">The Fall of Shechem</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">33</span>And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.” <span class="reftext">34</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.">So Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</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.">his troops</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">set out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lā·yə·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">by night</a> <a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: way·ye·’er·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">and lay in wait</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/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.">Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/702.htm" title="702: ’ar·bā·‘āh (Number-ms) -- Four. Masculine oarbaah; from raba'; four.">in four</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rā·šîm (N-mp) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">companies.</a> </span><span class="reftext">35</span>Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places.…<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/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10-12</a></span><br />Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-14.htm">2 Kings 9:14-20</a></span><br />Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” / Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">1 Samuel 22:6-8</a></span><br />Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. / Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-4.htm">2 Samuel 20:4-10</a></span><br />Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” / So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. / And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">1 Kings 16:9-10</a></span><br />However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. / So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/11-14.htm">2 Kings 11:14-16</a></span><br />And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/23-13.htm">2 Chronicles 23:13-15</a></span><br />And she looked and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-47.htm">Matthew 26:47-50</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-43.htm">Mark 14:43-46</a></span><br />While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47-48</a></span><br />While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/18-2.htm">John 18:2-3</a></span><br />Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Acts 25:3</a></span><br />to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">2 Corinthians 11:26</a></span><br />In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Companies</a> <a href="/joshua/7-22.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Detachments</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/judges/9-32.htm">Night</a> <a href="/joshua/10-34.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/judges/8-21.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/judges/7-1.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/joshua/10-9.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/judges/8-6.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/judges/9-32.htm">Wait</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-45.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Companies</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Concealed</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Detachments</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Night</a> <a href="/judges/20-20.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/20-29.htm">Surprise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-7.htm">Troops</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Wait</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'; 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The decision to move by night indicates a strategic approach, aiming to catch the city off guard. Night operations in ancient warfare were risky due to limited visibility, but they offered the element of surprise. This tactic reflects Abimelech's ruthless ambition and willingness to use deception, reminiscent of other biblical figures who acted under the cover of darkness, such as Judas Iscariot in the betrayal of Jesus (<a href="/john/13-30.htm">John 13:30</a>).<p><b>and lay in wait against Shechem</b><br>Shechem was a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, with a rich history dating back to the time of Abraham (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Genesis 12:6</a>). It was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, indicating its religious importance. Abimelech's choice to attack Shechem highlights the city's strategic and symbolic value. The act of laying in wait suggests a premeditated ambush, a common military tactic in ancient times, reflecting the treacherous nature of Abimelech's leadership. This mirrors the deceitful actions of other biblical characters, such as the ambush at Ai (<a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2</a>).<p><b>in four companies</b><br>Dividing his forces into four companies demonstrates Abimelech's tactical acumen, allowing for a coordinated and multifaceted attack. This division could symbolize completeness or totality, as the number four often represents in biblical numerology. The use of multiple companies would enable Abimelech to surround Shechem, cutting off escape routes and ensuring a comprehensive assault. This strategy is reminiscent of other biblical military campaigns, such as Gideon's division of his 300 men into three companies (<a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16</a>), showcasing a continuity of military tactics within the narrative of Judges.<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), who sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and Israel. His ambition and ruthless actions are central to this account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. It becomes the focal point of Abimelech's power struggle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/troops.htm">Troops</a></b><br>The men who followed Abimelech, likely mercenaries or loyalists, who participated in his military campaign against Shechem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/night_ambush.htm">Night Ambush</a></b><br>A strategic military maneuver where Abimelech divides his forces into four companies to surprise and overpower the city of Shechem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/four_companies.htm">Four Companies</a></b><br>The division of Abimelech's forces, indicating a calculated and organized approach to warfare, aiming to maximize the element of surprise.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition.htm">The Dangers of Ambition</a></b><br>Abimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost. His actions lead to destruction, illustrating the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning_vs._godly_wisdom.htm">Strategic Planning vs. Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>While Abimelech's military strategy was effective, it lacked divine guidance. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in their plans rather than relying solely on human strategy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a></b><br>Abimelech's betrayal of his family and people for personal gain serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite Abimelech's schemes, God's overarching plan prevails. This reminds believers of God's sovereignty and justice, even when human actions seem to dominate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_leadership.htm">Community and Leadership</a></b><br>The conflict at Shechem highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of community decisions. It challenges believers to consider the qualities of leaders they support and follow.<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/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/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/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><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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) <span class= "bld">Four companies.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">four heads. </span>(Comp. <a href="/judges/7-16.htm" title="And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.">Judges 7:16</a>.)<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-34.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">So Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ</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 all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his troops</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">set out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֧קָם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by night</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֑יְלָה</span> <span class="translit">(lā·yə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> </span><span class="str2">A twist, night, adversity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lay in wait</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאֶרְב֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye·’er·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie in wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֔ם</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">in four</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְבָּעָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·bā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_702.htm">Strong's 702: </a> </span><span class="str2">Four</span><br /><br /><span class="word">companies.</span><br /><span class="heb">רָאשִֽׁים׃</span> <span class="translit">(rā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-34.htm">Judges 9:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">OT History: Judges 9:34 Abimelech rose up and all the people (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:35" /></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>