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Remember that I am your own flesh and blood."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/07_Jdg_09_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Conspiracy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, 'Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?' 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And remember that I am your own flesh and blood!” <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> “Please speak in the hearing of all the men of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal reign over you, or that one reign over you?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and bone.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: for seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, to rule over you, or for one man to rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, &#8216Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?&#8217 Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Speak now in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your own bone and flesh.” <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Please speak in the hearing of all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you or that one man rule over you? ’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Please speak in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, &#8216Is it better for you that 70 men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you or that one man rule over you?&#8217 Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and told them to say to the leaders of Shechem, "Do you think it would be good to have all 70 of Gideon's sons ruling us? Wouldn't you rather have just one man be king? Abimelech would make a good king, and he's related to us." <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He said, "Please ask all citizens of Shechem, 'What seems best to you? Do you really want all of Jerubbaal's 70 sons to rule you or just one man? Remember, I'm your own flesh and blood.'" <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> to ask the men of Shechem, "Which would you prefer? To have all seventy of Gideon's sons govern you or to have just one man? Remember that Abimelech is your own flesh and blood." <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Ask all the "lords" of Shechem, 'What's better for you? That 70 men, each of them Jerubbaal's sons, rule over you? Or that one man rule over you?' Keep in mind that I'm like your own close relative." <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> "Tell all the leaders of Shechem this: 'Why would you want to have seventy men, all Jerub-Baal's sons, ruling over you, when you can have just one ruler? Recall that I am your own flesh and blood.'" <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Please speak in the ears of all the lords of Shechem, 'Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?' Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.'" <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Which is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are seventy persons, should reign over you, or that one should reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> “Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Now speak in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, Which [is] good for you—seventy men ruling over you (all the sons of Jerubba‘al), or one man ruling over you? And you have remembered that I [am] your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the masters of Shechem, Which is good for you -- the ruling over you of seventy men (all the sons of Jerubbaal), or the ruling over you of one man? -- and ye have remembered that I am your bone and your flesh.' <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Speak, now, in the ears of all the lords of Shechem, What good to you for seventy men of all the sons of Jerubbaal to rule over you, or one man to rule over you? and remember that I am your bone and your flesh.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Speak to all the men of Sichem: whether is better for you that seventy men all the sons of Jerobaal should rule over you, or that one man should rule over you? And withal consider that I am your bone, and your flesh. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Speak to all the men of Shechem: Which is better for you: that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, should rule over you, or that one man should rule over you? And consider also that I am your bone and your flesh.” <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> “Put this question to all the lords of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you: that seventy men, all Jerubbaal’s sons, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ You must remember that I am your own flesh and bone.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Say in the hearing of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Speak, before all the lords of Shechem, Which is better for you, that all the seventy men, the sons of Nedo-baal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> He said before all the Lords of Shekeem: “What is better to you, that seventy men, the sons of NeduBayl shall rule over you, or that one man will rule over you? And remember that I am your bones and your flesh”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem: Which is better for you, that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are threescore and ten persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.' <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Sychem, saying, Which is better for you, that seventy men, even all the sons of Jerobaal, should reign over you, or that one man should reign over you? and remember that I am your bone and your flesh. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2628" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Abimelech's Conspiracy</a> 1Now Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother’s brothers at Shechem and said to them and to all the clan of his mother, 2<a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bə·rū- (V-Piel-Imp-mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">ask</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</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/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">‘</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Is it better</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">for you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7657.htm" title="7657: šiḇ·‘îm (Number-cp) -- Seventy (a card. number). Multiple of sheba'; seventy.">that seventy</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3378.htm" title="3378: yə·rub·ba·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Let Baal contend, a name of Gideon. From riyb and Ba'al; Baal will contend; Jerubbaal, a symbol. Name of Gideon.">of Jerubbaal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: ham·šōl (V-Qal-Inf) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">over you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">just one</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man?’</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: mə·šōl (V-Qal-Inf) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule."></a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: ū·zə·ḵar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">Remember</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ʾå̄·nī (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: ū·ḇə·śar·ḵem (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 2mp) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">am your own flesh</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: ʿaṣ·mē·ḵɛm (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">and blood.”</a> 3And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-7</a> “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a> But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.” <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-13</a> But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. / Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10-12</a> 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. <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a> And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-20</a> When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... <a href="/2_kings/11-14.htm">2 Kings 11:14</a> 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!” <a href="/2_kings/14-21.htm">2 Kings 14:21</a> Then all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in place of his father Amaziah. <a href="/2_kings/23-30.htm">2 Kings 23:30</a> From Megiddo his servants carried his body in a chariot, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in place of his father. <a href="/2_chronicles/10-16.htm">2 Chronicles 10:16-19</a> When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/23-3.htm">2 Chronicles 23:3</a> the whole assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. “Behold, the king’s son!” said Jehoiada. “He must reign, just as the LORD promised concerning the descendants of David. <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4</a> They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction. <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20-23</a> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. / “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they replied. / “What then should I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify Him!” ... <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are three score and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.whether, etc.<a href="/judges/8-30.htm">Judges 8:30</a> And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives.your bone<a href="/genesis/29-14.htm">Genesis 29:14</a> And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.<a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">2 Samuel 19:13</a> And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.<a href="/1_chronicles/11-1.htm">1 Chronicles 11:1</a> Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/8-2.htm">Better</a> <a href="/numbers/19-18.htm">Bone</a> <a href="/judges/7-3.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/judges/6-4.htm">Either</a> <a href="/judges/7-15.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Jerubbaal</a> <a href="/judges/8-6.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/joshua/10-37.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/judges/8-5.htm">Please</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-25.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/judges/8-34.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/judges/8-23.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/judges/8-30.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/6-39.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/8-30.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/judges/8-30.htm">Threescore</a> <a href="/judges/3-4.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Better</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Bone</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/ruth/3-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Jerubbaal</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/judges/10-15.htm">Please</a> <a href="/judges/9-6.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/judges/16-28.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Threescore</a> <a href="/judges/18-5.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </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>Please speak in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem This phrase sets the stage for a pivotal moment in the narrative of <a href="/judges/9.htm">Judges 9</a>. The Hebrew word for "speak" (דַּבֵּר, daber) implies a formal address, suggesting that the message is of significant importance. The "leaders of Shechem" (שְׁכֶם, Shechem) were influential figures in a city with a rich history, dating back to Abraham's time (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Genesis 12:6</a>). Shechem was a central location in the land of Israel, often associated with covenantal events, which adds weight to the address being made here.Which is better for you The phrase "which is better" (טוֹב, tov) introduces a rhetorical question that challenges the audience to consider their best interest. The Hebrew concept of "tov" encompasses goodness, welfare, and benefit, urging the leaders to weigh their options carefully. This appeal to self-interest is a common persuasive technique in ancient Near Eastern rhetoric, aiming to align the audience's decision with their perceived benefit.to have all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you The mention of "seventy" sons underscores the vastness of Gideon's (Jerubbaal's) family, highlighting the potential for division and conflict. The number seventy often symbolizes completeness or totality in the Bible, suggesting that the rule of all these sons would be overwhelming. "Jerubbaal" (יְרֻבַּעַל, Jerubbaal) is another name for Gideon, meaning "let Baal contend," reflecting his role in challenging Baal worship. The idea of these sons ruling suggests a dynastic succession, which was not the norm in Israel at the time, as God was considered the ultimate ruler.or just one man? The contrast with "just one man" (אִישׁ אֶחָד, ish echad) simplifies the choice, presenting it as a matter of practicality and unity. The singular "one man" implies a more straightforward, less complicated leadership structure. This appeal to unity and simplicity would resonate with the leaders, who might fear the chaos of multiple rulers. The phrase also subtly introduces the idea of a monarchy, which was a contentious issue in Israel's history.Remember that I am your own flesh and blood The phrase "flesh and blood" (בְּשָׂרְכֶם וּבְשָׂרְכֶם, besarkem u-besarkem) emphasizes kinship and familial loyalty. In ancient Israel, tribal and familial ties were paramount, often dictating political alliances and decisions. By invoking this relationship, the speaker appeals to the leaders' sense of identity and loyalty, suggesting that supporting him would be in line with their cultural and familial obligations. This appeal to kinship is a powerful motivator, as it taps into the deep-seated values of community and shared heritage.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) All the men of Shechem.--Rather, the lords (Baali) of Shechem. These seem to be the same as "the men" (anoshi), or "lords (Baali) of the tower of Shechem," in <a href="/judges/9-46.htm" title="And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.">Judges 9:46</a>; <a href="/judges/9-49.htm" title="And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire on them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.">Judges 9:49</a>. It is by no means impossible that the Canaanites may have still held possession of the fortress, though the Israelites were nominally predominant in the town. At any rate, this particular title of "lords," as applied to the chief people of a town, seems to have been Canaanite rather than Hebrew: the "lords" of Jericho (<a href="/joshua/24-11.htm" title="And you went over Jordan, and came to Jericho: and the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I delivered them into your hand.">Joshua 24:11</a>), the "lords" of Gibeah (<a href="/judges/21-5.htm" title="And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation to the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.">Judges 21:5</a>), of Keilah (<a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm" title="Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech you, tell your servant. And the LORD said, He will come down.">1Samuel 23:11</a>). The term is applied also to the Hittite Uriah (<a href="/2_samuel/11-20.htm" title="And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say to you, Why approached you so near to the city when you did fight? knew you not that they would shoot from the wall?">2Samuel 11:20</a>). What is clear is that, as in so many other towns of Palestine at this epoch (see <a href="/judges/1-32.htm" title="But the Asherites dwelled among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out.">Judges 1:32</a>, &c), there was a mixed population living side by side in a sort of armed neutrality, though with a mutual dislike, which might at any time break out in tumults. The Israelites held much the same position in many towns as the Normans among the English during the years after the conquest. The Israelites had the upper hand, but they were fewer in numbers, and might easily be overborne at any particular point. It must be borne in mind also that Abimelech, as a Shechemite, would more easily win the adherence of the proud and jealous Ephraimites, who disliked the hegemony (see on <a href="/judges/8-1.htm" title="And the men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you served us thus, that you called us not, when you went to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.">Judges 8:1</a>, and comp. <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm" title="And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.">2Samuel 20:1</a>, <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm" title="So when all Israel saw that the king listened not to them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to your own house, David. So Israel departed to their tents.">1Kings 12:16</a>) which Manasseh had acquired from the victories of Gideon. The plans of Abimelech were deep-laid. In counsel no less than in courage--though both were so grievously misdirected--he shows himself his father's son. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - All the sons,... which are threescore and ten persons. Mark the evils of polygamy - producing family discord, extinguishing natural affection, causing civil strife, multiplying pretenders, and producing an ignoble and contemptible herd of helpless princes. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Please נָ֞א (nā) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> I pray', 'now', 'then' ask דַּבְּרוּ־ (dab·bə·rū-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֣י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of Shechem, שְׁכֶם֮ (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor ‘Is it better טּ֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good for you לָכֶם֒ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> that seventy שִׁבְעִ֣ים (šiḇ·‘îm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7657.htm">Strong's 7657: </a> Seventy (a cardinal number) men, אִ֗ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person all כֹּ֚ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Jerubbaal, יְרֻבַּ֔עַל (yə·rub·ba·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3378.htm">Strong's 3378: </a> Jerubbaal -- 'let Baal contend', a name of Gideon rule הַמְשֹׁ֨ל (ham·šōl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> To rule, have dominion, reign over you, בָּכֶ֜ם (bā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not just one אֶחָ֑ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first man?’ אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person Remember וּזְכַרְתֶּ֕ם (ū·zə·ḵar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אָנִֽי׃‪‬ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am your own flesh וּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם (ū·ḇə·śar·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man and blood.” עַצְמֵכֶם‪‬‪‬‪‬ (‘aṣ·mê·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-2.htm">Judges 9:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-2.htm">OT History: Judges 9:2 Please speak in the ears of all (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:3" /></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>