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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 9:29 If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, 'Muster your army and come out!'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/07_Jdg_09_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:29 - Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, 'Muster your army and come out!'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/9-29.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/9-29.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 29</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/9-28.htm" title="Judges 9:28">◄</a> Judges 9:29 <a href="/judges/9-30.htm" title="Judges 9:30">►</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 />If only this people were under my command! Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, &#8216Call out your whole army!&#8217&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If I were in charge here, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, ‘Get some soldiers, and come out and fight!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If only this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech.” So he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only this people were under my authority! Then I would do away with Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Enlarge your army and come out!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Would, therefore, that this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech.&#8221 And he said to Abimelech, &#8220Increase your army and come out.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Would, therefore, that this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army, and come out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Would, therefore, that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If only this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech and say to him, ‘Increase [the size of] your army and come out [to fight].’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech.” So he said to Abimelech, “Gather your army and come out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech.&#8221 So he said to Abimelech, &#8220Gather your army and come out.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If I were the ruler of Shechem, I'd get rid of that Abimelech. I'd tell him, "Get yourself an even bigger army, and we will still defeat you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />How I wish I controlled these people! Then I'd get rid of Abimelech. I would tell him, 'Get yourself a big army and come out.' " <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I wish I were leading this people! I would get rid of Abimelech! I would tell him, 'Reinforce your army, come on out and fight!'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If only authority over this people were given to me. Then I would remove Abimelech!" Then he challenged Abimelech: "Build up your army and then come out and fight!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ?Muster your army and come out!??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If only these men were under my command, I would get rid of Abimelech!" He challenged Abimelech, "Muster your army and come out for battle!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Would that this people were under my hand. Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, "Increase your army, and come out."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thy army, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I wish that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” He said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And oh that this people were in my hand—then I turn Abimelech aside”; and he says to Abimelech, “Increase your host, and come out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and oh that this people were in my hand -- then I turn Abimelech aside;' and he saith to Abimelech, 'Increase thy host, and come out.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And who will give this people into my hand? And I will remove Abimelech. And he will say to Abimelech, Increase thine army and come forth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Would to God that some man would put this people under my hand, that I might remove Abimelech out of the way. And it was said to Abimelech: Gather together the multitude of an army, and come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />I wish that someone would set this people under my hand, so that I might take away Abimelech from their midst.” And it was told to Abimelech, “Gather the multitude of an army, and approach.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Would that these troops were entrusted to my command! I would depose Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Get a larger army and come out!’ ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If only this people were under my command! Then I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And would to God this people were under my command! Then I would remove Abimeleck. And he said to Abimeleck, Increase your army, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But who has delivered this people into my hands, and I would remove Abimelek?” And he said to Abimelek, “Increase your army and come out!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.' And he said to Abimelech: 'Increase thine army, and come out.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech, and I would say to him, Multiply thy host, and come out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-29.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=2910" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">28</span>Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <span class="reftext">29</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: ū·mî (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">If only</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (DirObjM) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</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.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">were under my authority,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·’ā·sî·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">I would remove</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Abimelech;</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">I would say</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: rab·beh (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">‘Muster</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ă·ḵā (N-csc:: 2ms) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">your army</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wā·ṣê·’āh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">and come out!’”</a> </span><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/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4</a></span><br />And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a></span><br />David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-11.htm">2 Samuel 16:11</a></span><br />Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-3.htm">2 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />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?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10</a></span><br />But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1</a></span><br />Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">1 Samuel 8:19-20</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10</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!’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a></span><br />But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-17.htm">2 Samuel 3:17-18</a></span><br />Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-12.htm">1 Samuel 11:12</a></span><br />Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.</p><p class="hdg">would to God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4</a></b></br> Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11</a></b></br> And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell <i>him</i>, Let not him that girdeth on <i>his harness</i> boast himself as he that putteth it off.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Psalm 10:3</a></b></br> For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, <i>whom</i> the LORD abhorreth.</p><p class="hdg">And he said.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14-17</a></b></br> And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8</a></b></br> Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-23.htm">2 Kings 18:23</a></b></br> Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Army</a> <a href="/joshua/3-2.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Command</a> <a href="/judges/9-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Host</a> <a href="/judges/9-11.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/joshua/5-15.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">Rid</a> <a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">Army</a> <a href="/judges/18-7.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/judges/21-20.htm">Command</a> <a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">Host</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/judges/10-16.htm">Rid</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/10-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a></span><br><span class="reftext">56. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If only this people were under my authority</b><br>This phrase reflects a desire for power and control, a common theme in the Book of Judges, where leadership often shifts and is contested. The speaker, Gaal, is expressing a wish to lead the people of Shechem, indicating a political ambition that mirrors the instability of Israel during this period. The longing for authority can be seen throughout the Old Testament, where leaders are often raised by God to deliver Israel, such as Moses and Joshua. This desire for leadership contrasts with the biblical ideal of God as the ultimate authority over His people.<p><b>I would remove Abimelech</b><br>Abimelech, the son of Gideon, had declared himself king after the death of his father, despite Gideon's refusal to establish a monarchy. His rule was marked by violence, including the murder of his seventy brothers. Gaal's statement reveals the tension and dissatisfaction with Abimelech's tyrannical rule. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and desire for human kingship, which ultimately leads to chaos and suffering. The removal of unjust leaders is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in the stories of Saul and other kings who failed to follow God's commandments.<p><b>I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”</b><br>This challenge to Abimelech is a call to battle, reflecting the frequent conflicts and warfare in the period of the Judges. The phrase suggests a direct confrontation, a common method of resolving disputes in ancient times. The call to "muster your army" indicates the reliance on military strength and human power, contrasting with the biblical theme of relying on God's strength and guidance. This challenge can be compared to David's confrontation with Goliath, where faith in God, rather than military might, leads to victory. The phrase also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Abimelech, as his reliance on force and intimidation ultimately leads to his demise, illustrating the biblical principle that pride and tyranny lead to destruction.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gaal_son_of_ebed.htm">Gaal son of Ebed</a></b><br>A man who incites rebellion against Abimelech, expressing a desire to lead the people of Shechem and challenge Abimelech's rule.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who becomes a self-appointed king over Israel, known for his violent rise to power and the murder of his seventy brothers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>A significant city in Israel's history, often associated with covenantal events, but here it becomes a center of political intrigue and rebellion.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zebul.htm">Zebul</a></b><br>The governor of the city of Shechem, loyal to Abimelech, who plays a role in the unfolding conflict between Gaal and Abimelech.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rebellion.htm">The Rebellion</a></b><br>The event where Gaal attempts to rally the people of Shechem against Abimelech, highlighting the instability and division within Israel during this period.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition_and_pride.htm">The Dangers of Ambition and Pride</a></b><br>Gaal's desire for power and his boastful challenge to Abimelech serve as a warning against unchecked ambition and pride. Believers are reminded to seek humility and God's guidance in leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">The Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>The chaos in Shechem reflects the broader theme of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Role of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>The absence of godly leadership in this account highlights the need for leaders who seek God's will and lead with integrity. Believers are encouraged to pray for and support godly leaders in their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite human schemes and conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over the affairs of nations and individuals.<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_no_opposition_to_abimelech's_act.htm">How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) <span class= "bld">Would to God this people were under my hand !</span>--Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm" title="Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!">2Samuel 15:4</a>.<p><span class= "bld">And he said to Abimelech.</span>--The "he said" may be the impersonal idiom (comp. <a href="/joshua/7-26.htm" title="And they raised over him a great heap of stones to this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Why the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, to this day.">Joshua 7:26</a>, &c.), meaning "it was told" (Vulg., <span class= "ital">Dictum est</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>It is less likely that "he" means Zebul, or that it is Gaal's drunken vaunt to the absent Abimelech. Another reading is, "And I would say to Abimelech," &c.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 29.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And would to God</span>, etc., <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "If you will only trust me as your leader, I will soon remove Abimelech, and then you can have a national government." It seems that the people at once closed with his offer, and, thus emboldened, he sent a challenge to Abimelech to come out and fight him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-29.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">If only</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֤ם</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">were under my authority,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָדִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I would remove</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָסִ֖ירָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·sî·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ</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">I would say</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [him],</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">‘Muster</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(rab·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your army</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָאֲךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ă·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and come out!’”</span><br /><span class="heb">וָצֵֽאָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·ṣê·’āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-29.htm">OT History: Judges 9:29 Would that this people were under my (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:30" /></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>