CINXE.COM

<!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 9:51 But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-51.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/07_Jdg_09_51.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:51 - Abimelech's Punishment" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower." /><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/9-51.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/9-51.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 51</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="/ad11.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/9-50.htm" title="Judges 9:50">◄</a> Judges 9:51 <a href="/judges/9-52.htm" title="Judges 9:52">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a> Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women—all the people of the city—had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> But there was a strong tower inside the town, and all the men and women—the entire population—fled to it. They barricaded themselves in and climbed up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> But there was a strong tower in the city, and all the men and women—all the people of the city—fled there and shut themselves in; then they went up to the top of the tower. <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the lords of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But there was a strong (fortified) tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and citizens of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and lords of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and gat them up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But there was a tall fortress in the middle of the town, and the town leaders and everyone else went inside. Then they barred the gates and went up to the flat roof. <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and gat them up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Now, there was a strong tower inside the town. All the men, women, and leaders of the town fled to it. They locked the door behind them and went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> There was a strong tower there, and every man and woman in the city, including the leaders, ran to it. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof. <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> But there was a fortified tower in the center of the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city escaped to it, shut themselves in, and went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> There was a fortified tower in the center of the city, so all the men and women, as well as the city's leaders, ran into it and locked the entrance. Then they went up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women fled, and all the lords of the city, and shut themselves in, and got them up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it after them, and ascended to the top of the tower. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women of the city fled there, and shut themselves in, and went up to the roof of the tower. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and a strong tower has been in the midst of the city, and all the men and the women flee there, and all the masters of the city, and they shut [it] behind them, and go up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and a strong tower hath been in the midst of the city, and thither flee do all the men and the women, and all the masters of the city, and they shut it behind them, and go up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And a strong tower was in the midst of the city, and thither will flee all the men and women and all the lords of the city, and will shut up from after them, and they will go up upon the roof of the tower.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And there was in the midst of the city a high tower, to which both the men and the women were fled together, and all the princes of the city, and having shut and strongly barred the gate, they stood upon the battlements of the tower to defend themselves. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now there was, in the midst of the city, a high tower, to which men and women were fleeing together, with all the leaders of the city. And, having very strongly sealed the gate, they were standing on the roof of the tower to defend themselves. <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Now there was a strong tower in the middle of the city, and all the men and women and all the lords of the city fled there, shutting themselves in and going up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the lords of the city fled to it and shut themselves in; and they went to the roof of the tower.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women and all the lords of the city, and shut it behind themselves, and went to the top of the tower. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the tower fortress was inside the city, and all the men and the women fled there, and all the Lords of the city, and they locked themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, even all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and got them up to the roof of the tower. <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there was a strong tower in the midst of the city; and thither all the men and the women of the city fled, and shut the door without them, and went up on the roof of the tower. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-51.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3123" 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 Punishment</a> 50Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it. 51<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">But there was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5797.htm" title="5797: ‘ōz (N-ms) -- Strength, might. Or rowz; from azaz; strength in various applications.">a strong</a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: ū·miḡ·dal- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">tower</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: ḇə·ṯō·wḵ- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">inside</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·han·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">women,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></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.">and leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: way·yā·nu·sū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5462.htm" title="5462: way·yis·gə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To shut, close. A primitive root; to shut up; figuratively, to surrender.">They locked themselves in</a> <a href="/hebrew/1157.htm" title="1157: ba·‘ă·ḏām (Prep:: 3mp) -- From ad with prepositional prefix; in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">and went up</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.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1406.htm" title="1406: gaḡ (N-msc) -- A roof, a top. Probably by reduplication from ga'ah; a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar.">the roof</a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: ham·miḡ·dāl (Art:: N-ms) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">of the tower.</a> 52When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.…<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="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">2 Samuel 11:21</a> Who struck Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If he asks you this, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’” <a href="/2_samuel/20-15.htm">2 Samuel 20:15-22</a> And Joab’s troops came and besieged Sheba in Abel-beth-maacah and built a siege ramp against the outer rampart of the city. As all the troops with Joab were battering the wall to topple it, / a wise woman called out from the city, “Listen! Listen! Please tell Joab to come here so that I may speak with him.” / When he had come near to her, the woman asked, “Are you Joab?” “I am,” he replied. “Listen to the words of your servant,” she said. “I am listening,” he answered. ... <a href="/2_kings/9-17.htm">2 Kings 9:17</a> Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” <a href="/2_kings/17-9.htm">2 Kings 17:9</a> The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities. <a href="/2_kings/18-8.htm">2 Kings 18:8</a> He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. <a href="/isaiah/2-15.htm">Isaiah 2:15</a> against every high tower, against every fortified wall, <a href="/isaiah/25-12.htm">Isaiah 25:12</a> The high-walled fortress will be brought down, cast to the ground, into the dust. <a href="/jeremiah/6-6.htm">Jeremiah 6:6</a> For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Cut down the trees and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; there is nothing but oppression in her midst. <a href="/jeremiah/32-24.htm">Jeremiah 32:24</a> See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it. And by sword and famine and plague, the city has been given into the hands of the Chaldeans who are fighting against it. What You have spoken has happened, as You now see! <a href="/ezekiel/33-30.htm">Ezekiel 33:30</a> As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ <a href="/matthew/21-33.htm">Matthew 21:33-41</a> Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ... <a href="/mark/12-1.htm">Mark 12:1-9</a> Then Jesus began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. / But they seized the servant, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. ... <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Luke 14:28-30</a> Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ <a href="/luke/20-9.htm">Luke 20:9-18</a> Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time. / At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. / So he sent another servant, but they beat him and treated him shamefully, sending him away empty-handed. ... <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Acts 9:24-25</a> but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. / One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and got them up to the top of the tower.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-48.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Center</a> <a href="/judges/9-45.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Climbed</a> <a href="/judges/4-17.htm">However</a> <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/judges/3-5.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/8-27.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">Top</a> <a href="/judges/9-49.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Within</a> <a href="/judges/9-49.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/13-20.htm">Ascended</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-27.htm">Center</a> <a href="/judges/12-7.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-13.htm">Climbed</a> <a href="/judges/11-20.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-14.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/judges/10-16.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Roof</a> <a href="/ruth/1-13.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/judges/13-4.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/judges/10-17.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Top</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/11-18.htm">Within</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Women</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> <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> </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>But there was a strong tower inside the city The presence of a strong tower within a city was a common feature in ancient Near Eastern urban planning. Towers served as defensive structures, providing a vantage point for surveillance and protection against invaders. In the context of <a href="/judges/9.htm">Judges 9</a>, the city is Shechem, a significant location in Israel's history, known for its covenantal associations (<a href="/joshua/24-25.htm">Joshua 24:25</a>). The tower symbolizes a place of refuge and strength, reminiscent of God being described as a "strong tower" in <a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Proverbs 18:10</a>, offering safety to those who seek Him.and all the men, women, and leaders of the city fled there The flight of the city's inhabitants, including its leaders, to the tower indicates a moment of desperation and fear. This reflects the chaotic and violent period of the Judges, where leadership was often unstable, and cities were vulnerable to internal and external threats. The inclusion of both men and women highlights the indiscriminate nature of the threat posed by Abimelech, Gideon's son, who sought to consolidate power through violence. This act of fleeing to the tower can be seen as a parallel to seeking refuge in God during times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 46:1.They locked themselves in Locking themselves in the tower was a defensive measure, indicating the severity of the threat they faced. This action underscores the human instinct to seek security and protection in times of danger. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking refuge, as seen in the Psalms, where God is often depicted as a fortress and deliverer (<a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>). The act of locking themselves in can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual security found in faith and trust in God.and went up to the roof of the tower Ascending to the roof of the tower was likely a strategic move, providing a higher ground for defense and a better view of the surrounding area. In biblical narratives, rooftops often serve as places of significant events or revelations (e.g., <a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a>, <a href="/acts/10-9.htm">Acts 10:9</a>). The rooftop in this context becomes a place of final stand and confrontation, foreshadowing the dramatic conclusion of Abimelech's siege. This ascent can also be seen as a symbolic act of reaching towards God, seeking His intervention and deliverance in dire circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The son of Gideon, who declared himself king and led a violent campaign against Shechem and other cities. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_city_of_thebez.htm">The City of Thebez</a> A city that Abimelech attacked after his campaign against Shechem. Thebez had a strong tower where the inhabitants sought refuge. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_strong_tower.htm">The Strong Tower</a> A central structure in Thebez where the city's inhabitants fled for safety. It symbolizes refuge and protection. 4. <a href="/topical/m/men_and_women_of_thebez.htm">Men and Women of Thebez</a> The inhabitants who sought safety in the tower, representing the community's collective action in the face of danger. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_roof_of_the_tower.htm">The Roof of the Tower</a> The place where the people gathered, indicating their last stand against Abimelech's assault.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/seek_refuge_in_god.htm">Seek Refuge in God</a> Just as the people of Thebez sought safety in the strong tower, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God during times of trouble. <a href="/topical/c/community_in_crisis.htm">Community in Crisis</a> The collective action of the men and women of Thebez highlights the importance of community support and unity in facing challenges. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_strongholds.htm">Spiritual Strongholds</a> Believers should build their lives on the strong foundation of faith, ensuring that their spiritual "towers" are fortified against life's storms. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_our_protector.htm">God as Our Protector</a> The imagery of the strong tower serves as a reminder of God's protective nature and His role as a refuge for His people. <a href="/topical/s/stand_firm_in_faith.htm">Stand Firm in Faith</a> Like the inhabitants of Thebez, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's strength and protection.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a> <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 href="/q/can_judges_9_53_be_explained_scientifically.htm">Can the seemingly miraculous death by millstone be reconciled with historical or scientific explanations (Judges 9:53)?</a> <a href="/q/why_trust_ps_61_3-4's_'refuge'_without_proof.htm">What evidence supports the psalmist's confidence (Ps 61:3-4) in a physical 'refuge' or 'tower' when no solid archaeological proof exists?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</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>(51) There was a strong tower within the city.--This constant mention of towers and strongholds (<a href="/judges/8-9.htm" title="And he spoke also to the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.">Judges 8:9</a>, &c.) shows the disturbed state of the country, which probably resembled the state of England in the days of King Stephen.To the top of the tower.--"Standing about the battlements upon the roof of the tower" (Vulg.).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 51. - They of the city. In Hebrew (baaley) the men of the city, i.e. the owners or citizens, the same phrase as is used throughout the chapter of the men of Shechem (cf. <a href="/joshua/24-11.htm">Joshua 24:11</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/23-11.htm">1 Samuel 23:11, 12</a>). The English phrase master, or my masters, is very similar. The A.V. has here paraphrased it they of the city, to avoid the repetition of the word men. The top - the flat roof or house-top. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-51.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But there was הָיָ֣ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a strong עֹז֮ (‘ōz) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5797.htm">Strong's 5797: </a> Strength, might tower וּמִגְדַּל־ (ū·miḡ·dal-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers inside בְתוֹךְ־ (ḇə·ṯō·wḵ-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre the city, הָעִיר֒ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement and all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the men, הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind women, וְהַנָּשִׁ֗ים (wə·han·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female and 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 the city הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement fled וַיָּנֻ֨סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away there. שָׁ֜מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither They locked themselves in וַֽיִּסְגְּר֖וּ (way·yis·gə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5462.htm">Strong's 5462: </a> To shut up, to surrender and went up וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ (way·ya·‘ă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the roof גַּ֥ג (gaḡ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1406.htm">Strong's 1406: </a> A roof, the top of an altar of the tower. הַמִּגְדָּֽל׃ (ham·miḡ·dāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-51.htm">Judges 9:51 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">OT History: Judges 9:51 But there was a strong tower within (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:50"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:50" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-52.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:52"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:52" /></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>