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Judges 9:31 So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, "Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.
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and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Take note! Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and here they are, fortifying the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So using deception, he <i>successfully</i> sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and they are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he secretly sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Beware! Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are turning the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he sent messengers secretly to Abimelech, saying, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed, with his brothers, have come to Shechem and are turning the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And so he sent some messengers to Abimelech. But they had to pretend to be doing something else, or they would not have been allowed to leave Shechem. Zebul told the messengers to say: Gaal the son of Ebed has come to Shechem along with his brothers, and they have persuaded the people to let Gaal rule Shechem instead of you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech. "Watch out! Gaal (son of Ebed) and his brothers have come to Shechem. They have turned the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech at Arumah to say, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are not going to let you into the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech in secret and told him, "Look out! Ebed's son Gaal and his family have arrived here in Shechem. Watch out! They're stirring up the city against you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, ?Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech, who was in Arumah, reporting, "Beware! Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers are coming to Shechem and inciting the city to rebel against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech in (Arumah), saying, "Look, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem; and look, they constrain the city to take part against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren, are come to Shechem; and behold, they fortify the city against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and behold, they incite the city against you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he sends messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers are coming into Shechem, and behold, they are fortifying the city against you;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he sendeth messengers unto Abimelech deceitfully, saying, 'Lo, Gaal son of Ebed and his brethren are coming into Shechem, and lo, they are fortifying the city against thee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will send messengers to Abimelech in deceit, saying, Behold, Gaal son of Ebed, and his brethren, came to Shechem; and behold, they pressed the city against thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And sent messengers privately to Abimelech, saying: Behold Gaal the son of Obed is come into Sichem with his brethren, and endeavoureth to set the city against thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers secretly to Abimelech, saying: “Behold, Gaal, the son of Ebed, has arrived at Shechem with his brothers, and he has set the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah to say, “Gaal, son of Ebed, and his kin have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his kinsfolk have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimeleck deceitfully, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Epar and his brothers have come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he sent Messengers to Abimelek by treachery and said: “Behold, Gaal son of Aphar and his brothers came to Shekeem, and behold, they surround the city against you!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he sent messengers unto Abimelech in Tormah, saying: 'Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they will incite the city against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Jobel and his brethren are come to Sychem; and behold, they have besieged the city against thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-31.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=2926" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">The Fall of Shechem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30</span>When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">So he covertly sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8649.htm" title="8649: bə·ṯā·rə·māh (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps treachery. And tarmuwth; or tarmiyth; from ramah; fraud."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</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: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">to say,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1603.htm" title="1603: ḡa·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Probably a Canaanite. From ga'al; loathing; Gaal, an Israelite.">Gaal</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5651.htm" title="5651: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Servant, two Isr. The same as ebed; Ebed, the name of two Israelites.">of Ebed</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: wə·’e·ḥāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">and his brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">have come</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵe·māh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">to Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nām (Conj-w:: Interjection:: 3mp) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/6696.htm" title="6696: ṣā·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To confine, bind, besiege. A primitive root; to cramp, i.e. Confine.">and are stirring up</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/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/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against you.</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10-12</a></span><br />Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-10</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a></span><br />When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1-2</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!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9-10</a></span><br />But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. / Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">2 Samuel 15:13-14</a></span><br />Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">1 Kings 16:9-10</a></span><br />However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. / So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-14.htm">2 Kings 9:14-15</a></span><br />Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-18.htm">2 Kings 10:18-19</a></span><br />Then Jehu brought all the people together and said, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu will serve him a lot. / Now, therefore, summon to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. See that no one is missing, for I have a great sacrifice for Baal. Whoever is missing will not live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31-34</a></span><br />Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” / When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. / David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5-8</a></span><br />Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom. / So David’s army marched into the field to engage Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. / There the people of Israel were defeated by David’s servants, and the slaughter was great that day—twenty thousand men. ...<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="/2_samuel/20-6.htm">2 Samuel 20:6-10</a></span><br />And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” / So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. / And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-22.htm">2 Samuel 3:22-25</a></span><br />Just then David’s soldiers and Joab returned from a raid, bringing with them a great plunder. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, because David had sent him on his way in peace. / When Joab and all his troops arrived, he was informed, “Abner son of Ner came to see the king, who sent him on his way in peace.” / So Joab went to the king and said, “What have you done? Look, Abner came to you. Why did you dismiss him? Now he is getting away! ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you.</p><p class="hdg">privily.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Arumah</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Aru'mah</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">City</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Constrain</a> <a href="/judges/4-19.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Craftily</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-4.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/romans/11-14.htm">Incite</a> <a href="/judges/9-26.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/judges/7-19.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/judges/9-26.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">Stirring</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-18.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Arumah</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Aru'mah</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">City</a> <a href="/matthew/5-41.htm">Constrain</a> <a href="/ruth/2-12.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/psalms/105-25.htm">Craftily</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">Deceitfully</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Incite</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Part</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-22.htm">Privately</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-4.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-33.htm">Stirring</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-9.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a></span><br><span class="reftext">56. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of Judges, Abimelech was a son of Gideon who sought power through manipulation and violence. The use of covert messengers suggests a climate of fear and betrayal, common in the period of the Judges when Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). This reflects the broader theme of the book, where leadership is often flawed and self-serving.<p><b>Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem</b><br>Shechem was a significant city in Israel's history, located in the hill country of Ephraim. It was a place of covenant renewal (Joshua 24) and had deep historical and religious significance. Gaal son of Ebed represents a challenge to Abimelech's authority, as he and his brothers are outsiders coming into a city with a rich heritage. This situation echoes the recurring biblical theme of outsiders challenging established power, reminiscent of David's rise against Saul.<p><b>and are stirring up the city against you</b><br>The phrase indicates a brewing rebellion, with Gaal inciting the people of Shechem against Abimelech. This reflects the instability and factionalism of the time, where loyalty was often fluid and dependent on immediate benefits. The stirring up of the city can be seen as a precursor to civil unrest, a common occurrence in the era of the Judges. This internal conflict within Israel foreshadows the later divisions that would lead to the split of the kingdom after Solomon's reign. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of abandoning God's covenant, leading to chaos and strife.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who declared himself king over Shechem after the death of his father. His rule is marked by treachery and violence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gaal_son_of_ebed.htm">Gaal son of Ebed</a></b><br>A newcomer to Shechem who challenges Abimelech's authority, stirring up dissent among the people of the city.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/zebul.htm">Zebul</a></b><br>The ruler of the city under Abimelech, who secretly informs Abimelech of Gaal's rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_messengers.htm">The Messengers</a></b><br>Individuals sent by Zebul to inform Abimelech of the brewing rebellion in Shechem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition_and_power.htm">The Dangers of Ambition and Power</a></b><br>Abimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Godly leadership is crucial for the well-being of a community. Abimelech's failure as a leader contrasts with the biblical ideal of servant leadership.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The events in Shechem demonstrate how God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_division.htm">The Consequences of Division</a></b><br>Gaal's rebellion and the ensuing conflict illustrate the dangers of division and strife within a community, emphasizing the need for unity and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a></b><br>Zebul's actions remind us of the need for discernment and wisdom in dealing with conflicts and challenges.<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/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/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/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">Privily.</span>--The Hebrew is <span class= "ital">betormah, </span>which may mean "to Tormah," or Arumah, where Abimelech was living (<a href="/judges/9-41.htm" title="And Abimelech dwelled at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem.">Judges 9:41</a>). The word occurs nowhere else, and the versions differ (LXX., <span class= "ital">in secret; </span>Cod. B, with <span class= "ital">gifts; </span>Cod. A reading <span class= "ital">batherumah</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>Whether "craftily" be the right rendering or not, it is clear that the message was a secret one, for Zebul dissembled his anger until he was strong enough to throw off the mask.<p><span class= "bld">They fortify.</span>--Rather, perhaps, <span class= "ital">they tyrannise over the city because of thee.</span><p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So he covertly sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ</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">to say,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">“Look,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּה֩</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gaal</span><br /><span class="heb">גַ֨עַל</span> <span class="translit">(ḡa·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1603.htm">Strong's 1603: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gaal -- probably a Canaanite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ebed</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֤בֶד</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ḇeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5651.htm">Strong's 5651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ebed -- 'servant', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶחָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֔מָה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵe·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and are stirring up</span><br /><span class="heb">צָרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6696.htm">Strong's 6696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confine, bind, besiege</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against you.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-31.htm">Judges 9:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-31.htm">OT History: Judges 9:31 He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily saying (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:32" /></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>