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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 9:46 On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-46.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/07_Jdg_09_46.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:46 - The Fall of Shechem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.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/9-45.htm" title="Judges 9:45">◄</a> Judges 9:46 <a href="/judges/9-47.htm" title="Judges 9:47">►</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 />On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When the leading citizens who lived in the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they ran and hid in the temple of Baal-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard <i>that</i>, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard <i>that,</i> they entered the stronghold of the temple of the god Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard <i>about it,</i> they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of <i>it,</i> they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then all the lords of the tower of Shechem heard of <i>it</i>, and they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber (stronghold) of the temple of El-berith (the god of a covenant).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Earlier that day, the leaders of the temple of El Berith at Shechem had heard about the attack. So they went into the temple fortress, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All the citizens of Shechem's Tower heard about it and went into the basement of the temple of El Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When all the leading men in the fort at Shechem heard about this, they sought safety in the stronghold of the temple of Baal-of-the-Covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When all the "lords" at the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they retreated into the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard the news, they went to the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And when all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of El Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into a hold of the house of the god Berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And all the masters of the Tower of Shechem hear, and go into the high place of the house of the god Berith,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And all the masters of the tower of Shechem hear, and go in unto the high place of the house of the god Berith,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And all the lords of the tower of Shechem will hear, and they will go in to the tower of the god of the covenant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when they who dwelt in the tower of Sichem had heard this, they went into the temple of their god Berith where they had made a covenant with him, and from thence the place had taken its name, and it was exceeding strong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when those living in the tower of Shechem had heard about this, they entered the temple of their god, Berith, where they had formed a covenant with him. And it was because of this, that the place had taken its name. And it was greatly fortified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When they heard of this, all the lords of the Migdal-shechem went into the crypt of the temple of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the temple of El-berith.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when all the lords of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they came to take refuge in the house of the god of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And all the Lords of the Tower of Shekeem heard and they came to make a covenant with Bayth Eil<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And all the men of the tower of Sychem heard, and came to the gathering of Baethel-berith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-46.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=3073" 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">45</span>And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt. <span class="reftext">46</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·mə·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">On hearing of this,</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.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/4026.htm" title="4026: miḡ·dal- (N-proper-fs) -- A tower. Also feminine migdalah; from gadal; a tower; by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a bed of flowers.">in the tower</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">entered</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6877.htm" title="6877: ṣə·rî·aḥ (N-msc) -- Perhaps excavation, underground chamber. From tsarach in the sense of clearness of vision; a citadel.">the inner chamber</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of the temple</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-proper-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1286.htm" title="1286: bə·rîṯ (N-proper) -- A Shechemite deity. The same as briyth; Berith, a Shechemitish deity.">of El-berith.</a> </span><span class="reftext">47</span>And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there,…<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/22-3.htm">2 Samuel 22:3</a></span><br />My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a></span><br />The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-19.htm">Isaiah 2:19</a></span><br />Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-21.htm">Isaiah 2:21</a></span><br />They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-33.htm">Isaiah 10:33-34</a></span><br />Behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts will lop off the branches with terrifying power. The tall trees will be cut down, the lofty ones will be felled. / He will clear the forest thickets with an axe, and Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-16.htm">Isaiah 33:16</a></span><br />he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/48-28.htm">Jeremiah 48:28</a></span><br />Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-27.htm">Ezekiel 33:27</a></span><br />Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/9-1.htm">Amos 9:1-3</a></span><br />I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape. / Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. / Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-44.htm">Matthew 21:44</a></span><br />He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Luke 6:47-49</a></span><br />I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-18.htm">Luke 20:18</a></span><br />Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a></span><br />This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Romans 9:33</a></span><br />as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.</p><p class="hdg">an hold</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Judges 9:4,27</a></b></br> And they gave him threescore and ten <i>pieces</i> of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Judges 8:33</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/8-26.htm">1 Kings 8:26</a></b></br> And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Berith</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/5-18.htm">High</a> <a href="/judges/9-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/3-24.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/3-25.htm">Room</a> <a href="/judges/9-42.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/6-26.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/judges/8-27.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Townsmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Berith</a> <a href="/judges/15-1.htm">Chamber</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/judges/18-18.htm">Entered</a> <a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/judges/17-2.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/judges/16-25.htm">High</a> <a href="/judges/9-49.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/judges/10-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/16-9.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Masters</a> <a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Room</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-49.htm">Stronghold</a> <a href="/judges/16-26.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/judges/14-9.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/judges/9-47.htm">Tower</a> <a href="/judges/20-5.htm">Townsmen</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>On hearing of this</b><br>This phrase refers to the news that reached the leaders in Shechem about Abimelech's violent actions against the city. Abimelech, the son of Gideon, had been made king by the people of Shechem but later turned against them. The phrase indicates a reaction to a specific event, likely the destruction of the city or the killing of its inhabitants, which is detailed earlier in the chapter. This highlights the fear and urgency among the leaders upon realizing the threat posed by Abimelech.<p><b>all the leaders in the tower of Shechem</b><br>The "leaders" here are the prominent men or rulers of Shechem, a city with significant historical and biblical importance. Shechem was a central location in the land of Israel, situated in the hill country of Ephraim. The "tower" refers to a fortified structure within the city, often used as a place of refuge during attacks. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of having a stronghold within a city for protection against invaders.<p><b>entered the inner chamber</b><br>The "inner chamber" suggests a place of safety or a sanctuary within the tower. In ancient times, such chambers were often used as a last resort for protection during sieges. This action indicates the leaders' desperation and their attempt to find security from Abimelech's assault. The use of an inner chamber also implies a sense of sacredness or inviolability, as these areas were often associated with religious or ceremonial functions.<p><b>of the temple of El-berith</b><br>El-berith, meaning "God of the Covenant," was a deity worshiped in Shechem. The temple served as both a religious and communal center. The reference to El-berith connects to the broader theme of covenant in the Bible, contrasting the people's allegiance to a pagan god with the covenant relationship Israel was supposed to have with Yahweh. This temple's existence highlights the syncretism present in Israel during the time of the Judges, where foreign gods were often worshiped alongside Yahweh. The leaders' retreat to this temple underscores their reliance on false security and misplaced faith, which ultimately leads to their downfall, as Abimelech later destroys the tower.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/l/leaders_in_the_tower_of_shechem.htm">Leaders in the Tower of Shechem</a></b><br>These were the prominent figures or rulers residing in Shechem, a significant city in the tribal territory of Ephraim. They sought refuge in the tower, a fortified structure within the city.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tower_of_shechem.htm">Tower of Shechem</a></b><br>A stronghold or fortress within the city of Shechem, used as a place of refuge and defense during times of attack or siege.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/inner_chamber_of_the_temple_of_el-berith.htm">Inner Chamber of the Temple of El-berith</a></b><br>This was a sacred space within the temple dedicated to the Canaanite god El-berith, meaning "God of the Covenant." The leaders sought sanctuary here, indicating the syncretism present in Israel at the time.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Abimelech is the central figure in this chapter. He was a son of Gideon who declared himself king and was responsible for the attack on Shechem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city with a rich biblical history, often associated with covenants and significant events in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a></b><br>The leaders of Shechem sought refuge in a pagan temple, illustrating how far Israel had strayed from worshiping the one true God. This serves as a warning against the subtle infiltration of idolatry in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/false_security.htm">False Security</a></b><br>The leaders believed they would find safety in the temple of El-berith, yet their trust in false gods led to their downfall. We must place our trust in God alone, who is our true refuge and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_leadership_choices.htm">Consequences of Leadership Choices</a></b><br>The leaders' decision to support Abimelech and their subsequent actions led to destruction. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of our choices on others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/syncretism_and_compromise.htm">Syncretism and Compromise</a></b><br>The blending of Canaanite worship with Israelite practices shows the danger of compromising faith. We must remain vigilant in maintaining the purity of our worship and devotion to God.<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/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_spiritual_stronghold.htm">What defines a spiritual stronghold?</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>(46) <span class= "bld">The men of the tower of Shechem.</span>--Evidently the garrison of the house of Millo (<a href="/judges/9-6.htm" title="And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.">Judges 9:6</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Entered into an hold.</span>--The word for "hold" occurs in <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm" title="When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.">1Samuel 13:6</a> ("high place"). The LXX. render it "a fortress" (<span class= "ital">ochuroma</span>)<span class= "ital">; </span>Luther, <span class= "ital">"Festung." </span>In the 'thiopic Version of <a href="/mark/16-15.htm" title="And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.">Mark 16:15</a> a similar word is used for "upper room." The Vulg. has, "They entered the fane of their god Berith, where they had made their league with him, and from this the place had received its name, and it was strongly fortified."<p><span class= "bld">Of the house of the god Berith.</span>--Similarly. Arcesilas burnt the Cyrenaens in a tower (<span class= "ital">Herod. iv.</span> 164), and in <a href="//apocrypha.org/1_maccabees/5-43.htm" title="So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.">1 Maccabees 5:43</a> the defeated enemy fly for refuge to the temple of Ashtaroth in Karnaim, which Judas takes and burns.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 46.</span> - The men of the tower of Sechem. The tower of Shechem is no doubt the same fortified building as was spoken of in vers. 6 and 20 by the name of the house of Millo (see note to ver. 6). <span class="cmt_word">An</span>, or rather the, <span class="cmt_word">hold</span>. The word so rendered occurs elsewhere only in <a href="/1_samuel/13-6.htm">1 Samuel 13:6</a>, where it is rendered <span class="accented">high places</span>, and is coupled with caves, <span class="accented">thickets</span>, <span class="accented">rocks</span>, and <span class="accented">pits</span>, as one of the hiding-places of the Israelites from the Philistines. It was probably some kind of keep built on an eminence, and the place where the treasure of the temple was kept (ver. 4). It appears from the narrative that the tower of Shechem, or house of Millo, was not actually part of Shechem, nor immediately contiguous, since the report of the capture of Shechem had to be carried thither. <span class="cmt_word">The god Berith</span>. It should rather be <span class="accented">El-berith</span>, the same as <span class="accented">Baal-berith</span> in ver. 4 - <span class="accented">El</span>, <span class="accented">i.e. god</span>, being substituted for <span class="accented">Baal</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-46.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">On hearing of this,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּֽל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the leaders</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲלֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the tower</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽגְדַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(miḡ·dal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">entered</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person 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">the inner chamber</span><br /><span class="heb">צְרִ֔יחַ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·rî·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6877.htm">Strong's 6877: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps excavation, underground chamber</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the temple</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of El-berith.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִֽית׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1286.htm">Strong's 1286: </a> </span><span class="str2">A Shechemite deity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-46.htm">Judges 9:46 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-46.htm">OT History: Judges 9:46 When all the men of the tower (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-45.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:45"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:45" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-47.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:47"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:47" /></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>