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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 9:40 but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-40.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/07_Jdg_09_40.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:40 - The Fall of Shechem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. 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And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown <i>and</i> wounded, <i>even</i> unto the entering of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled from him; and many fell wounded, to the <i>very</i> entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Abimelech chased him, and he fled from him; and many fell wounded up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Abimelech pursued him, and he fled before him; and many fell slain up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded as far as the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. Numerous bodies were strewn as far as the entrance of the city gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. Many wounded died as far as the entrance of the gate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even unto the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Soon the people of Shechem turned and ran back into the town. However, Abimelech and his troops were close behind and killed many of them along the way. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech chased Gaal so that he ran away from him. Many were killed at the entrance of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech started after Gaal, and Gaal ran. Many were wounded, even at the city gate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and Gaal ran away from him. Many fell wounded right up to the entrance to the city gate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and Gaal ran from him. Many Shechemites fell wounded at the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even to the entrance of the gate of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many fell wounded, even to the entrance of the gate. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abimelech pursues him, and he flees from his presence, and many fall wounded—to the opening of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abimelech pursueth him, and he fleeth from his presence, and many fall wounded -- unto the opening of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech will pursue him and he will flee from his face, and many will fall wounded at the door of the gate.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who chased and put him to flight, and drove him to the city: and many were slain of his people, even to the gate of the city: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />who pursued him, fleeing, and drove him into the city. And many were cut down on his side, even to the gate of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but when Abimelech went after him, he fled from him. Many fell slain right up to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. Many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abimeleck chased him, and he fled before him, and many people fell slain, even to the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek chased him and he fled from before him and many fell slain unto the entrance of the gate<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even unto the entrance of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech pursued him, and he fled from before him; and many fell down slain as far as the door of the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-40.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=3012" 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">39</span>So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech, <span class="reftext">40</span><span class="highl"><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.">but Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: way·yir·də·p̄ê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">pursued him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: way·yā·nās (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">and Gaal fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pā·nāw (Prep-m:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">And many Shechemites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/2491.htm" title="2491: ḥă·lā·lîm (N-mp) -- Pierced, polluted. From chalal; pierced; figuratively, polluted.">wounded</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">all the way</a> <a href="/hebrew/6607.htm" title="6607: pe·ṯaḥ (N-msc) -- Opening, doorway, entrance. From pathach; an opening, i.e. Door or entrance way.">to the entrance</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·šā·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">of the gate.</a> </span><span class="reftext">41</span>Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.…<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/18-17.htm">2 Samuel 18:17</a></span><br />They took Absalom, cast him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled, each to his home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-7</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-27.htm">2 Kings 9:27</a></span><br />When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-24.htm">Joshua 8:24-25</a></span><br />When Israel had finished killing all the men of Ai who had pursued them into the field and wilderness, and when every last one of them had fallen by the sword, all the Israelites returned to Ai and put it to the sword as well. / A total of twelve thousand men and women fell that day—all the people of Ai.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">2 Samuel 2:19-23</a></span><br />and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. / So Abner told him, “Turn to your right or to your left, seize one of the young men, and take his equipment for yourself.” But Asahel would not stop chasing him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20-21</a></span><br />and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. / Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-17.htm">2 Chronicles 13:17</a></span><br />Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Isaiah 10:18</a></span><br />The splendor of its forests and orchards, both soul and body, it will completely destroy, as a sickness consumes a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/46-5.htm">Jeremiah 46:5</a></span><br />Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">Psalm 68:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A song. God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence. / As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Exodus 14:25</a></span><br />He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-25.htm">Deuteronomy 28:25</a></span><br />The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies. You will march out against them in one direction but flee from them in seven. You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/26-17.htm">Leviticus 26:17</a></span><br />And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-56.htm">Matthew 26:56</a></span><br />But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-50.htm">Mark 14:50</a></span><br />Then everyone deserted Him and fled.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even to the entering of the gate.</p><p class="hdg">he fled before</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18-21,30</a></b></br> And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/1-6.htm">Chased</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/judges/4-20.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/judges/6-9.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/judges/8-20.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/9-37.htm">Way</a> <a href="/joshua/13-22.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/20-43.htm">Chased</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/judges/9-44.htm">Entrance</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">Overthrown</a> <a href="/judges/11-23.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Wounded</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>but Abimelech pursued him</b><br>Abimelech, the son of Gideon, is a central figure in this narrative. His pursuit of Gaal is a continuation of his violent and ambitious quest for power. This pursuit reflects the chaotic period of the Judges, where Israel lacked centralized leadership and often fell into cycles of sin and retribution. Abimelech's actions can be seen as a fulfillment of the curse pronounced by Jotham, Gideon's youngest son, in <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Judges 9:20</a>, where he prophesied that fire would come from Abimelech to consume the leaders of Shechem. This pursuit is indicative of the internal strife and division within Israel, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Judges.<p><b>and Gaal fled before him</b><br>Gaal, who had previously incited the people of Shechem against Abimelech, now finds himself on the defensive. His flight signifies the failure of his rebellion and the instability of alliances based on self-interest rather than divine guidance. This moment highlights the transient nature of human power and the futility of opposing God's sovereign plans. Gaal's retreat can be compared to other biblical instances where those who oppose God's anointed leaders face defeat, such as the Philistines fleeing before David (<a href="/1_samuel/17-51.htm">1 Samuel 17:51</a>).<p><b>And many Shechemites fell wounded</b><br>The Shechemites, who had allied with Gaal, suffer the consequences of their rebellion against Abimelech. This phrase underscores the communal impact of leadership decisions and the cost of aligning with ungodly leaders. The Shechemites' downfall serves as a warning against idolatry and betrayal, echoing the broader theme of judgment found throughout the Old Testament. The wounded Shechemites also reflect the fulfillment of Jotham's curse, as internal conflict leads to their destruction.<p><b>all the way to the entrance of the gate</b><br>The gate of a city in ancient times was not only a physical structure but also a place of judgment, commerce, and social interaction. The fact that the Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate signifies the totality of their defeat and the penetration of violence into the heart of the city. This imagery can be connected to other biblical passages where gates symbolize strength and security, such as in <a href="/psalms/24-7.htm">Psalm 24:7-10</a>, where the gates are called to lift up for the King of Glory. The breach of the gate by Abimelech's forces symbolizes the collapse of Shechem's defenses and the judgment upon the city for its sins.<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) and a concubine from Shechem. He declared himself king after killing his seventy brothers, except for Jotham, who escaped.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gaal.htm">Gaal</a></b><br>A man who opposed Abimelech and incited the people of Shechem to rebel against him. He is ultimately defeated and driven out by Abimelech.<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. It is the setting for the conflict between Abimelech and Gaal.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gate.htm">The Gate</a></b><br>The city gate of Shechem, a place of defense and public gathering, where many of Gaal's men fell wounded as they fled.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_battle.htm">The Battle</a></b><br>The conflict between Abimelech and Gaal, which results in Gaal's defeat and the wounding of many of his followers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ambition_and_pride.htm">The Consequences of Ambition and Pride</a></b><br>Abimelech's and Gaal's accounts illustrate the dangers of unchecked ambition and pride. Both sought power for selfish reasons, leading to conflict and destruction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>The chaos in Shechem underscores the need for leaders who seek God's guidance rather than personal gain. Godly leadership brings peace and stability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cycle_of_sin_and_judgment.htm">The Cycle of Sin and Judgment</a></b><br>The events in <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Judges 9</a> reflect the recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance seen throughout the Book of Judges. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_justice.htm">The Role of Divine Justice</a></b><br>Despite human actions, God's justice prevails. Abimelech's eventual downfall is a testament to God's sovereignty and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance_and_humility.htm">The Power of Repentance and Humility</a></b><br>While Gaal and Abimelech did not repent, their accounts encourage us to seek humility and repentance, aligning our lives with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_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/why_no_opposition_to_abimelech's_act.htm">How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/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>(40) Abimelech <span class= "bld">chased him . . .</span>--He won a complete victory; but Gaal and his forces were able to secure themselves in Shechem. They succeeded in closing the gates against Abimelech, but only at the cost of many lives.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 40.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Were overthrown and wounded</span>. The simple translation of the Hebrew is, <span class="accented">and there fell many slain even unto the entering of the gate</span>, showing that Abimelech's men pursued them to the very gate of the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-40.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">but Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ</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">pursued him,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְדְּפֵ֣הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·də·p̄ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Gaal fled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֖נָס</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·nās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> </span><span class="str2">To flit, vanish away</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before him.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפָּנָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And many [Shechemites]</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fell</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּפְּל֛וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip·pə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wounded</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲלָלִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·lā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pierced, polluted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all the way</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the entrance</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֥תַח</span> <span class="translit">(pe·ṯaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6607.htm">Strong's 6607: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, entrance way</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the gate.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּֽׁעַר׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-40.htm">Judges 9:40 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-40.htm">OT History: Judges 9:40 Abimelech chased him and he fled before (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-41.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:41"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:41" /></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>