Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek. New Living Translation The citizens of Shechem set an ambush for Abimelech on the hilltops and robbed everyone who passed that way. But someone warned Abimelech about their plot. English Standard Version And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. Berean Standard Bible The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. King James Bible And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. New King James Version And the men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way; and it was told Abimelech. New American Standard Bible The leaders of Shechem set up men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed everyone who would pass by them on the road; and it was reported to Abimelech. NASB 1995 The men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who might pass by them along the road; and it was told to Abimelech. NASB 1977 And the men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who might pass by them along the road; and it was told to Abimelech. Legacy Standard Bible And the lords of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who might pass by them along the road; and it was told to Abimelech. Amplified Bible The leaders of Shechem set men in ambush against Abimelech on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along the road; and it was reported to Abimelech. Christian Standard Bible The citizens of Shechem rebelled against him by putting men in ambush on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed everyone who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. Holman Christian Standard Bible The lords of Shechem rebelled against him by putting people on the tops of the mountains to ambush and rob everyone who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. American Standard Version And the men of Shechem set liers-in-wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. Contemporary English Version Then they sent some men to hide on the hilltops and watch for Abimelech and his troops, while they sent others to rob everyone that went by on the road. But Abimelech found out what they were doing. English Revised Version And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. GOD'S WORD® Translation So citizens of Shechem set ambushes for Abimelech on top of the mountains. They also robbed everyone who passed by them on the road. This was reported to Abimelech. Good News Translation The men of Shechem put men in ambush against Abimelech on the mountaintops, and they robbed everyone who passed their way. Abimelech was told about this. International Standard Version The "lords" of Shechem sent out men to ambush him on the mountain tops, and they robbed everyone who came by them along the roads, and this was reported to Abimelech. Majority Standard Bible The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. NET Bible The leaders of Shechem rebelled against Abimelech by putting bandits in the hills, who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road. But Abimelech found out about it. New Heart English Bible And the lords of Shechem set an ambush for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came along that way by them. And it was told to Abimelech. Webster's Bible Translation And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him on the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. World English Bible The men of Shechem set an ambush for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came along that way by them; and Abimelech was told about it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the masters of Shechem set ambushes for him on the top of the hills, and rob everyone who passes over by them in the way, and it is declared to Abimelech. Young's Literal Translation And the masters of Shechem set for him ambushes on the top of the hills, and rob every one who passeth over by them in the way, and it is declared to Abimelech. Smith's Literal Translation And the lords of Shechem will set for him liers in wait upon the heads of the mountains, and they will rob all who shall pass over by them in the way: and it was announced to Abimelech. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they set an ambush against him on the top of the mountains: and while they waited for his coming, they committed robberies, taking spoils of all that passed by: and it was told Abimelech. Catholic Public Domain Version And they stationed an ambush against him at the summit of the mountains. And while they were waiting for his arrival, they committed robberies, taking spoils from those passing by. And this was reported to Abimelech. New American Bible The lords of Shechem then set men in ambush for him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed them on the road. It was reported to Abimelech. New Revised Standard Version So, out of hostility to him, the lords of Shechem set ambushes on the mountain tops. They robbed all who passed by them along that way; and it was reported to Abimelech. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the men of Shechem laid an ambush against him on the top of the mountain, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way; and it was told Abimeleck. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they set an ambush for him, an ambush on the top of the mountain, and they seized everyone who passed by them in the road, and it was told Abimelek OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the men of Shechem set liers-in-wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them; and it was told Abimelech. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the men of Sicima set liers in wait against him on the top of the mountains, and robbed every one who passed by them on the way; and it was reported to the king Abimelech. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites…24in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. 25The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. 26Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.… Cross References 1 Samuel 23:23 Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” 1 Samuel 23:19-20 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? / Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” 1 Samuel 22:8 Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” 2 Samuel 17:20-21 When Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They have crossed over the brook,” she replied. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem. / After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” 2 Samuel 15:10 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!’” 2 Samuel 3:23-25 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! / Surely you realize that Abner son of Ner came to deceive you and to track your movements and all that you are doing.” 2 Kings 6:9-10 Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 2 Kings 6:13-14 So the king said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send men to capture him.” On receiving the report, “Elisha is in Dothan,” / the king of Aram sent horses, chariots, and a great army. They went there by night and surrounded the city. Jeremiah 11:19 For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” Jeremiah 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. Matthew 26:4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. Matthew 21:38-39 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Matthew 27:1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. Mark 12:7 But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ Treasury of Scripture And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. Joshua 8:4,12,13 And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready: … Proverbs 1:11,12 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: … Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Ambush Attacks Declared Hills Hilltops Liers Masters Mountain Mountains Opposition Passed Passeth Reported Road Rob Robbed Secret Shechem Top Tops Townsmen Wait Watchers Way WordJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Ambush Attacks Declared Hills Hilltops Liers Masters Mountain Mountains Opposition Passed Passeth Reported Road Rob Robbed Secret Shechem Top Tops Townsmen Wait Watchers Way WordJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin 22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him 30. Zebul reveals it 34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt 46. He burns the hold of the god Berith 50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone 56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled. The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops The leaders of Shechem: Shechem was a significant city in ancient Israel, located in the hill country of Ephraim. It held historical importance as a center of covenant renewal (Joshua 24) and was a city of refuge (Joshua 21:21). The leaders, or "lords," of Shechem were likely influential figures or elders who governed the city. Their decision to set an ambush reflects internal strife and dissatisfaction with Abimelech's rule, highlighting the political instability of the time. Set up an ambush: This act of rebellion indicates a breach of trust and alliance. Ambushes were common military tactics in ancient warfare, often used to surprise and overpower an enemy. The leaders' choice to ambush Abimelech suggests a strategic move to weaken his power and possibly incite a larger revolt. Against Abimelech: Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), had declared himself king after the death of his father, despite Israel not having a monarchy at that time. His rule was marked by violence and treachery, including the murder of his seventy brothers (Judges 9:5). The ambush against him reflects the consequences of his ruthless rise to power and the divine retribution for his actions. On the hilltops: The geographical setting of the hilltops provided a strategic advantage for the ambushers, offering a vantage point to observe and attack unsuspecting travelers. The terrain of Shechem, surrounded by hills, made it an ideal location for such tactics. This setting also symbolizes the high places often associated with rebellion and idolatry in Israel's history. And they robbed all who passed by them on the road So this was reported to Abimelech Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He declared himself king after the death of his father and killed his seventy brothers to secure his position. 2. Leaders of Shechem The men of Shechem initially supported Abimelech's rise to power but later turned against him, setting an ambush to undermine his authority. 3. Shechem An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. 4. Ambush on the Hilltops The leaders of Shechem set up a strategic ambush against Abimelech, indicating their rebellion and the beginning of internal strife. 5. Robbery on the Road The ambush included robbing travelers, which not only disrupted trade and travel but also signified the breakdown of law and order under Abimelech's rule. Teaching Points The Dangers of Ambition and PowerAbimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish gain, which leads to destruction and chaos. Consequences of Betrayal The betrayal by the leaders of Shechem illustrates the instability and mistrust that arise from treachery and broken alliances. The Importance of Godly Leadership The chaos in Shechem underscores the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and prioritize justice and righteousness. The Breakdown of Society Without God The lawlessness and robbery reflect a society that has turned away from God's commandments, leading to moral decay. God's Sovereignty in Judgment Despite human schemes, God's justice prevails, as seen in the eventual downfall of Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem.(25) Set liers in wait for him.--The "for him" does not necessarily mean "to seize him," but to his disadvantage. The disaffection began to show itself, as has so often been the case in Palestine from the days of Saul to those of Herod, by the rise of brigandage, rendering all government precarious, and providing a refuge tor all dangerous and discontented spirits. Josephus says that Abimelech was expelled from Shechem, and even from the tribe of Ephraim (Antt. v. 1, ? 3). In the top of the mountains.--Especially Ebal and Gerizim. Verse 25. - The men of Shechem, etc. The narrative now gives the details of that "treacherous dealing" on the part of the Shechemites which was spoken of in the gross in ver. 23. Their disaffection first showed itself in acts of brigandage "against the peace of their lord the king," to use the language of our own mediaeval lawyers. The road to Shechem was no longer safe; lawless freebooters, in defiance of Abimelech's authority, stopped and robbed all travellers that passed that way, probably including Abimelech's own officers and servants. For him. It may have been their intention even to lay violent hands upon Abimelech himself should he come to Shechem.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The leadersבַעֲלֵ֨י (ḇa·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner of Shechem שְׁכֶ֜ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor set וַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set an ambush מְאָרְבִ֗ים (mə·’ā·rə·ḇîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 693: To lie in wait against [Abimelech] לוֹ֩ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew on עַ֚ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the hilltops, רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 7218: The head and they robbed וַיִּגְזְל֗וּ (way·yiḡ·zə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that passed יַעֲבֹ֥ר (ya·‘ă·ḇōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on by them עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against on the road. בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ (bad·dā·reḵ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action So this was reported וַיֻּגַּ֖ד (way·yug·gaḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to Abimelech. לַאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃ (la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name Links Judges 9:25 NIVJudges 9:25 NLT Judges 9:25 ESV Judges 9:25 NASB Judges 9:25 KJV Judges 9:25 BibleApps.com Judges 9:25 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:25 Chinese Bible Judges 9:25 French Bible Judges 9:25 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:25 The men of Shechem set an ambush (Jd Judg. Jdg) |