Judges 9:34
New International Version
So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies.

New Living Translation
So Abimelech and all his men went by night and split into four groups, stationing themselves around Shechem.

English Standard Version
So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies.

Berean Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

King James Bible
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

New King James Version
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night, and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

New American Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him got up at night, and lay in wait against Shechem, in four units.

NASB 1995
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

NASB 1977
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Amplified Bible
So Abimelech and all the people who were with him got up during the night, and set up an ambush against Shechem, in four companies.

Christian Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all the troops with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all the people with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units.

American Standard Version
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

Contemporary English Version
So one night, Abimelech led his soldiers to Shechem. He divided them into four groups, and they all hid near the town.

English Revised Version
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Abimelech and all his troops started out at night. He used four companies to set ambushes around Shechem.

Good News Translation
So Abimelech and all his men made their move at night and hid outside Shechem in four groups.

International Standard Version
So Abimelech and his entire army got up that night and waited in ambush against Shechem in four separate companies.

Majority Standard Bible
So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

NET Bible
So Abimelech and all his men came up at night and set an ambush outside Shechem--they divided into four units.

New Heart English Bible
Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abimelech rose, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

World English Bible
Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abimelech rises, and all the people who [are] with him, by night, and they lay wait against Shechem—four detachments;

Young's Literal Translation
And Abimelech riseth, and all the people who are with him, by night, and they lay wait against Shechem -- four detachments;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abimelech will rise, and all the people which are with him, by night, and they will lie in wait against Shechem in four heads.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Abimelech therefore arose with all his army by night, and laid ambushes near Sichem in four places.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so Abimelech rose up, with all his army, by night, and he set ambushes near Shechem in four places.

New American Bible
During the night Abimelech went into action with all his soldiers and set up an ambush outside of Shechem in four companies.

New Revised Standard Version
So Abimelech and all the troops with him got up by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abimeleck and all the people that were with him rose up by night, and they laid in ambush against Shechem in four companies.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abimelek arose in the night, and all the people that were with him, and they laid ambush against Shekeem in four divisions
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abimelech and all the people with him rose up by night, and formed an ambuscade against Sychem in four companies.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Fall of Shechem
33And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.” 34So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies. 35Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 15:10-12
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.

2 Kings 9:14-20
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.” / Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him. ...

1 Samuel 22:6-8
Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. / Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / 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.”

2 Samuel 3:27
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.

2 Samuel 20:4-10
Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” / So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. / 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.” ...

1 Kings 16:9-10
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.

2 Kings 11:14-16
And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.

2 Chronicles 23:13-15
And she looked and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death.

Matthew 26:47-50
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Mark 14:43-46
While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ...

Luke 22:47-48
While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

John 18:2-3
Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Acts 23:12-15
When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...

Acts 25:3
to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

2 Corinthians 11:26
In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,


Treasury of Scripture

And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

Jump to Previous
Abimelech Abim'elech Attack Bands Companies Concealed Detachments Laid Night Positions Riseth Rose Shechem Surprise Troops Wait
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Abimelech Abim'elech Attack Bands Companies Concealed Detachments Laid Night Positions Riseth Rose Shechem Surprise Troops Wait
Judges 9
1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king
7. 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.














So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night
Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to establish his rule over Shechem through force and cunning. The decision to move by night indicates a strategic approach, aiming to catch the city off guard. Night operations in ancient warfare were risky due to limited visibility, but they offered the element of surprise. This tactic reflects Abimelech's ruthless ambition and willingness to use deception, reminiscent of other biblical figures who acted under the cover of darkness, such as Judas Iscariot in the betrayal of Jesus (John 13:30).

and lay in wait against Shechem
Shechem was a significant city in the central hill country of Canaan, with a rich history dating back to the time of Abraham (Genesis 12:6). It was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, indicating its religious importance. Abimelech's choice to attack Shechem highlights the city's strategic and symbolic value. The act of laying in wait suggests a premeditated ambush, a common military tactic in ancient times, reflecting the treacherous nature of Abimelech's leadership. This mirrors the deceitful actions of other biblical characters, such as the ambush at Ai (Joshua 8:2).

in four companies
Dividing his forces into four companies demonstrates Abimelech's tactical acumen, allowing for a coordinated and multifaceted attack. This division could symbolize completeness or totality, as the number four often represents in biblical numerology. The use of multiple companies would enable Abimelech to surround Shechem, cutting off escape routes and ensuring a comprehensive assault. This strategy is reminiscent of other biblical military campaigns, such as Gideon's division of his 300 men into three companies (Judges 7:16), showcasing a continuity of military tactics within the narrative of Judges.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and Israel. His ambition and ruthless actions are central to this account.

2. Shechem
An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. It becomes the focal point of Abimelech's power struggle.

3. Troops
The men who followed Abimelech, likely mercenaries or loyalists, who participated in his military campaign against Shechem.

4. Night Ambush
A strategic military maneuver where Abimelech divides his forces into four companies to surprise and overpower the city of Shechem.

5. Four Companies
The division of Abimelech's forces, indicating a calculated and organized approach to warfare, aiming to maximize the element of surprise.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Ambition
Abimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost. His actions lead to destruction, illustrating the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall.

Strategic Planning vs. Godly Wisdom
While Abimelech's military strategy was effective, it lacked divine guidance. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in their plans rather than relying solely on human strategy.

The Consequences of Betrayal
Abimelech's betrayal of his family and people for personal gain serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of betrayal and the importance of loyalty and integrity.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite Abimelech's schemes, God's overarching plan prevails. This reminds believers of God's sovereignty and justice, even when human actions seem to dominate.

Community and Leadership
The conflict at Shechem highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of community decisions. It challenges believers to consider the qualities of leaders they support and follow.(34) Four companies.--Literally, four heads. (Comp. Judges 7:16.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Abimelech
אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his troops
הָעָ֥ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

set out
וַיָּ֧קָם (way·yā·qām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

by night
לָ֑יְלָה (lā·yə·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

and lay in wait
וַיֶּאֶרְב֣וּ (way·ye·’er·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 693: To lie in wait

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Shechem
שְׁכֶ֔ם (šə·ḵem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor

in four
אַרְבָּעָ֖ה (’ar·bā·‘āh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 702: Four

companies.
רָאשִֽׁים׃ (rā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7218: The head


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OT History: Judges 9:34 Abimelech rose up and all the people (Jd Judg. Jdg)
Judges 9:33
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