Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. Berean Standard Bible On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. King James Bible And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. New King James Version Now when all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard that, they entered the stronghold of the temple of the god Berith. New American Standard Bible When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. NASB 1995 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. NASB 1977 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Legacy Standard Bible Then all the lords of the tower of Shechem heard of it, and they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Amplified Bible 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). Christian Standard Bible When all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Holman Christian Standard Bible When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. American Standard Version And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. Contemporary English Version 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, English Revised Version And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the citizens of Shechem's Tower heard about it and went into the basement of the temple of El Berith. Good News Translation 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. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard the news, they went to the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. New Heart English Bible And when all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of El Berith. Webster's Bible Translation And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into a hold of the house of the god Berith. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. World English Bible When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all the masters of the Tower of Shechem hear, and go into the high place of the house of the god Berith, Young's Literal Translation And all the masters of the tower of Shechem hear, and go in unto the high place of the house of the god Berith, Smith's Literal Translation 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. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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. Catholic Public Domain Version 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. New American Bible When they heard of this, all the lords of the Migdal-shechem went into the crypt of the temple of El-berith. New Revised Standard Version When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the temple of El-berith. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the Lords of the Tower of Shekeem heard and they came to make a covenant with Bayth Eil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith. Brenton Septuagint Translation And all the men of the tower of Sychem heard, and came to the gathering of Baethel-berith. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Shechem…45And 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. 46On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. 47And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there,… Cross References 2 Samuel 22:3 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. Psalm 18:2 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. Isaiah 2:19 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. Isaiah 2:21 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. Isaiah 10:33-34 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. Isaiah 33:16 he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured. Jeremiah 48:28 Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave. Ezekiel 33:27 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. Amos 9:1-3 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. Matthew 7:24-27 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. ... Matthew 21:44 He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” Luke 6:47-49 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!” Luke 20:18 Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” Acts 4:11 This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Romans 9:33 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.” Treasury of Scripture And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. an hold Judges 9:4,27 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him… Judges 8:33 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. 1 Kings 8:26 And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. Jump to Previous Berith Chamber Citizens Entered Hear Heard Hearing High Hold House Inner Leaders Masters Room Shechem Stronghold Temple Thereof Tower TownsmenJump to Next Berith Chamber Citizens Entered Hear Heard Hearing High Hold House Inner Leaders Masters Room Shechem Stronghold Temple Thereof Tower TownsmenJudges 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. On hearing of this 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. all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith Persons / Places / Events 1. Leaders in the Tower of ShechemThese 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. 2. Tower of Shechem A stronghold or fortress within the city of Shechem, used as a place of refuge and defense during times of attack or siege. 3. Inner Chamber of the Temple of El-berith 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. 4. Abimelech 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. 5. Shechem An ancient city with a rich biblical history, often associated with covenants and significant events in Israel's history. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryThe 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. False Security 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. Consequences of Leadership Choices 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. Syncretism and Compromise 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. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? What defines a spiritual stronghold? Does the account of Abimelech’s violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22–24)? (46) The men of the tower of Shechem.--Evidently the garrison of the house of Millo (Judges 9:6). Entered into an hold.--The word for "hold" occurs in 1Samuel 13:6 ("high place"). The LXX. render it "a fortress" (ochuroma); Luther, "Festung." In the 'thiopic Version of Mark 16:15 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." Of the house of the god Berith.--Similarly. Arcesilas burnt the Cyrenaens in a tower (Herod. iv. 164), and in 1 Maccabees 5:43 the defeated enemy fly for refuge to the temple of Ashtaroth in Karnaim, which Judas takes and burns. Verse 46. - 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). An, or rather the, hold. The word so rendered occurs elsewhere only in 1 Samuel 13:6, where it is rendered high places, and is coupled with caves, thickets, rocks, and pits, 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. The god Berith. It should rather be El-berith, the same as Baal-berith in ver. 4 - El, i.e. god, being substituted for Baal.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew On hearing of this,וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently all כָּֽל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֖י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner in the tower מִֽגְדַּל־ (miḡ·dal-) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers of Shechem שְׁכֶ֑ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor entered וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the inner chamber צְרִ֔יחַ (ṣə·rî·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6877: Perhaps excavation, underground chamber of the temple בֵּ֖ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of El-berith. בְּרִֽית׃ (bə·rîṯ) Noun - proper Strong's 1286: A Shechemite deity Links Judges 9:46 NIVJudges 9:46 NLT Judges 9:46 ESV Judges 9:46 NASB Judges 9:46 KJV Judges 9:46 BibleApps.com Judges 9:46 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:46 Chinese Bible Judges 9:46 French Bible Judges 9:46 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:46 When all the men of the tower (Jd Judg. 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