What is the meaning of Judges 9:50? Then Abimelech went to Thebez “Then Abimelech went to Thebez…” (Judges 9:50a) • The verse opens with “Then,” picking up right after Abimelech’s fiery destruction of Shechem (Judges 9:45–49). Scripture presents this movement as a literal military progression, showing the unchecked ambition of a self-appointed ruler. • Thebez lay about thirteen miles northeast of Shechem (Judges 1:27 speaks of its earlier survival among Canaanite strongholds). Abimelech’s route reveals his determination to wipe out every pocket of resistance, mirroring the ruthless path he had already taken from Ophrah to Shechem (Judges 9:5–6, 22–24). • Proverbs 16:25 reminds us that “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Abimelech thinks continuous conquest secures his throne, yet the narrative is steering toward his downfall (Judges 9:56–57). • Like Saul pursuing David to every stronghold (1 Samuel 23:14), Abimelech refuses to leave dissenters unchallenged. His going to Thebez underscores how tyranny drives relentless expansion. encamped against it “…encamped against it…” (Judges 9:50b) • The phrase pictures a standard Near-Eastern siege: surround, cut off supplies, intimidate. Scripture records similar tactics at Jericho (Joshua 6:1–5) and by Ben-hadad at Samaria (2 Kings 6:24). • Encamping signals methodical aggression, not a rash raid. Abimelech has time, troops, and confidence—echoing his earlier strategy when he “divided his men into three companies” around Shechem (Judges 9:43). • The verb also hints at a test of endurance: will the city surrender or resist? In contrast, David “inquired of the LORD” before laying siege (2 Samuel 5:19); Abimelech consults no one but himself. • For believers, this snapshot warns how sin digs in: James 1:14-15 shows desire conceiving sin, then sin giving birth to death. Abimelech’s camp is sin entrenched, preparing for its next blow. and captured it “…and captured it.” (Judges 9:50c) • Thebez falls quickly, yet victory will be short-lived. Within two verses a woman will drop an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head (Judges 9:53), fulfilling Jotham’s curse (Judges 9:20). • Capturing the city appears to vindicate Abimelech’s might, but God repeatedly reminds us that “the LORD opposes the proud” (James 4:6). Like Pharaoh over Israel (Exodus 14:4) and Haman over Mordecai (Esther 6:13), triumph precedes judgment. • The sequence—arrival, encampment, capture—mirrors the spiritual progression in Psalm 1:1: walk, stand, sit. Sin advances step by step until it thinks it has secured its prize. • Thebez’s brief subjugation highlights God’s justice: earthly success apart from Him is fleeting (Psalm 73:18-20). Abimelech’s apparent win sets the stage for divine retribution. summary Judges 9:50 records a literal march, siege, and conquest—Abimelech’s last victory before his swift demise. The verse showcases unchecked ambition moving from Shechem to Thebez, a calculated encampment, and an outwardly complete capture. Yet within the flow of Scripture, each step is a warning: prideful power can look unstoppable until God intervenes. What seems like success to Abimelech is only the calm before judgment, proving again that the Lord faithfully opposes the proud and upholds His righteous purposes. |
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