Judges 9:41
Judges 9:41 in Multiple Translations
Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
Then Abimelech went back to Arumah; and Zebul sent Gaal and his brothers away and would not let them go on living in Shechem.
Abimelech went back to Arumah while Zebul expelled Gaal and his relatives from Shechem.
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren that they should not dwell in Shechem.
And Abimelech abideth in Arumah, and Zebul casteth out Gaal and his brethren from dwelling in Shechem.
Abimelech lived at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
And Abimelech sat down in Ruma: but Zebul drove Gaal, and his companions out of the city, and would not suffer them to abide in it.
Abimelech then stayed at Arumah, about five miles away from Shechem, and Zebul’s men forced Gaal and his brothers to leave Shechem.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:41
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 9:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
בָּ/ארוּמָ֑ה
וַ/יְגָ֧רֶשׁ
זְבֻ֛ל
אֶת
גַּ֥עַל
וְ/אֶת
אֶחָ֖י/ו
מִ/שֶּׁ֥בֶת
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
בָּ/ארוּמָ֑ה
ʼĂrûwmâh
H725
Arumah
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יְגָ֧רֶשׁ
gârash
H1644
to drive out
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
זְבֻ֛ל
Zᵉbul
H2083
Zebul
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
גַּ֥עַל
Gaʻal
H1603
Gaal
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
מִ/שֶּׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
Shechem
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:41
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
בָּ/ארוּמָ֑ה
ʼĂrûwmâh
H725
"Arumah"
Prep | N-proper
Arumah was a place in Palestine, near Shechem, and was home to Abimelech. The name means I shall be exalted, and it's mentioned in the Bible as a significant location.
Definition: Arumah = "I shall be exalted" a place near Shechem, home of Abimelech Also named: ru.mah (רוּמָה "Rumah" H7316H)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Arumah. See also: Judges 9:41.
וַ/יְגָ֧רֶשׁ
gârash
H1644
"to drive out"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to drive out or expel, often used in the context of divorce or being forced to leave a place, as seen in the story of Israel's exile. It can also mean to trouble or cast out. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : drive out 1) to drive out, expel, cast out, drive away, divorce, put away, thrust away, trouble, cast up 1a) (Qal) to thrust out, cast out 1b) (Niphal) to be driven away, be tossed 1c) (Piel) to drive out, drive away 1d) (Pual) to be thrust out Also means: ga.rash (גָּרַשׁ ": divorce" H1644H)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: cast up (out), divorced (woman), drive away (forth, out), expel, [idiom] surely put away, trouble, thrust out. See also: Genesis 3:24; Joshua 24:18; Psalms 34:1.
זְבֻ֛ל
Zᵉbul
H2083
"Zebul"
N-proper
Zebul was a chief man in the city of Shechem before Israel's Monarchy, he is mentioned in Judges 9:28. Zebul means exalted in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.28 § Zebul = "exalted" chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Zebul. Compare H2073 (זְבוּל). See also: Judges 9:28; Judges 9:36; Judges 9:41.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
גַּ֥עַל
Gaʻal
H1603
"Gaal"
N-proper
Gaal was an Israelite who lived before Israel's monarchy, first mentioned in Judges 9:26, and was the son of Ebed. He helped the Shechemites rebel against Abimelech.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.26; son of: Ebed (H5651) § Gaal = "loathing" son of Eved who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Gaal. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:35; Judges 9:41.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶחָ֖י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
מִ/שֶּׁ֥בֶת
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בִּ/שְׁכֶֽם
Shᵉkem
H7927
"Shechem"
Prep | N-proper
Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.
Study Notes — Judges 9:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:41 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:41
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:41
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:41
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:41
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:41
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:41
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:41
Context — The Fall of Shechem
39So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,
40but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.
41Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.
42The next day the people of Shechem went out into the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech. 43So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:28 | Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? |
| 2 | Judges 9:30 | When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger. |
Judges 9:41 Summary
This verse tells us that after fighting Gaal, Abimelech stayed in a place called Arumah, and his ally Zebul made sure Gaal and his family could not come back to Shechem. This shows that Abimelech was careful and strategic in his actions, similar to the wisdom shown by Joshua in Joshua 8:3-8. It also reminds us of the importance of loyalty and trusting in God's plan, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and the consequences of rebelling against authority, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. By studying this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about wisdom, loyalty, and trust in God's plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abimelech stay in Arumah after fighting Gaal?
Abimelech stayed in Arumah to possibly regroup and reassess his strategy, as seen in Judges 9:42-43 where he later attacks the people of Shechem, or to avoid direct confrontation with the people of Shechem, as they were not entirely on his side, similar to the caution shown by David in 1 Samuel 30:24.
Who is Zebul and why did he drive Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem?
Zebul is the governor or leader of Shechem, and he drove Gaal and his brothers out because they were a threat to Abimelech's rule, as Gaal had led a rebellion against Abimelech in Judges 9:39, and Zebul remained loyal to Abimelech, as indicated in Judges 9:30-38.
What can be learned from Abimelech's actions in this verse?
Abimelech's actions show the importance of strategic planning and loyalty, as seen in his decision to stay in Arumah and have Zebul drive out Gaal, similar to the wisdom shown by Joshua in Joshua 8:3-8 when he laid an ambush for the city of Ai.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Judges 9?
This verse is a turning point in the story, as it marks the end of Gaal's rebellion and sets the stage for Abimelech's eventual victory over the people of Shechem, as seen in Judges 9:42-49, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of loyalty, as seen in Zebul's actions, to my own life and relationships?
- How can I, like Abimelech, take time to regroup and reassess my strategy when faced with challenges or opposition?
- What are some potential consequences of rebelling against authority, as Gaal did, and how can I learn from his mistakes?
- In what ways can I demonstrate wisdom and strategic planning, like Joshua in Joshua 8:3-8, in my own decision-making and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:41
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah,.... Called also Aarima as Jerom (l) says, and in his time called Remphtis; it seems to be not far off from Shechem, he returned to the place where he was before, see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:41
And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:41
Abimelech did not prosecute his victory, but retreated to Arumah, partly to see the effect of this fight, and whether the Shechemites would not of themselves return to his government, being either persuaded by Zebul upon this occasion, or terrified by his strength and valour, or now by his clemency in proceeding no further against them; and partly that, being hereby grown more secure, he might have the greater advantage against them, which accordingly he here makes use of. Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren; which he was enabled to do, because the multitude, which is generally light and unstable, and judgeth of all things by events, were now enraged against Gaal, suspecting him guilty either of treachery, or cowardice, or ill conduct; and besides, they thought the expulsion of Gaal would sweeten and satisfy Abimelech, and make him give over the war against them. But though they were offended with Gaal, yet Zebul’ s interest was not so considerable with them, that he could prevail with them either to kill Gaal and his brethren, or to yield themselves to Abimelech; and therefore he still complies with the people, and waits for a fairer opportunity, though in vain.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:41
Judges 9:41 And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.Ver. 41. And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah.] Concealing his ill-will against the Shechemites, as though he had meant it to Gaal only. It is said of Tiberius the Emperor, that the farther off he threatened, the heavier the stroke fell. And of our Richard III, that he would use most compliment and courtesy to him in the morning whose throat he had taken order to be cut that evening. Jerome saith that Arumah is the same with Arimathea.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:41
(41) Dwelt at Arumah.—Eusebius and Jerome identify Arumah with Remphis or Arimathea, near Lydda, which is most improbable on every ground. It is clearly some place at no great distance from Shechem which he was still determined to punish. Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren.—Josephus seems here to supply us with the proper clue, for he says that Zebul accused Gaal to the Shechemites of military cowardice and mismanagement. He seems to have been a deep dissembler. Gaal, however, escaped the fate of the Shechemites by their expulsion of him.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:41
41. Arumah] Unknown; el-‘Örme (the initial letter is different), 2 m. S.E. of Nâblus, has been suggested. This verse evidently brings the narrative to an end.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:41
41. Arumah — A city evidently near to Shechem, but now unknown. Van de Velde proposes to identify it with the ruin El-ormah, on the brow of a mountain southeast of Shechem.