Judges 9:54
Judges 9:54 in Multiple Translations
He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armorbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and kill me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
Then quickly crying out to his body-servant, he said to him, Take out your sword and put an end to me straight away, so that men may not say of me, His death was the work of a woman. So the young man put his sword through him, causing his death.
He quickly called the young man who carried his weapons, and ordered him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so they won't say about me that a woman killed him.” So the young man drove his sword through him, and he died.
Then Abimelech called hastily his page that bare his harneis, and sayde vnto him, Drawe thy sworde and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slewe him. And his page thrust him thorowe, and he dyed.
and he calleth hastily unto the young man bearing his weapons, and saith to him, 'Draw thy sword, and thou hast put me to death, lest they say of me — A woman slew him;' and his young man pierced him through, and he dieth.
Then he called hastily to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, that men not say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’ His young man thrust him through, and he died.”
Then he called hastily to the young man his armor-bearer, and said to him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
And he called hastily to his armourbearer, and said to him: Draw thy sword, and kill me: lest it should be said that I was slain by a woman. He did as he was commanded, and slew him.
Abimelech quickly called to the young man who carried Abimelech’s weapons, and said, “Pull out your sword and kill me with it! I do not want people to say ‘It was a woman who killed Abimelech.’” So the young man thrust his sword into Abimelech, and Abimelech died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:54
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 9:54 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
מְהֵרָ֜ה
אֶל
הַ/נַּ֣עַר
נֹשֵׂ֣א
כֵלָ֗י/ו
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ל/וֹ֙
שְׁלֹ֤ף
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֙
וּ/מ֣וֹתְתֵ֔/נִי
פֶּן
יֹ֥אמְרוּ
לִ֖/י
אִשָּׁ֣ה
הֲרָגָ֑תְ/הוּ
וַ/יִּדְקְרֵ֥/הוּ
נַעֲר֖/וֹ
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְהֵרָ֜ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
haste
N-fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
Art | N-ms
נֹשֵׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
כֵלָ֗י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
שְׁלֹ֤ף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֙
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs | Suff
וּ/מ֣וֹתְתֵ֔/נִי
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-o-Impv-2ms | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יֹ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
הֲרָגָ֑תְ/הוּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
וַ/יִּדְקְרֵ֥/הוּ
dâqar
H1856
to pierce
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
נַעֲר֖/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:54
וַ/יִּקְרָ֨א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
מְהֵרָ֜ה
mᵉhêrâh
H4120
"haste"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for haste or speed, often used to describe doing something quickly. It appears in the Old Testament, such as when David acted hastily in 1 Samuel.
Definition: 1) haste, speed 1a) hastily, speedily (as adverb) 1b) in haste (with prep)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hastily, quickly, shortly, soon, make (with) speed(-ily), swiftly. See also: Numbers 17:11; 2 Kings 1:11; Psalms 31:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/נַּ֣עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
נֹשֵׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כֵלָ֗י/ו
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
שְׁלֹ֤ף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
חַרְבְּ/ךָ֙
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
וּ/מ֣וֹתְתֵ֔/נִי
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-o-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
יֹ֥אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
אִשָּׁ֣ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הֲרָגָ֑תְ/הוּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
וַ/יִּדְקְרֵ֥/הוּ
dâqar
H1856
"to pierce"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To pierce or stab, as in Psalm 109:16, and can also mean to starve or revile, like in Psalm 57:4.
Definition: 1) to pierce, thrust through, pierce through 1a) (Qal) to pierce, run through 1b) (Niphal) to be pierced through 1c) (Pual) pierced, riddled (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: pierce, strike (thrust) through, wound. See also: Numbers 25:8; Jeremiah 37:10; Isaiah 13:15.
נַעֲר֖/וֹ
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וַ/יָּמֹֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Judges 9:54
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 9:54 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:54
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:54
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:54
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:54
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:54
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:54
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:54
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:54
- Sermons on Judges 9:54
Context — Abimelech’s Punishment
52When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.
53But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.
54He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So Abimelech’s armor-bearer ran his sword through him, and he died.
55And when the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they all went home. 56In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 31:4–5 | Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. |
Judges 9:54 Summary
This verse shows us that Abimelech, a powerful leader, was more concerned about his reputation than about pleasing God. He wanted to die with honor, rather than being killed by a woman, which he saw as shameful. However, this desire for reputation and honor ultimately led to his downfall, as seen in Judges 9:54. As believers, we can learn from Abimelech's mistake by focusing on living a life that is pleasing to God, rather than trying to protect our own reputation, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abimelech want his armor-bearer to kill him?
Abimelech was concerned about his reputation and did not want it to be said that he was killed by a woman, as seen in Judges 9:54, which reflects the societal norms of his time, similar to the values expressed in Deuteronomy 22:5.
What can we learn from Abimelech's death?
Abimelech's death serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, as seen in Judges 9:56, where God repays Abimelech for his wickedness, illustrating the principle found in Galatians 6:7-8 that we reap what we sow.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's judgment on those who do evil, as seen in Psalm 37:1-2 and Romans 6:23, which emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life.
What does this verse teach us about pride and humility?
Abimelech's concern about his reputation and his desire to avoid shame, as seen in Judges 9:54, serves as a warning about the dangers of pride, as expressed in Proverbs 16:18, and the importance of humility, as seen in Matthew 23:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to protect my reputation, and how can I let go of those concerns and focus on living a life pleasing to God?
- How can I apply the principle of Galatians 6:7-8 to my own life, recognizing that my actions have consequences?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate humility in my life, recognizing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as seen in James 4:6-10?
- How can I use Abimelech's story as a reminder to examine my own heart and motivations, and to seek to live a life of integrity and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:54
Then he called hastily to the young man his armourbearer,.... Perceiving it was a mortal blow that was given him, and he should soon expire; and that the cast of the stone was by the hand of a woman,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:54
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:54
A woman slew him; which was esteemed a matter of disgrace.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:54
Judges 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.Ver. 54. Then he called hastily unto the young man.] Exemplum pertinacis ambitionis et impaenitentiae. A fearful example of a man who died in his sins, which is far worse than to die in a ditch, niggardly of his reputation, prodigal of his soul. Do we not sometimes see vain fools running wilfully into the field, into the grave, into hell? and all lest it should be said they have as much fear as wit. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.] So there lay the greatness of Abimelech, "killed with death," as the phrase is in Revelation 2:23. Of him it might be truly said, as it was afterwards of Pope Boniface VIII, that he entered like a fox, reigned as a lion, and died as a dog. Piscat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:54
(54) A woman slew him.—He did not, however, escape the taunt (2 Samuel 11:21). We see also from the narrative of the death of Saul in 2 Samuel 1:9, 1 Samuel 31:4, how sensitive the ancients were about the manner of their death. The same feeling finds ample illustration in Homer and classic writers (Soph. Trach., 1,064). It was a similar feeling which made Deborah exult in the death of Sisera by the hand of a woman, and the Jews in the murder of Holofernes by Judith. It is remarkable that both of the first two Israelite kings die by suicide to avoid a death of greater shame.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:54
Verse 54. Draw thy sword, and slay me] It was a disgrace to be killed by a woman; on this account, Seneca the tragedian deplores the death of Hercules: - O turpe fatum! femina Herculeae necis Autor feritur. HERC. OETAEUS, ver. 1177. "O dishonourable fate! a woman is reported to have been author of the death of Hercules." Abimelech was also afraid that if he fell thus mortally wounded into the hands of his enemies they might treat him with cruelty and insult.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:54
54. armourbearer] Cf. Judges 7:10 f., 1 Samuel 31:4. and kill me] and dispatch me, i.e. give the death stroke; cf. 1 Samuel 14:13; 1 Samuel 17:51, especially 2 Samuel 1:9 f. The first aspirant to kingship and the first real king in Israel met their deaths in the same way.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:54
54. A woman slew him — This was reckoned a terrible disgrace to a warrior.
Sermons on Judges 9:54
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |