Judges 9
PATAbimelech how matters stood, with his advice how. to proceed against Gael. Behold, Gael the son ofEbed, and his brethren, become to Shechem. Where, no doubt, he informed him what entertainment he had found, and in what reviling terms he had spoken of him. And, behold, he fortifieth the city against thee.] This was no sign that Gael desired, as ho boasted, to meet Abimelech in a pitched battle; but that he rather provided for his own defence, in case he should be assaulted. [CHAP.*, And went hard unto the door of the toiver to burn it with fire.] Being flushed with great success, tie was so bold and hardy as himself to make this dangerous attempt. Vcr. 53. And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone.’] Which they had carried up among other stones and logs, and whatsoever they thought might offend the enemy: the Hebrew word rechab properly signifies the upper millstone, which moves (and, as it were, rides) upon the lower. Upon AbimelecKs head.] Being directed, no doubt, by a special providence of God, as the stone was out of the sling that killed Goliah, and the arrow wherewith Ahab was shot.:’ »’ <• And all to break his scull.’] Made such a fracture in it, that he concluded it to be mortal. Thus Plutarch relates that Pyrrhus, at the siege of Thebes, was killed by a woman, who threw a tile upon his head: but Abimelech’s death by a stone is the more remarkable, because it carried" some stamp of his sin upon it; for he slew all his brethren on one stone. *
Judges 9:1
-CM.ND Abimelech the son ofJerttbbaal went. From his father’s house, where it is likely he was educated. Unto Shechem.] The place of his nativity.. Unto his mother’s brethren.] Though the word brethren has many times.a large signification, yet it is reasonable here to understand it properly, of his uncles by the mother’s side; for his other near kindred are mentioned in the words following. And communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying.] Discoursed with them, and with all the rest of his cousins, and his near kinsmen, descended from his grandfather.
Judges 9:2
Speak, I pray yon, in the ears of all the men of Shechem.* By the men of this city are to be understood, the chief persons of authority in it, as in the foregoing chapter the men ofSuccoth signify the princes and elders of that place. Whether is better for you, either that all the $071$ of Je Tt rubbaal (which are threescore and ten persons) reign, over you, or that one reign over you.] He wickedly supposed that the sons of Jerubbaal were ambitious of the kingdom ^yhich their father Tefuscd; and therefore prays them to consider, what horrible divisions and confusion it would make, if so many were permitted to pretend to the government; and how much better it would be to choose one. of them from among the rest; pointing then (in the next words) to himself. He uses the argument of Homer, mentioned by Aristotle, ovx* ayaSbv TroXvKoipaviri, &c. It is better to be subject to the rule of one man than of many. Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.] Since there must be a king, he represents himself, as the most desirable to them of all other single persons, he being of the same tribe, and their fellow-citizen.
Judges 9:3
And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of the men of Shechem, all these words. They were ready enough to promote his design, hoping for preferment under him. But neither he nor they considered, that it-did not belong to them to set a judge oyer the people, much less a king, which was to shake off the government of God. And their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, He is our brother.] This consideration of their interest in him, prevailed with them against the clearest reason. For if it had been in any person’s power to appoint a king, but God alone, the men of Shechem had it not in them, but all the men of Israel ought to have been consulted.
Judges 9:4
And they gave’ Mm threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith. Out of the public treasury, which was in this temple. It is uncertain what is meant by pieces of silver; but, in all probability, more than shekels; for they would have been but a small present to make a man a prince. Therefore the Vulgar translates it so many pound weight of silver, which learned men approve of, particularly Stanislaus Grcpsius, in his book de Siclo ct Talcnto. For seventy Eckels’vvcre too little for his occasions; and so many talents too much for them to give. And thus Joscphus interprets Gen. xxxvii. 28. where it is said> Joseph was sold to tho Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silyer; that is, for so many pound weight of it. Wlierewith Abimelech hiredvain and light persons.] Tho Hebrew word re/dm, which we translate vain, signifies empty; that is, poor £nd needy persons: and] the other word; pochazim, idle, vagabond fellows, that could settle to no business, but wandered about the country; who being commonly men of loose lives, were fittest for his purpose. Therefore Kimchi understands by them light-headed persons (as’we speak), who have no settled principles, but arc disposed to do any thing, though never so wicked. Such Zephaniah saith the prpphets in his timo were, (iii.4.) light and treacherous. Which fallowed him.] As a constant guard to him.
Judges 9:5
And he went into his father’s house at Ophrah. With this wicked crew to attend him; who, I suppose, beset the house, that none might escape out of it. I supposed that he had a house in the country,- viii. 29. for I could not see with what propriety he could be said to go and dwell in his house at Ophrah, in which he had always lived. But this was the house of the family, where all his children lived. And slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being three* score and ten persons.] All of them except Jothain.. Thus Romulus slew his brother Remus; as Tally observes, (lib. iii. de Officiis) " Specie quadam utilitatis/’ under the specious pretence of the public good; that the kingdom would be governed more happily by one, than by two persons. Upon one stone.] Some understand this, as if he intended to make them a great victim to Baal; for a stonewas sometimes used foT an altar, 1 Sam. vi. 14, 15. And so they take this to have been done in revenge of the sacrifice of the bullock prepared for Baal upon the rock, (vi. 25, 26.) which crime of Gideon, as these idolaters accounted it, they designed to expiate by the sacrifice of all his sons that they could lay hold on. For that the men of Shechem joined in this impious slaughter, is manifest from ver. 18. and 24. of this chapter. NotwitJtstanding, yet Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, was left; for he hid himself] Either he had some notice of their intention, and saved himself by flight, or, when they came to seize them, got into some secret place in the house, where they could not find him; or, by some that pitied his youth, he was preserved from falling into their hands. So the LXX. and the Vulgar translate it, He was hid.
Judges 9:6
And all the men of Shechem gathered themselves together, and all the house ofMillo. None seem to have understood these words better than Corn. Bertram, in his little book de Rcpubl. Jud. cap. 9. where by col-baale Shechem he understands all the principal men or lords of that city; principes civitatis, the princes of the city, by whom it was governed: and by col-beth Millo, all the citizens, who in a full assembly (for Millo signifies fulness) agreed upon what follows: and so we read in the next charjtcr, (x. 18.) that the people and princes of Gilead consulted together, r I 4 VJ’ CHAP. IX.] UPON JUDGES. who should fight for them; that is, all the citizens met together, with their elders, (as these princes are called, xi. 5.) to advise about this matter: for when the Canaanites, and other people, ruled over the Israelites and oppressed them, they contented themselves with setting such a power over them, as should make them pay what tribute they imposed, and other taxes; but left them to their own government and laws, as appears from viii. 14. where we read of the elders ofSuccoth in the time of the Midianites.. And ivent.] To the place where they were wont to meet for public business. And made Abimelech king.] Voted him their king, in full senate. * < In the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.] Or the oaifc. (as St. Jerome commonly translates this wofd elon), where Joshua set up a pillar, as a token of the covenant between God and them, Josh, xxiv.26. That is, in a very remarkable place, as the manner was to. do such things: but here, I. suppose, they proclaimed him king, after they had chosen him in the common hall of the city: and some think they intended hereby to declare, that they would not forsake the worship of God, to which they w r ere engaged, but only to join the worship of Baal with him: but see what I have noted of this pillar, Deut. xxvii.13. And after all it must be confessed, that the Hebrew word mutzab doth not certainly signify a pillar; for I cannot find it so used in any other place of Scripture:, and therefore St. Jerome translates this passage thus, By the oak which stood in Shechem, and the LXX. lv j3aXavy rrjc tiratnwQ, which seems to signify as if it was the place w f here. they had their stations, or solemn assemblies. See Mr. Mede’s Discourse xviii.
Judges 9:7
And when they told it JothamC. Who had some friends among them, that took care to inform him of what passed: but it is an amazing thing, that in all Israel there should none be found to revenge the murder of this noble family: of which no account can be given, but that, with the sense of God and religion, they had lost all goodness and virtue. (See viii. 34, 35.) He went.] From the place where he lay hid; And stood on the top of Mount Gerizim.] Which overlooked the city of Shechem. (See Deut. xxvii. 12/13;) And lifted up his voice and cried, ahd said unto them:’] This was not on the same day that Abimelech was inaugurated, but some time after; when he, it is probable, was absent, and all the people met (as Josephus saith) at a public festival; which was a fair opportunity for him to declare his mind to them. Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.] It is a form of adjuration, whereby ho not only intreats, but obliges them to be as attentive to him, as they desired God would be to their requests.
Judges 9:8
The trees went forth on a time. By this it appears, that such fictions as these, wherein the most serious truths an? represented, were in use among the Jews (as they are still in the eastern countries) long beforfe the time of iEsop, or any other author that we know of. And they made choice of them for two reasons; because men would suffer themselves to be reprehended this way, when they would not endure plain words; and they heard them also with delight and pleasure, and more easily remembered them than a rational discourse. So A.Gellius observes of iEsop’s Fables, that they slid into the mind and affections of men, turn audiendi quadam illecebra, with a certain enticement to hear them, (lib. ii. cap. 29.) To anoiut a king over them.] TPhis was two hundred years (as Mr. Selden observes in his Titles of Honour) before the first kings of Israel (Saul and David) were anointed. Which shews the great antiquity of this custom; and that it was the same to anoint a person, and to declare him king. And they said unto the olive-tree, Reign thou over vs.] By this they would easily apprehend he meant his father Gideon; to whom all the Israelites had offered the kingdom, when he was in a most flourishing condition, and had newly triumphed over their enemies.
Judges 9:9
But the olive-tree said unto them. In this replyhe represents his refusal of the offer, and the reason of it. Shall I leave my fatness, wherewith by me tJtey honour God and man.] He makes the trees speak after the manner of men; who, when they are in a plentiful condition, arid live at ease, are not willing to take upon themselves a great deal of care and trouble, especially when they think themselves to have honour enough already; as Gideon had, in being such a glorious conqueror over mighty enemies; God and man are said to be honoured by oil, because it was offered in sacrifice to God, and fed the lamps of his house; and priests were wont to be anointed with it among men. (See Lev. ii. 1. 4. Numb* xv. 4. 6, &c.) And go to be promoted among the trees?] This is a most lively representation of the duty of a good man; who, for the public good, denies his own quiet and tranquillity. For the Hebrew word we translate promote, signifies (as is noted in the margin) action and agitation to and fro;’ shewing how a man must bestir himself who executes the kingly office; and what solicitude and continual carefulness is the concomitant of authority, when it is duly adiriinistered.: Ver. 10; Arid the trees said unto the fig-tree, Come thou and reign over us.] He intends to represent the same mind to bo in all Gideon’s sons that was in their father: for as Gideon refused the kingdom himself, so he did for his posterity, saying, I will not rule over you, neither shall my sou, or my son’s son (i. e. any of mine) rule over you, (viii. 23.) Therefore Abimelech had most vilely slandered them in suggesting that they affected a regal power over the people.
Judges 9:11
But the fig-tree said unto them, Shall I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?.* No fruit is more luscious than a fig, which’ makes this an apt representation of the sweet content, or rather full pleasure, that may be enjoyed in a private life, which it would be folly to exchange for the troubles and cares which men meet withal in the managery of public affairs, if they be not drawn to it purely out of love to tho public good.*
Judges 9:12
Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou and reign over us. All these are noble trees, setting forth the same thing, that better men than Abimelech had refused that of which he was ambitious.'.
Judges 9:13
And the vine said unto them, Shall I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted " over the trees?J The same thing is repeated for the fuller illustration of the thing intended, according to the manner of all such ways of speech: for A. Gellius, in the place beforenamed, makes the birds among the corn, when it was to be reaped, say the same thing more than onco to their dam before she bade them be gone. As for wine cheering God Microsoft® A.’ COMMENTARY [CHA P. IX. and man, it is a form of speech imitated by the heathen, particularly by Virgil, lib. ii. Georg. ver. 101. where speaking of noble vines, or wine, he saith, they were " Mensis ct Diis accepta sccundis." For wine, as the Hebrew doctors note, was not only used in their sacrifices, as it was also among the heathen; but Jarchi saith, Till the drink-offering was poured out, they did not begin the hymn that was then sung to God. (See upon Numb. xv. 5.)
Judges 9:14
Then said all the trees unto the bramble, &c. The meanest of all trees, good for nothing but to be burnt, aptly representing Abimelech, from whom they could receive no benefit, but much trouble and vexation from his ambitious cruelty.
Judges 9:15
And the bramble said unto them, If in truth ye anoint me king over you. This well sets forth Abimclech’s distrust of the sincerity of the Shcchemites; for which he had great reason, having no title to the kingdom but the great achievements of his father, and he the basest of all his sons. Then come and put your trust in my shadow,’]. Be assured of my protection, if you live quietly under my government. This represents how ridiculous Abimelech was, in imagining that he should be able to maintain the authority of a king; for a bramble doth not spread itself so as to afford any shelter or shadow, it being a kind, of a thorn, which the. Hebrews call atad. From whence, as Avenarius observes, came tho word aphris among the Greeks, and in Dioscorides the word aradifi. And from hence he thinks was derived the word ovjdw, and ovragw, which signify to wound, as a thorn doth when it pricks. And if not, let fire come out of the bramble.] It is a wood that easily catches fire, as Forstcrus observes out of Jo-. sephus, lib. v. Antiq. cap. 11. And devour the cedars of Lebanon.] This represents the vengeance Abimelech would take of the greatest of them, if they proved unfaithful to him.
Judges 9:16
Now therefore. Here follows Jotham’s application of this apologue, as the Greeks call it, unto his purpose. Jfy e h ave done truly and sincerely in that ye have made Abimelech kiiig.] If his preferment was a righteous act. And if ye have dealt well ivith Jerubbaal and his house, and have done nn to him according to the deserving of his liand.] And if they had requited Gideon and his family according to his merits, which were exceeding great.
Judges 9:17
For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far. Put it in great hazard.. And delivered you out of the hand of Midian.] When they were sorely oppressed by them; and could not help themselves.:
Judges 9:18
And ye are risen up against my father’s houie this day. This shews the men of Shecliem consented to the murder, and assisted Abimelech in it. And have slain his sons, threescore and ten jyersons.] For they intended the slaughter of Jotham, as much as of the rest, if he could have been found.. Upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant.] For concubines were often put’ to do the work of the house 1 King over the men of Shechem.] Who could not pretend to make him king over all Israel: no, nor.over the whole tribe of Ephraim, but only of their city and territory. Because he is your brother.] Without any title to it, but bocausc he was a native of their city.
Judges 9:19
If you have done truly and sincerely. Like honest and upright men. With Jerubbaal and his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him rejoice in you.] He wishes they may be happy in one another.
Judges 9:20
But if not, let fire come from Abimelech, anddevourjhe men of Shechem, and the house ofMillo. This is not a prediction, but an execration or curse, as appears from the opposition to the foregoing wish, and from ver. 57. where it is called JothamV curse. Which was not causeless, but like that of Joshua’s, (Josh. vi. 26.) which was fulfilled, as this was. Not by fire, properly so called, breaking forth from Abimelech, but by his rage and furious revenge, which is fitly compared to fire, in allusion to w T hat is said of the bramble, (ver. 15.) • And let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from tlie house ofMillo, and devour Abimelech.] He wishes they may mutually destroy each other, which came to pass by the righteous judgment of God, who hears the cries of the oppressed..
Judges 9:21
And Jotham ran away, and fled. As he might easily do, I have shewn upon Deut. xxvii. 13. The first word signifies, he made what haste he could away, as soon as he had done speaking; and the second, that he stopped not till he had got to a place of safety. • And went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.] It is not certain where this place was, whether in the land of Israel, or out of it. It is probable, that it was in the tribe of Judah, about eight miles from Eleuthcropolis, as both Euscbius and St. Jerome affirm.
Judges 9:22
When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel. It is not said, over all Israel, w r ho, it cannot bo thought, would submit to the ambitious tyranny of so cruel a man as Abimelech was. And if Beer was in the tribe of Judah, we may be sure they did not own him for their king; for then Jotham could not have dwelt in safety there. The meaning therefore is, that he called himself king of Israel, and reigned over a great part of them, who were so desirous of a king (it appears by their offer made to Gideon), that they were content with him, rather than have none at all. -
Judges 9:23
And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. At the three years’ end, I suppose, God ordered things so in his providence, that they grew jealous and distrustful one of another, and fell into dissensions and discords. And the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech.] Conspired against him. So true is the observation of Grotius upon these words, that nothing is more unstable than the popular breath which is won by ovil arts, and that men hate the wickedness which hath done them service.
Judges 9:24
That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sorts of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon their brother Abimelech, which sleiv them. By this means God intended to punish Abimelech for the cruel murder of his brethren, whose blood cried for vengeance on him. And upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.] Aud to punish the men of Shechem, who enabled him to commit that wickedness, and helped him in it..
Judges 9:25
And the men of Slicchem set Hers in wait for Microsoft® CHAP. IX. UPON JUDGES. him,t>n the top of the mountains.’] They were not yet broken out into open hostility against him; but there being a misunderstanding between them, Abimelech, I suppose, left the city in anger; but they thought he would return again, and thereupon set men to lie secretly on the top of the mountains over which he was to pass, to seize his person. And tliey robbed all that came that way by them J]: That the report coming to Abimeleeh’s ears (as Arius Montanus understands it) how insecure his subjects were who passed that road, he might make the more speed, as good kings are bound to do, to clear the way from those thieves which infested it, and thereby give them an opportunity to seize him. •. And it was told Abimelech.] What robberies were committed, and, perhaps, that they lay in wait for him.
Judges 9:26
And Gael the son ofEbed. We have no means to know who this Gael was, noT whence he came.. R. Solomon thinks he was a gentile, and not one of the Jewish nation. Came with his brethren.’] He passed accidentally that way (as P. Martyr thinks) with his brethren and his attendants, about some business they had in that country: but the common opinion is, that he was a known enemy of Abimeleeh’s, who hearing the men of Shechem were at defiance with him, came to offer them his service against him. *, And the men of Shechem put their confidence in him."] That is, put themselves under his protection.
Judges 9:27
And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trod the grapes. Their first action under this new commander, was to go out of their city into their vineyards, which were in the fields, and gather their grapes, and press them, which they durst not do before, though the vintage was ripe, for fear of Abimelech; who being told how things stood there, had raised forces.I suppose against them, but durst not now disturb them in their business, they being defended by Gael, j.’♦. And made merry.] As they were wont to do in time of vintage, and now especially, when they were full of joy in hope to be rid ofAbimelech’s tyranny. The LXX. of the Vatican edition retain the Hebrew word, and translate it they made’EXXovWfi, whereby some understand songs, as others dances: both are expressed by the Vulgar, and other copies of the LXX. have xoqovq; for their merriment consisted very much in dances, with music and songs; which, as Max. Tyrius observes, were among the Greeks first used, and in honour of Bacchus, when they pressed out their grapes. (See Dr. Spencer, lib. iii. dissert, i. cap. 9.) And went into the house of their god.] It is most likely into the temple of Baal-berith; there to offer their firstfruits, or such other sacrifices as were customary at that festival.,’… And did eat and drink.] Upon that part of the sacrifices which fell to the share of the people, who, perhaps, engaged in a covenant against Abimelech. And cursed Abimelech.] Some think they only scoffed at him with taunts and reproaches, as men used to do in their cups: but the LXX, translate it Kar^Qaaavro, which signi-r fics cursing, as we translate it; that is, they wished their god would confound him. And so we translate this word, Lev. xx. 9. Prov. xx. 20. A marvellous change, that they who lately gave him a great sum of money to* advance him to the throne, should, in that very house from whence they took it, reproach him with imprecations of the Divine vengeance upon him.,
Judges 9:28
And Gael the son ofEbedsaid. In the midst of this jollity, Gael (being elevated, I suppose, with wine) burst forth into this insulting language. Who is Abimelech.] That is, he is but the son of a maidservant, (ver. 18.)’ - And who is Shechem^] Some think he means the. city of Shechem is as noble as he is base: why, therefore, should they be subject to him? but it seems, by what follows, to be rather the same thing repeated, Who, I say, is the Shechemite?, &.7< Tliat we should serve him?] Suffer him to rule over us, and use us as he pleases. i •."-.; * Is he not the son of Jerubbaal?] Who threw down the altar of that god whom you worship. And Zebul his officer.] Hath he not set one of his servants over you to be your governor? 3 Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem.] If we must be servants, let us restore the dominion of the old lords of this city, and subject ourselves to those who are descended from the ancient stock of Hamor; who was the father, as it were, of the Shechemites.!. For why should we serve him?] But what reason can be given for our subjection to this upstart y who is famed for nothing, but his ambition and cruelty to his own brethren? this shews pretty plainly, that H. Solomon’s opinion is true, that Gael was a* gentile; who would have been glad to see the authority. of the Canaanites restored. For though he suggests it only as comparatively more desirable than Abimelech’s rule over them, yet, it is likely, he thought they might as well receive their government, as they had done their religion.
Judges 9:29
And would to God this people were under my hand!. He wishes they would make him their king^ atleast their commander-in-chief: which it seems they had not yet resolved upon; some being still for Abimelech, and others not trusting -to a stranger. • ■ » Tlien woidd I. remove Abimelech.] That he should trouble them no more; but ffee the country, as he was driven out of their city. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.] Some take this to be only a vapouring speech (as if Abimelech was present), when he knew he might boast and insult without danger, because he did not hear him; but it may as well be thought that he bid AbimeleCh’s friends go and tell him what he said; that he wished him to reinforce his army, and come out (of the intrenchments wherein perhaps he was) and give him battle: for he pretended to scorn to set upon him by surprise, but desired to decide the quarrel in open field. ■
Judges 9:30
And when Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard tte words of Gael the son ofEbed, his anger was kindled. It is likely he had carried fair (as we speak) with Gael hitherto; thinking it in vain to oppose a popular commotion, till their fury was a little calmed; but he could not bear these insolent thrasonical words of Gael, which perhaps were not Spoken in his presence, but brought to him by some that heard them.
Judges 9:31
And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying. He had some wit in his anger, and’did not openly declare his resentments; but gave secret intelligence to
Judges 9:32
Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that are with thee, and lie in wait in the fields. His advice is, that, for fear of discovery, he should march with all his forces in the night, towards Shechem; and lurk in the fields till morning light.
Judges 9:33
And it shall be, that An the morning, ds soon as tlt£ sun is up, thou shalt rise up early, and set upon the city. Surprise them, before they were better provided. And,- behold, when he and the people that are with Mm come out against thee.] As Gael had boasted he would do. Tlien thou mayest do to them, as thou shalt find occasion.] He could give him no farther advice; but that then he should dispose his forces to the best advantage against him.
Judges 9:34
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him by night, and they laid wait against She- chem in four companies.* He divided his army into four battalions (as they now speak), and disposed them in four places, as the Vulgar understands it; perhaps on the east, west, north, and south sides of the city.
Judges 9:35
And Gael the son ofEbed went but. Of his house. And stood in the ehtering oftlie gate of the city.] To see, it is likely, if his soldiers were upon their guard. And Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.] Out of their lurking-places, where they had lain undiscovered all night.
Judges 9:36
And when Gael saw the people, he said to Zebul. Who, it seems, accompanied him, or, as governor of the city, was there to see every one do their duty. Behold^ there come people down from the top of the mountains.] Which were adjoining to the city, viz. Mount Gerizim, and Mount Ebal. And Zebul said, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.] It being early iix the morning, the trees, and all things else, cast long shadows, which being moved by the breath of air, which commonly accompanies the sun-rising, Zebul persuaded him he took for men marching down from the top of the mountains. Some think he spake this ip mockery, that he was afraid of shadows; but delivered it in such a serious tone, that Gael believed he spake in earnest; by which it is plain that Zebul notably dissembled his resentments, and behaved himself as if he was on Gael’s side; who was strangely infatuated, to trust one that was servant to Abimelech, and placed by him as governor of the city, whose pretences of friendship were reasonably to be suspected.
Judges 9:37
And Gael spake again, and said, See. Observe attentively. Tliere come down people by the middle of the land.] Now it was visible they were men; for they were come down to the middle of the mountains; And another company come along by the plain ofMeonenim.] It is likely the other two companies of the four, into which his forces were divided, appeared in other plaees, the more to distract the thoughts of Gael: and it is probable that Abimelech had seizeJ the ambush, which they had laid for him on the! top of the mountains, (vcf. 25.) that they could carry no tidings of his coming. We read of this place no whero else, and so I can givo no account bf it: but the Vulgat. takes elon to signify not the plain, but an oak; and translates these words, by the way tvhich looks towards the oak; which, in some copies of the LXX; are rendered, the oak of those that look towards, or that regard times, as we have it in the margin of our Bibles; as if it were like the oak at Dod&na, among the Greeks, where they made divinations... i. Ver. 38 Then said Zebul unto him, Where is how thy mouth, wherewith’ thou saidst,.WM is Abimelech, that we should serve him?] Now Zebul pulls off his mask, and puts him in mind of the brags which he made, (ver. 28.) i Is not this the people that thou hast despised?] But now, he supposes, was afraid to encounter. Go out, I pray thee, and fight with them.] He upbraids himwith cowardice, unless he now shewed himself a man with his sword, as the other day with his tongue, c
Judges 9:39
AndGael went out. If may seem strange that ho did riot first leave Zebul dead upon the spot behind him: but he was afraid of him, he having, as appeared “afterward, a strong party in the city; and it was dangerous to have two enemies to deal withal, one -without, and another within. /” \ “• v Before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.] As unprovided as he was he would not decline the fight, and was followed by the principal persons in Shechem.
Judges 9:40
And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. Towards the city. And many were overthrown and tuounded.] Some were killed, and others wounded..’ Even unto the entering of the gate.] Where the rest, and Gael himself, got into the city, and there secured themselves: so the Vulgar, for explication’s sake, He pursued him and drove him into the city.
Judges 9:41
And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah. It appears, by the next verse, this place was not far from Shechem; whither Abimelech thought fit to retreat, and there watch for an opportunity to be revenged of the Shechemites. And Zebul thrust out Gael and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.] Because they were not able to defend it against Abimelech. Zebul had the stronger party on his side, otherwise he could not have expelled him; but Gael had so many adherents, that they durst not put him to death, for his ill management, as no doubt they called it, in the late fight.-;…;
Judges 9:42
And it came to pass, on the morrow, that the people went out into the field. Finding that Abimelech was retreated, as not strong enough, they imagined, to assault their city, they went about their business into the field; which, at that time of the year, after the vintage, was to plough and sow their lands, and dress their vines, and other trees: some will have it, that they went out to fight Abimelech again, which is not probable. And they told Abimelech.] He wanted not some to cany him intelligence of it.
Judges 9:43
And he took the people. His forces, which lay in and about Arumah, F, i/ ff IffcWl CHAP. IX.] UPON JUDGES. - And divided them into three companies.] One of which (the next verse informs us) he commanded himself, and committed the other two to the conduct of their commanders. And laid watt in the field.] With that company which he commanded, whom he ordered to lie close, and not discover themselves. -. : i. And looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city.] He set some to spy when the people were come out, and set about their business. And he rose up against them, and smote them.] His men came, on a sudden, out of their ambush, and killed many of them.
Judges 9:44
And Abimelech, and the company which was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city. Made all the haste they could to get between them and home: and accordingly they posted themselves at the entering of the gate of the city; whereby they hindered those in tho field from getting into it, and likewise those in the city from coming out to their relief: so that they were dispersed about the fields, where’ the Other two companies picked them up, as it here follows. And the two companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.] Which was a great disheartening, no doubt, to those in the city, to see so many of their fellow-citizens cut off.
Judges 9:45
And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. Having destroyed so many of the citizens in the morning, he made his battery against the city itself, the rest of the day. And took it.) In the evening, I suppose, either by an assault, or by surrender. And slew the people that were therein.”) It is not said what became of Zebul, who, it is likely, went over to him, and directed him in his attack upon the city; leaving his own party, in whom he putno confidence, to perish with the rest. And he beat down the city.] Laid the houses and walls level with the ground.. And sowed it with salt.] Salt makes land barren, and therefore Ralbag refers this to the ground about it or in it; that was wont to be employed for sowing any. sort of grain, or planting vineyards, &c: for, as Pliny observes, “Omnis locus in quo reperitur sal, stcrilis est et nihil gignit,"(Iib. xxxi. cap. 7.) All places in which salt is found are barren, and bring forth nothing. Therefore Abimelech endeavoured to make this city a, perpetual desolation. (See Bochart.. Hierozoicon, p. 1. lib. iii. cap. 16.) But unless the soil had been salt of itself, his sowing salt there would not have made it barren; but would have soon recovered its fruitfulness: therefore all he intended was to shew his hatred of them, by wishing their city might lie waste, and be a perpetual desolation.'
Judges 9:46
And when all the men of the tower ofShechem heard that. By these last words, it is plain this tower was not in the city, but at some distance from it: for otherwise, it would not have been said that they heard of the destruction of Shcchcm, but that they saw it with their eyes; yet it is likely, that this tower ofShechem was kept by a gar-, rison of the Shechemites. They entered into a hold of the house of the godBerith.] They durst not trust to the strength of the tower, but tobk sanctuary rather in a strong fortress of the temple of the god mentioned ver. 4. which was built, in all likelihood (according to the common custom of the wOrld), upon one of.the, mountains hard by, and had near it this fortified strong hold; wherein they kept their treasure, (ver. 4.) It maybe compared to the Roman capitol, and to the temple of Jerusalem, in aftertimes; which Josephus describes as an impregnable place.
Judges 9:47
And it was told Abimelech, that all tjie men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. In the fore* named fortress.. “.
Judges 9:48
And Abimelech got him up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were xvith him. Some think this to be the same mountain which the Psalmist mentions lxviii. 15. and take it to have been nea? to Shechem, which had many mountains: about it, (^er. 36.) And Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees] Which grew there in great abun-, dance, for Zalmon seems to have had its name from the shadiness of the place.,;.,.,.. T And took it and laid it on his shoulders, and said unto the people that tvere with him, What ye have seen me do y make haste and do as I have done.] He, in some measure, imitates his father’s speech to his three hundred men, before he went to fight, (vii. 17.)
Judges 9:49
And the people likewise cut down every man his bough ) and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold/ and set the hold on fire upon them. Which was done with such expedition (as he ordered in the foregoing verse), that they within had no time to provide against it* So that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand 7nen and women.] Who perished in the fire and smoke, as the Vulgar here adds: but the Hebrew and LXX. say nothing of smoke, but only of fire: yet, it is highly probable, that many were choked by the smoke, which was very great and smothering, the wood being green: here the prediction, or rather imprecation of Jotham, ver. 20. was exactly fulfilled.
Judges 9:50
Then went Abimelech unto Tliebez, and encamped against Thebez, and-took it. This was a city, which, as Kimchi observes, had revolted from Abimelech; but it is uncertain whereabout it lay, though most think it in the territory near Shechem.
Judges 9:51
But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city. It was a place so large, that it could contain not only all the men of the city and their wives, but their servants also: who all betook themselves hither, as a place not easy to be taken, though the city could make little resistance/ And shut it to them.] Shut to the gate, and, I suppose, blocked it up so that it could not be opened.,; And gat them up to the top of the toiver.] Which was flat, as their houses were, with battlements round about it: here the besieged thought fit to stand in great numbers, that they might do what they could to beat him off, if Abimelech attempted to burn them, as he had done others in a neighbouring tower.
Judges 9:52
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it. His rage was insatiable; for, not content to have overthrown the Shechemitcs, and beat down their’ city, and burnt their strong hold, and taken Thebez, he beset their tower also; where, if he had not perished, none can tell how far his revenge would have proceeded.
Judges 9:54
Then he called hastily. Fearing he should immediately expire. Unto the young man his armour-bearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sivord and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him.] Though he knew she had given him his death’s wound, yet he would have posterity think otherwise; for he thought it dishonourable to die by the hand of a woman: a foolish piece of vain-glory, wherewith he concluded his life as he had led it; for she had given him a mortal blow. And his young man thrust Mm through, and he died.] Just when he imagined he was upon the point of conquering all opposition to him.
Judges 9:55
And when the men of Israel. That is, all that were in his army.. Saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place.] Disbanded themselves, having none to head them.,:
Judges 9:56
Titus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren. Which was as much as in him lay, to root out the memory of his father, unless it survived in himself, who took a course to make his name infamous. Vcr. 57. And all the evil of the men ofShechem did God render upon their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.] Thesetwo verses conclude > this story with a Divine admonition, That no man should think such things came to pass by chance, but God, the Judge of all, punished both Abimelech and the men of Shcchem according to their deserts, and made them the instruments of each other’s destruction: and it is remarkable, that this punishment overtook them speedily, within less than four years after their crime was committed. It was not the business of this holy writer to tell us what became of Jotham, no more than what became of Gael and Zebul: but only to shew, that as men have done, so God requites them; with which he ends this part of his history.