Judges 9 25

Judges 9:25 kjv

And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

Judges 9:25 nkjv

And the men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way; and it was told Abimelech.

Judges 9:25 niv

In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek.

Judges 9:25 esv

And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech.

Judges 9:25 nlt

The citizens of Shechem set an ambush for Abimelech on the hilltops and robbed everyone who passed that way. But someone warned Abimelech about their plot.

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 25 Meaning

This verse details the initial action taken by the citizens of Shechem against Abimelech, their self-appointed king. They strategically positioned ambushes (liers in wait) on the mountain tops to intercept and rob anyone traveling through their territory, likely those loyal to Abimelech or simply merchants. This act of brigandage was not merely opportunistic theft but a deliberate form of economic warfare and a clear act of rebellion, designed to undermine Abimelech's authority and disrupt his control. The information about these ambushes and robberies was promptly reported to Abimelech, signifying the beginning of open hostilities between him and the people who had elevated him to power. This rebellion is depicted as a consequence of the "evil spirit" sent by God between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, fulfilling Jotam's prophetic curse.

Judges 9 25 Context

Judges chapter 9 recounts the tragic and chaotic reign of Abimelech, a son of Gideon by a concubine. Following Gideon's death, Abimelech conspired with the men of Shechem to establish himself as king, brutally murdering all seventy of Gideon's other sons on one stone, except for Jotam who escaped. Jotam then pronounced a vivid parable comparing Abimelech to a worthless bramble and prophesied that "fire would come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem, and fire would come out from the men of Shechem and devour Abimelech." After three years, divine retribution began as God "sent an evil spirit" between Abimelech and the Shechemites, causing mutual animosity. Verse 25 specifically details the initial manifestation of this conflict, where the men of Shechem actively turned against Abimelech, resorting to banditry to weaken his influence and initiate their rebellion, effectively igniting the "fire" against him.

Historically, Shechem was a prominent city, strategically located in the central hill country of Canaan, commanding important trade routes. This geographical advantage made it a crucial power base. The act of "setting liers in wait" (ambushes) and "robbing" was a common tactic in ancient warfare and rebellion, designed to disrupt commerce, drain resources, and assert control over territory. Such acts indicated a complete breakdown of any social contract or loyalty, highlighting the deep animosity and desire to destabilize the established (though ungodly) rule of Abimelech. This reflects the period of moral decay and civil strife described repeatedly in the book of Judges as "every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

Judges 9 25 Word analysis

• And: Connects this action directly to the previous verse (Jdg 9:24), emphasizing the immediate consequence and manifestation of God sending the "evil spirit."
• the men of Shechem: Specifies the perpetrators. These were the very individuals who had elevated Abimelech to kingship, underscoring the irony and their perfidy. They acted as a collective unit.
• set liers in wait: (Hebrew: `מְאָרֵב`, me'arev from `ארב`, 'arab, "to lie in wait, ambush"). This signifies a pre-meditated, deceptive, and hostile act. It wasn't an open declaration of war initially but a clandestine and treacherous one, reflecting a lack of valor or direct military challenge.
• for him: Implies the direct target of their action was Abimelech himself, or those aligned with him and travelling under his authority. It's a personal vendetta turning into an economic siege.
• in the tops of the mountains: (Hebrew: `רָאשֵׁי הֶהָרִ֔ים`, rashei heharim, "heads/tops of the mountains"). Highlights the strategic advantage of high ground for surveillance and ambush, especially along ancient trade routes passing through mountainous terrain. This tactical placement ensured maximum surprise and control over passing traffic.
• and they robbed: (Hebrew: `וַֽיִּגְזְל֞וּ`, vayigzelu, from `גזל`, gazal, "to pluck off, seize, rob"). This is not merely economic disruption but an act of outright plunder and aggression. It signifies their intent to financially weaken Abimelech, fund their rebellion, and demonstrate open defiance and control over the pathways.
• all that came along that way by them: Indicates indiscriminate targeting of anyone traversing those paths under Abimelech's presumed authority, showing a total breakdown of peace and order. It was a complete disruption of travel and commerce.
• and it was told Abimelech: This phrase marks a critical turning point. The successful execution of the ambush and robbery directly communicates the severity of the rebellion to Abimelech, forcing his hand and signaling the onset of the violent conflict Jotam had foretold.

• "set liers in wait for him in the tops of the mountains": This phrase encapsulates a strategic military maneuver employed for maximum surprise and effectiveness. The choice of location points to the rough terrain and how it facilitated hidden attacks, revealing a planned campaign rather than random acts.
• "and they robbed all that came along that way by them": This highlights the immediate, destructive outcome of their treachery. The widespread robbing indicates a systematic dismantling of security and an effort to undermine Abimelech’s economic stability and public trust in his rule, forcing a reaction from him.

Judges 9 25 Bonus section

The type of ambush described, set on "tops of the mountains," indicates control over the passes and trade routes essential for commerce and communication, especially critical in the ancient world where travel was arduous and vulnerable. This act crippled Abimelech’s supply lines and intelligence gathering. The Shechemites, through this brigandage, essentially imposed a blockade or tariff on those travelling in and out of the city, using the ill-gotten gains to strengthen their rebellion. The Hebrew word מְאָרֵב (me'arev) suggests not just individual "liers in wait" but an organized "ambush-force" or "ambushers," reinforcing the idea of a coordinated military-style operation, rather than mere highway robbery by desperate individuals. This also marks a complete shift from the internal animosity described in verse 23 to overt, violent opposition, a precursor to Gaal's challenge to Abimelech.

Judges 9 25 Commentary

Judges 9:25 is a pivotal moment in Abimelech's turbulent reign, illustrating the grim consequences of ungodly leadership and civil strife. This seemingly simple act of banditry signifies the open declaration of war by Shechem against Abimelech, a chilling fulfillment of Jotam's prophecy and the working out of divine judgment. God, having "sent an evil spirit" (Jdg 9:23), orchestrated circumstances whereby the very people who elevated Abimelech now became his primary adversaries. The use of stealth (ambush) and economic sabotage (robbing) highlights their intent to weaken him indirectly before open confrontation. This demonstrates that judgment often unfolds through natural consequences of human actions, driven by treachery and self-interest. The notification to Abimelech serves as the catalyst for the bloody confrontation that follows, ensuring that the fire foretold by Jotam consumes both the "bramble" king and his perfidious subjects, a stark warning against political ambition devoid of divine guidance.