Judges 9 32

Judges 9:32 kjv

Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

Judges 9:32 nkjv

Now therefore, get up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.

Judges 9:32 niv

Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait in the fields.

Judges 9:32 esv

Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field.

Judges 9:32 nlt

Come by night with an army and hide out in the fields.

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 32 Meaning

Judges 9:32 delivers Zebul’s urgent, strategic advice to Abimelech in preparation for an immediate counter-attack against Gaal and the rebellious Shechemites. It commands Abimelech and his men to secretly position themselves during the night for an ambush in the open fields surrounding Shechem. This maneuver is intended to achieve surprise and tactical superiority over Gaal's forces who are planning an open confrontation the next morning.

Judges 9 32 Context

Judges chapter 9 recounts the tumultuous reign and violent downfall of Abimelech, the self-appointed king of Shechem. After cunningly seizing power by killing all but one of his seventy brothers, Abimelech's rule is eventually marked by divine judgment. God sends an "evil spirit" between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual betrayal and conflict. The people of Shechem plot against Abimelech, and Gaal son of Ebed arrives to lead a rebellion, boasting against Abimelech. Zebul, Abimelech’s governor of Shechem, is aware of Gaal’s machinations and, seeing an opportunity to betray Gaal to curry favor with Abimelech, sends a secret message detailing Gaal’s boasts and advising a swift counter-attack. Verse 32 is a part of this vital strategic counsel, urging a night operation to gain a decisive advantage. The chapter ultimately illustrates the chaos and divine retribution for ungodly ambition and betrayal characteristic of the Judges period, where every person did what was right in their own eyes, leading to bitter internal strife.

Judges 9 32 Word analysis

• Now therefore (וְעַתָּה - wə'attāh): A strong Hebrew conjunctive phrase meaning "and now," "and therefore." It introduces a consequential or decisive statement based on the preceding information, signaling an immediate and necessary action. In this context, it emphasizes the urgency and direct logical follow-up to the intelligence Zebul has provided.
• rise (קוּם - qum): An imperative verb meaning "get up," "arise," or "stand up." It conveys a command for immediate and decisive action. In military contexts, it often implies mobilizing, preparing for battle, or beginning a journey. It contrasts with passive waiting.
• by night (לַיְלָה - laylāh): Refers to the darkness. This specific time chosen highlights the need for stealth, surprise, and secrecy. Night operations in ancient warfare allowed for concealed movement and an element of shock, exploiting reduced visibility to gain an advantage.
• you (אַתָּה - 'attāh): The second person singular pronoun, directly addressing Abimelech, emphasizing his personal responsibility as the leader to carry out this command. It places the burden of action and leadership squarely upon him.
• and the people who are with you (וְהָעָם אֲשֶׁר אִתָּךְ - wəhā'ām 'ăšer 'ittāk): Specifies that this is not just Abimelech acting alone, but that he is to lead his entire fighting force. This collective command stresses the need for coordinated military action and the involvement of his loyal troops, distinguishing them from the general populace.
• and lie in wait (אֱרֹב - erob): An imperative verb meaning "to ambush," "to set an ambush," or "to lurk." This indicates a specific military tactic: hiding in a concealed position to launch a surprise attack on an unsuspecting enemy. It emphasizes deception and pre-positioning.
• in the fields (בַּשָּׂדֶה - baśśādeh): Refers to the open country or agricultural lands outside the city walls. This location is chosen for its strategic advantage: it provides cover for hiding, space for troop deployment, and routes to intercept the enemy without them being aware. It also contrasts with fighting inside the city, which would be street-by-street.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now therefore, rise by night": This phrase combines urgency (Now therefore), a command to action (rise), and a crucial timing element (by night). It establishes the immediate and covert nature of the impending operation, crucial for surprising an enemy. This precise instruction showcases practical military wisdom of the time.
• "you and the people who are with you": This explicitly defines the responsible parties – Abimelech as the leader, and his loyal forces. It underscores the leadership structure necessary for effective military execution and confirms that the operation requires collective effort. It subtly differentiates between those who are with Abimelech and those in Shechem potentially against him.
• "and lie in wait in the fields": This details the exact tactical maneuver and its location. "Lie in wait" points to an ambush, a deceptive strategy to entrap the enemy. "In the fields" suggests positioning outside the fortified city, utilizing the terrain for cover and strategic advantage, implying a rural setting for the surprise attack rather than urban warfare initially.

Judges 9 32 Bonus section

The strategic intelligence passed by Zebul in this verse highlights his keen understanding of ancient military tactics. An ambush at night was particularly effective as it negated the enemy’s ability to conduct proper reconnaissance and often resulted in panic. Zebul, though presented as treacherous to Gaal, exhibits practical loyalty and effective strategizing for Abimelech, effectively turning Gaal's boasts and plans against him. This swift, deceptive counter-measure proposed by Zebul reveals a chilling pragmatism of the age, where survival and power often relied on such shrewd, often ruthless, planning. It further emphasizes that while humans scheme, it is within the overarching narrative of God's sovereignty over the wicked actions and consequences outlined earlier in Judges 9, particularly through the sending of an "evil spirit" that sets these events in motion.

Judges 9 32 Commentary

Judges 9:32 is a precise military instruction from Zebul, highlighting the importance of strategy, timing, and terrain in ancient warfare. The command to "rise by night" speaks to the value of stealth and the element of surprise, essential components for achieving victory when numerical superiority might not be guaranteed or when a decisive advantage is sought. "Lie in wait in the fields" specifies the classic ambush tactic, exploiting natural cover outside the city walls. This verse sets the immediate stage for the conflict that will devastate both Gaal and Shechem, illustrating the intense treachery and violent retribution characteristic of the Judges period, and ultimately contributing to the unfolding of God's judgment on Abimelech and the city for their wickedness and rebellion against His moral order. It’s a microcosm of human ambition and tactical skill leading to bitter destruction, ultimately fulfilling Jotham's prophetic curse.