Judges 9 41

Judges 9:41 kjv

And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.

Judges 9:41 nkjv

Then Abimelech dwelt at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, so that they would not dwell in Shechem.

Judges 9:41 niv

Then Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his clan out of Shechem.

Judges 9:41 esv

And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.

Judges 9:41 nlt

Abimelech returned to Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 41 Meaning

This verse details the immediate aftermath of the initial military engagement between Abimelech and Gaal. It indicates that Abimelech solidified his strategic position by settling in Arumah, while his trusted officer, Zebul, effectively quelled the internal rebellion in Shechem by expelling Gaal and his collaborators from the city.

Judges 9 41 Context

Judges chapter 9 begins with Abimelech, the son of Gideon by a concubine, ruthlessly eliminating 69 of his 70 half-brothers to become king over Shechem and Beth-millo. Jotham, the sole surviving brother, delivers a scathing fable prophesying the destructive reign of Abimelech and the eventual self-destruction of all involved due to their treachery. After three years, discord arises between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, incited by God to bring justice for the murder of Gideon's sons. Gaal, a local leader, appears and successfully stirs up rebellion against Abimelech among the Shechemites, boasting of his intent to overthrow him. Zebul, Abimelech's appointed governor in Shechem, informs Abimelech of Gaal's rebellion and advises a preemptive strike. Abimelech then launches an attack, forcing Gaal into battle. After Abimelech's initial military victory, driving Gaal from the field, Judges 9:41 describes the immediate strategic moves: Abimelech withdrawing to a secure position and Zebul consolidating control within the city by expelling Gaal's remaining influence.

Judges 9 41 Word analysis

• And (וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב wa-yēshev): A simple conjunction connecting actions, indicating sequential flow or an immediate consequence of the preceding events.
• Abimelech (אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ ’Aviymelech): Means "my father is king" or "Melek (a deity) is my father." This name resonates deeply with his ambition to rule and his ruthless pursuit of power. He embodies human desire for kingship apart from divine anointing.
• dwelt (וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב wa-yēshev): From the root יָשַׁב (yashav), meaning "to sit, remain, settle, inhabit." Here it suggests Abimelech established a base of operation, consolidating his position rather than simply residing. It implies strategic decision to maintain control.
• at Arumah (בָּאֲרוּמָ֑ה ba-’Arûmâh): The exact location is uncertain, but it's believed to be a fortified stronghold or elevated position near Shechem, possibly modern-day Khirbet el-'Ormah. The name might derive from a root meaning "to be high" or "mound," suggesting its strategic advantage for overseeing Shechem.
• and (וּזְבֻ֖ל u-Zᵉbul): Again, a connective 'and,' but here linking two parallel actions by different actors, both serving Abimelech's consolidation of power.
• Zebul (זְבֻ֖ל Zebul): Abimelech's appointed governor or overseer (Judg 9:30). His name may relate to "dwelling" or "exalted," perhaps ironic given his role in displacing Gaal. He is depicted as loyal and shrewd.
• thrust (גֵרֵ֛שׁ gēresh): From the root גָּרַשׁ (garash), meaning "to drive out, cast out, expel, divorce." It implies a forceful and decisive expulsion, not a voluntary departure, highlighting Zebul's firm assertion of authority.
• Gaal (גַ֥עַל Ga‘al): Son of Ebed, who incited the Shechemite rebellion. His name might mean "loathing" or "disgust," potentially fitting for one who rejected Abimelech and provoked conflict.
• and his brethren (וְאֶחָיו֙ wə-’echâyw): This term extends beyond literal biological brothers to encompass kinsmen, associates, allies, or supporters. It signifies the removal of Gaal's entire faction or network of influence within Shechem.
• out of Shechem (מִשְּׁכֶֽם mish-Shechem): Shechem was an ancient, historically significant city in the central hill country, often associated with covenant renewals (Josh 24) and major political events. Expelling Gaal from Shechem was crucial for Abimelech to regain full control over the city, which had crowned him but then rebelled.

• Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: This phrase signifies Abimelech's immediate strategic re-evaluation and establishment of a new operational base. Rather than remaining within the turmoil of Shechem itself, he took a position from which he could maintain oversight and control, suggesting a calculated military decision to operate from a secure stronghold.
• Zebul thrust Gaal and his brethren out of Shechem: This describes Zebul's decisive action to purge the city of the remaining rebellious elements. While Abimelech handled the external military engagement, Zebul dealt with the internal political challenge, signifying Abimelech's successful coordination and the effectiveness of his loyal administration within the city. It underscores the collapse of Gaal's support base within Shechem.

Judges 9 41 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of Abimelech's move to Arumah and Zebul's actions within Shechem emphasizes a two-pronged strategy: Abimelech dealing with the external, immediate military threat, while Zebul secured the internal, political front. This reflects an effective, albeit ruthless, administrative and military partnership. Zebul's action of "thrusting out" Gaal prefigures Abimelech's own subsequent, even more devastating, expulsion of the Shechemites when he later razed their city, showing a pattern of forceful removal from the land. This verse highlights the swift, earthly consequences that often befall those who defy powerful figures established even by unrighteous means, ultimately still within God's larger providential plan for justice upon all involved (Judges 9:24).

Judges 9 41 Commentary

Judges 9:41 marks a crucial turning point in Abimelech's consolidation of power over Shechem after the initial engagement with Gaal's forces. It illustrates Abimelech's strategic acumen as he chose to encamp at Arumah, likely a fortified or elevated position, providing a secure base for further operations and allowing him to maintain pressure on Shechem from a safe distance. Simultaneously, the verse highlights the loyalty and efficacy of Zebul, Abimelech's appointed official within Shechem. Zebul capitalized on Abimelech's military victory outside the city to swiftly and forcefully remove Gaal and his remaining supporters, effectively eliminating the internal threat to Abimelech's rule within Shechem itself. This act of "thrusting out" signals the decisive defeat of the rebellion and the re-establishment of Abimelech's immediate authority over Shechem. The narrative here showcases how wicked leadership often uses loyal agents to crush opposition, paving the way for further acts of vengeance, as seen in the subsequent destruction of Shechem.

• Example: A worldly leader consolidating a win by both holding external position and cleansing internal threats, reflecting a shrewd but unrighteous path to control.