Judges 9 42

Judges 9:42 kjv

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.

Judges 9:42 nkjv

And it came about on the next day that the people went out into the field, and they told Abimelech.

Judges 9:42 niv

The next day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and this was reported to Abimelek.

Judges 9:42 esv

On the following day, the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told.

Judges 9:42 nlt

The next day the people of Shechem went out into the fields to battle. When Abimelech heard about it,

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 42 Meaning

Judges 9:42 describes Abimelech's strategic response after learning that the people of Shechem had gone out into the open fields. He skillfully divided his forces into three companies and set an ambush, ready to attack them outside the protection of their city walls. This verse highlights Abimelech's quick action, military intelligence, and tactical planning aimed at decisively crushing the rebellion or potential threat from Shechem.

Judges 9 42 Context

Judges chapter 9 recounts the tragic and brutal reign of Abimelech, the son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) by a concubine. After Gideon's death, Abimelech persuaded the citizens of Shechem to make him king, leveraging their familial connection. To secure his power, he brutally murdered seventy of his brothers, all sons of Gideon, on one stone. Jotham, the youngest brother who escaped, delivered a scathing parable and curse against Abimelech and the men of Shechem (Jdg 9:7-21), foretelling that fire would consume them both.

Three years into Abimelech's reign, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, causing them to deal treacherously with each other. The Shechemites set ambushes for Abimelech, raiding passersby, while Gaal, son of Ebed, openly challenged Abimelech's authority within Shechem. This led to direct confrontation between Abimelech and Gaal's forces, with Abimelech initially driving Gaal out. Judges 9:42 immediately follows the intense fighting on the previous day where Abimelech had routed Gaal, pushing him and his supporters back into the city of Shechem. This verse sets the stage for Abimelech's calculated counter-attack and the full execution of his vengeance upon the Shechemites for their rebellion.

Judges 9 42 Word analysis

• On the following day:
  • וַיְהִי מִמָּחֳרָת (vayhi mimmohorath) – Hebrew for "and it came to pass on the morrow/next day." This emphasizes the immediate progression of events, showing Abimelech's quick execution of his plan. There was no hesitation or delay in his pursuit of vengeance and military action.
• when the people went out into the field:
  • בְּצֵאת הָעָם הַשָּׂדֶה (b'tzeit ha'am hassadeh) – "The people" here specifically refers to the Shechemites, possibly farmers going out for daily work, or a contingent venturing out after the previous day's defeat, unaware of the lurking danger. The "field" (sadeh) represents an exposed, unfortified area, making them vulnerable outside the city's protection.
• Abimelech was told:
  • וַיֻּגַּד לַאֲבִימֶלֶךְ (vayugad la'avimelekh) – A passive form indicating that Abimelech received intelligence. This highlights his effective network of informers or scouts, even after a recent battle. Good intelligence is crucial for military success.
• and he divided his men into three companies:
  • וַיִּקַּח אֶת־הָעָם וַיְחַצֵּם לִשְׁלֹשָׁה רָאשִׁים (vayikah et ha'am vayehatzem lishloshah rishim) – "Companies" comes from rashim (lit. "heads" or "divisions"). This signifies a standard ancient military tactic for enveloping or outflanking an enemy. It is a strategic move often employed to overwhelm unsuspecting forces. Notably, his father Gideon also famously used three companies in his decisive victory against the Midianites (Jdg 7:16). This could indicate Abimelech's tactical skill or learning from established military practice.
• and laid wait for them in the field:
  • וַיֶּאֱרֹב אֲלֵיהֶם בַּשָּׂדֶה (vaye'erov aleihem bashadeh) – "Laid wait" (ya'arob) clearly means to set an ambush. This tactic relies on surprise, deception, and hidden positioning to gain a decisive advantage. The repetition of "in the field" reinforces the vulnerability of the Shechemites when they ventured out, unwittingly walking into a trap set by Abimelech.

Judges 9 42 Bonus section

The consistent use of the number three in Judges 9:42 (three companies) and in other parts of Judges (like Gideon's strategy in Judges 7) underscores its significance as a number often associated with divine action, completeness, or emphasis in the Bible. Here, it denotes a meticulously planned and decisive military maneuver. The narrative structure emphasizes the reciprocity of violence and betrayal: Shechem's treachery against Abimelech (by setting up an alternative leader, Gaal) is met by Abimelech's deceptive ambush. The fate of the Shechemites in the subsequent verses (Jdg 9:43-49) highlights the complete devastation that befalls them, illustrating how God orchestrates events, even through wicked individuals like Abimelech, to bring about judgment and fulfill prophecy (Jdg 9:23-24).

Judges 9 42 Commentary

Judges 9:42 marks a pivotal moment in Abimelech's violent suppression of the Shechemite revolt. After the initial skirmish on the previous day, the people of Shechem, perhaps mistakenly feeling safe or resuming their normal activities, expose themselves outside their city walls. Abimelech, demonstrating strategic acumen and ruthless efficiency, exploits this vulnerability. His rapid response, reliance on intelligence, and deployment of a classic three-pronged ambush demonstrate his capacity as a military leader. This tactical move is reminiscent of his father Gideon's strategy, suggesting a shared understanding of warfare.

The verse effectively sets the stage for the swift and brutal judgment that would befall the people of Shechem, acting as a direct fulfillment of Jotham's earlier curse. The Shechemites, who had initially embraced Abimelech's evil, now experience his cruelty firsthand. This passage vividly illustrates the biblical principle that treachery begets treachery, and those who sow wickedness will reap its devastating consequences.