Judges 9 44

Judges 9:44 kjv

And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.

Judges 9:44 nkjv

Then Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city; and the other two companies rushed upon all who were in the fields and killed them.

Judges 9:44 niv

Abimelek and the companies with him rushed forward to a position at the entrance of the city gate. Then two companies attacked those in the fields and struck them down.

Judges 9:44 esv

Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the two companies rushed upon all who were in the field and killed them.

Judges 9:44 nlt

Abimelech and his group stormed the city gate to keep the men of Shechem from getting back in, while Abimelech's other two groups cut them down in the fields.

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 44 Meaning

Judges 9:44 describes a pivotal moment in Abimelech's assault on Shechem, detailing a two-pronged military strategy. Abimelech, accompanied by a segment of his troops, strategically moved to seize and secure the city gate, a crucial point for control and entry. Concurrently, two separate military units from his forces targeted the inhabitants who were outside the city walls in the fields, slaughtering them. This verse highlights the coordinated and ruthless nature of Abimelech's attack aimed at total domination and extermination.

Judges 9 44 Context

Judges 9 is a tragic and bloody chapter that immediately follows the era of Gideon. After Gideon's death, his illegitimate son Abimelech ruthlessly murders seventy of his half-brothers, seizing power and establishing himself as king in Shechem, a significant cultic and political center. Jotham, the youngest brother, escapes and delivers a prophetic fable (Judges 9:7-15) foretelling that fire would come out from Abimelech and from Shechem, consuming each other. Three years later, a spirit of discord arises between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, leading to their betrayal of each other. Shechem engages in banditry against Abimelech, and Abimelech responds by launching a brutal attack against the city. Verse 44 describes a key phase of this attack, where Abimelech’s forces execute a swift and coordinated assault on the city's defenses and the vulnerable population outside its walls, fulfilling Jotham's earlier warning in part. Historically, Shechem was a vital Canaanite and later Israelite city, known for its strategic location in central Samaria. Its gate was a prime military target, essential for control, and attacking those in the fields was a common tactic to eliminate external threats or cut off supplies.

Judges 9 44 Word analysis

• And Abimelech (וַאֲבִימֶלֶךְ - wa'ăḇîmeleḵ): The name means "my father is king" or "Melech (the god) is king." This is profoundly ironic given his tyrannical usurpation of authority and murder of his legitimate brothers. The narrative underscores his illegitimate claim to power.
• and the companies (וְהַגְּדוּדִים - wəhag’dûḏîm): Hebrew gedudim refers to bands, troops, or raiding parties. It implies an organized, often mercenary, military force, not a mere mob. These were hardened fighters under his command, reflecting his deliberate use of force.
• that were with him (אֲשֶׁר אִתּוֹ - 'ăšer 'ittô): Indicates his personal guard or a direct detachment under his immediate command, highlighting his direct involvement in the primary assault.
• rushed forward (וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ - wayyiššṭū): From the root pāšaṭ, meaning to spread out, raid, or suddenly advance. It conveys speed, aggression, and an unhesitating charge, akin to stripping something bare with force.
• and stood (וַיַּעַמְדוּ - wayya‘amdū): From the root ‘āmad, meaning to stand, remain, take a stand. This signifies establishing control and securing their position, not just a passing movement. They took a firm hold.
• in the entering (בְּפֶתַח - bəp̄ethaḥ): Refers to the opening, entrance, or gate. It pinpoints the critical vulnerability of the city.
• of the gate (שַׁעַר - ša‘ar): The city gate. In ancient cities, the gate was not merely an entrance but a fortified complex, often containing chambers for guards and functioning as a place for legal proceedings, public gatherings, and commerce. Its capture was paramount for taking the city.
• of the city (הָעִיר - hā‘îr): Refers to Shechem. The specific target of Abimelech's strategic maneuver.
• and two other companies (וּשְׁנֵי הַגְּדוּדִים - ûšnê hag’dûḏîm): This details the specific numerical designation of these separate forces, showing a calculated military deployment rather than random assault. The mention of "two" highlights the precision of the strategy.
• rushed upon (וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ - wayyiššṭū): The same verb pāšaṭ as above, emphasizing a similarly swift and aggressive strike. This dual use stresses the simultaneous nature of the attack on different fronts.
• all that were in the field (אֶל כָּל אֲשֶׁר בַּשָּׂדֶה - ’el kāl ’ăšer baśśāḏeh): Refers to those outside the protective walls of the city—farmers, shepherds, or those attempting to escape. They were utterly vulnerable and represented a significant portion of the city's broader population base and potential future combatants or resuppliers.
• and slew them (וַיַּכּוּם - wayyakkūm): From the root nākāh, meaning to strike, smite, kill. It denotes a decisive and complete slaughter, eliminating any outside threat or resistance before consolidating control within the city.

Words-Group analysis:

• "Abimelech, and the companies that were with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city": This phrase encapsulates Abimelech's primary objective: to seize the critical access point to Shechem. It reveals a direct, aggressive assault aimed at paralyzing the city's defense by controlling its main entry point. This strategic move highlights Abimelech’s tactical leadership, regardless of his wicked character.
• "two other companies rushed upon all that were in the field, and slew them": This second clause describes a crucial flanking maneuver. While the main force secured the gate, these detachments dealt with the external population. This reveals a comprehensive, two-pronged attack designed to eliminate all potential threats—both inside (by taking the gate) and outside (by slaughtering those in the field). This simultaneously isolates the city and prevents reinforcement or escape.
• The dual "rushed forward" (וַיִּפְשְׁטוּ): The repetition of this verb underscores the synchronized and swift nature of both attacks. It's a calculated, rapid strike on two fronts, maximizing shock and achieving a rapid, devastating effect.

Judges 9 44 Bonus section

The efficiency of Abimelech's attack in Judges 9:44 reveals a skilled, albeit brutal, military leader. The separation of his forces for specific, concurrent tasks (gate assault and field clear-out) speaks to well-drilled coordination uncommon among disunited tribes. This tactical display underscores how a disciplined approach, even in service of a wicked cause, can yield immediate success. The verse sets the stage for the total destruction of Shechem, leading ultimately to Abimelech's own judgment (Judges 9:53-57). It serves as a stark illustration of reaping what one sows, showing that while evil may achieve temporary victories through strength, divine justice eventually prevails, transforming success into an instrument of its own downfall. The mention of "companies" implies a mercenary-style force, distinct from Israel's tribal levies, suggesting Abimelech's kingship relies on paid allegiance rather than familial or covenantal ties. This reflects the corruption that has permeated the period of the Judges, where leadership is increasingly based on raw power.

Judges 9 44 Commentary

Judges 9:44 illustrates Abimelech's strategic prowess combined with his inherent ruthlessness. His action was a swift, two-pronged assault designed to completely dominate Shechem. By personally leading a detachment to secure the city gate, he aimed for immediate control of access. Concurrently, dispatching two other companies to massacre those in the fields prevented external resistance, escape, or reinforcement, ensuring a complete and unmerciful subjugation of the populace connected to Shechem. This calculated brutality perfectly embodies the prophecy delivered by Jotham concerning the consuming fire between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, showcasing the tragic and violent climax of an ill-gotten reign based on bloodshed and treachery. It underscores that actions built on sin inevitably lead to destruction, highlighting the grim consequences of human wickedness.