Judg.9.1

Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to Shechem to his uncles and all his mother's relatives and said to them,

Judg.9.1

Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother's clan,

Judg.9.1

Then Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem, to his mother's brothers, and spoke with them and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

Judg.9.1

One day Gideon's son Abimelech went to Shechem to visit his mother's brothers. He said to them and to the rest of his mother's family,

Judg.9.2

"Ask all the leading men of Shechem, "What do you think is best, that seventy men rule you--all those sons of Jerub-Baal--or that one man rule? You'll remember that I am your own flesh and blood.'"

Judg.9.2

"Ask all the citizens of Shechem, 'Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal's sons rule over you, or just one man?' Remember, I am your flesh and blood."

Judg.9.2

"Please speak in the hearing of all the men of Shechem: "Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal reign over you, or that one reign over you?' Remember that I am your own flesh and bone."

Judg.9.2

"Ask the people of Shechem whether they want to be ruled by all seventy of Gideon's sons or by one man. And remember, I am your own flesh and blood!"

Judg.9.3

His mother's relatives reported the proposal to the leaders of Shechem. They were inclined to take Abimelech. "Because," they said, "he is, after all, one of us."

Judg.9.3

When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, "He is our brother."

Judg.9.3

And his mother's brothers spoke all these words concerning him in the hearing of all the men of Shechem; and their heart was inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, "He is our brother."

Judg.9.3

So Abimelech's uncles spoke to all the people of Shechem on his behalf. And after listening to their proposal, they decided in favor of Abimelech because he was their relative.

Judg.9.4

They gave him seventy silver pieces from the shrine of Baal-of-the-Covenant. With the money he hired some reckless riff-raff soldiers and they followed along after him.

Judg.9.4

They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless adventurers, who became his followers.

Judg.9.4

So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men; and they followed him.

Judg.9.4

They gave him seventy silver coins from the temple of Baal-berith, which he used to hire some soldiers who agreed to follow him.

Judg.9.5

He went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his half brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal--seventy men! And on one stone! The youngest, Jotham son of Jerub-Baal, managed to hide, the only survivor.

Judg.9.5

He went to his father's home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding.

Judg.9.5

Then he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, because he hid himself.

Judg.9.5

He took the soldiers to his father's home at Ophrah, and there, on one stone, they killed all seventy of his half brothers. But the youngest brother, Jotham, escaped and hid.

Judg.9.6

Then all the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered at the Oak by the Standing Stone at Shechem and crowned Abimelech king.

Judg.9.6

Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelech king.

Judg.9.6

And all the men of Shechem gathered together, all of Beth Millo, and they went and made Abimelech king beside the terebinth tree at the pillar that was in Shechem.

Judg.9.6

Then the people of Shechem and Beth-millo called a meeting under the oak beside the pillar at Shechem and made Abimelech their king.

Judg.9.7

When this was all told to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and shouted: Listen to me, leaders of Shechem. And let God listen to you!

Judg.9.7

When Jotham was told about this, he climbed up on the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted to them, "Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you.

Judg.9.7

Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: "Listen to me, you men of Shechem, That God may listen to you!

Judg.9.7

When Jotham heard about this, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted, "Listen to me, people of Shechem! Listen to me if you want God to listen to you!

Judg.9.8

The trees set out one day to anoint a king for themselves. They said to Olive Tree, "Rule over us."

Judg.9.8

One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, 'Be our king.'

Judg.9.8

"The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them. And they said to the olive tree, "Reign over us!'

Judg.9.8

Once upon a time the trees decided to elect a king. First they said to the olive tree, `Be our king!'

Judg.9.9

But Olive Tree told them, "Am I no longer good for making oil That gives glory to gods and men, and to be demoted to waving over trees?"

Judg.9.9

"But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to hold sway over the trees?'

Judg.9.9

But the olive tree said to them, "Should I cease giving my oil, With which they honor God and men, And go to sway over trees?'

Judg.9.9

But it refused, saying, `Should I quit producing the olive oil that blesses both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?'

Judg.9.10

The trees then said to Fig Tree, "You come and rule over us."

Judg.9.10

"Next, the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come and be our king.'

Judg.9.10

"Then the trees said to the fig tree, "You come and reign over us!'

Judg.9.10

"Then they said to the fig tree, `You be our king!'

Judg.9.11

But Fig Tree said to them, "Am I no longer good for making sweets, My mouthwatering sweet fruits, and to be demoted to waving over trees?"

Judg.9.11

"But the fig tree replied, 'Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?'

Judg.9.11

But the fig tree said to them, "Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, And go to sway over trees?'

Judg.9.11

But the fig tree also refused, saying, `Should I quit producing my sweet fruit just to wave back and forth over the trees?'

Judg.9.12

The trees then said to Vine, "You come and rule over us."

Judg.9.12

"Then the trees said to the vine, 'Come and be our king.'

Judg.9.12

"Then the trees said to the vine, "You come and reign over us!'

Judg.9.12

"Then they said to the grapevine, `You be our king!'

Judg.9.13

But Vine said to them, "Am I no longer good for making wine, Wine that cheers gods and men, and to be demoted to waving over trees?"

Judg.9.13

"But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and men, to hold sway over the trees?'

Judg.9.13

But the vine said to them, "Should I cease my new wine, Which cheers both God and men, And go to sway over trees?'

Judg.9.13

But the grapevine replied, `Should I quit producing the wine that cheers both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?'

Judg.9.14

All the trees then said to Tumbleweed, "You come and reign over us."

Judg.9.14

"Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, 'Come and be our king.'

Judg.9.14

"Then all the trees said to the bramble, "You come and reign over us!'

Judg.9.14

"Then all the trees finally turned to the thornbush and said, `Come, you be our king!'

Judg.9.15

But Tumbleweed said to the trees: "If you're serious about making me your king, Come and find shelter in my shade. But if not, let fire shoot from Tumbleweed and burn down the cedars of Lebanon!"

Judg.9.15

"The thornbush said to the trees, 'If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!'

Judg.9.15

And the bramble said to the trees, "If in truth you anoint me as king over you, Then come and take shelter in my shade; But if not, let fire come out of the bramble And devour the cedars of Lebanon!'

Judg.9.15

And the thornbush replied, `If you truly want to make me your king, come and take shelter in my shade. If not, let fire come out from me and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'

Judg.9.16

"Now listen: Do you think you did a right and honorable thing when you made Abimelech king? Do you think you treated Jerub-Baal and his family well, did for him what he deserved?

Judg.9.16

"Now if you have acted honorably and in good faith when you made Abimelech king, and if you have been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family, and if you have treated him as he deserves-

Judg.9.16

"Now therefore, if you have acted in truth and sincerity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him as he deserves--

Judg.9.16

"Now make sure you have acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelech your king, and that you have done right by Gideon and all of his descendants. Have you treated my father with the honor he deserves?

Judg.9.17

My father fought for you, risked his own life, and rescued you from Midian's tyranny,

Judg.9.17

and to think that my father fought for you, risked his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian

Judg.9.17

for my father fought for you, risked his life, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian;

Judg.9.17

For he fought for you and risked his life when he rescued you from the Midianites.

Judg.9.18

and you have, just now, betrayed him. You massacred his sons--seventy men on a single stone! You made Abimelech, the son by his maidservant, king over Shechem's leaders because he's your relative.

Judg.9.18

(but today you have revolted against my father's family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is your brother)-

Judg.9.18

but you have risen up against my father's house this day, and killed his seventy sons on one stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother--

Judg.9.18

But now you have revolted against my father and his descendants, killing his seventy sons on one stone. And you have chosen his slave woman's son, Abimelech, to be your king just because he is your relative.

Judg.9.19

If you think that this is an honest day's work, this way you have treated Jerub-Baal today, then enjoy Abimelech and let him enjoy you.

Judg.9.19

if then you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today, may Abimelech be your joy, and may you be his, too!

Judg.9.19

if then you have acted in truth and sincerity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.

Judg.9.19

If you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Gideon and his descendants, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you.

Judg.9.20

But if not, let fire break from Abimelech and burn up the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo. And let fire break from the leaders of Shechem and Beth Millo and burn up Abimelech."

Judg.9.20

But if you have not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume you, citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from you, citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelech!"

Judg.9.20

But if not, let fire come from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and Beth Millo; and let fire come from the men of Shechem and from Beth Millo and devour Abimelech!"

Judg.9.20

But if you have not acted in good faith, then may fire come out from Abimelech and devour the people of Shechem and Beth-millo; and may fire come out from the people of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech!"

Judg.9.21

And Jotham fled. He ran for his life. He went to Beer and settled down there, because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech. [JC]

Judg.9.21

Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech.

Judg.9.21

And Jotham ran away and fled; and he went to Beer and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Judg.9.21

Then Jotham escaped and lived in Beer because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech.

Judg.9.22

Abimelech ruled over Israel for three years.

Judg.9.22

After Abimelech had governed Israel three years,

Judg.9.22

After Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years,

Judg.9.22

After Abimelech had ruled over Israel for three years,

Judg.9.23

Then God brought bad blood between Abimelech and Shechem's leaders, who now worked treacherously behind his back.

Judg.9.23

God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech.

Judg.9.23

God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

Judg.9.23

God stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, and they revolted.

Judg.9.24

Violence boomeranged: The murderous violence that killed the seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal, was now loose among Abimelech and Shechem's leaders, who had supported the violence.

Judg.9.24

God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

Judg.9.24

that the crime done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might be settled and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers.

Judg.9.24

In the events that followed, God punished Abimelech and the men of Shechem for murdering Gideon's seventy sons.

Judg.9.25

To undermine Abimelech, Shechem's leaders put men in ambush on the mountain passes who robbed travelers on those roads. And Abimelech was told.

Judg.9.25

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 Abimelech.

Judg.9.25

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.

Judg.9.25

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

Judg.9.26

At that time Gaal son of Ebed arrived with his relatives and moved into Shechem. The leaders of Shechem trusted him.

Judg.9.26

Now Gaal son of Ebed moved with his brothers into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him.

Judg.9.26

Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

Judg.9.26

At that time Gaal son of Ebed moved to Shechem with his brothers and gained the confidence of the people of Shechem.

Judg.9.27

One day they went out into the fields, gathered grapes in the vineyards, and trod them in the winepress. Then they held a celebration in their god's temple, a feast, eating and drinking. And then they started putting down Abimelech.

Judg.9.27

After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden them, they held a festival in the temple of their god. While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelech.

Judg.9.27

So they went out into the fields, and gathered grapes from their vineyards and trod them, and made merry. And they went into the house of their god, and ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.

Judg.9.27

During the annual harvest festival at Shechem, held in the temple of the local god, the wine flowed freely, and everyone began cursing Abimelech.

Judg.9.28

Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is this Abimelech? And who are we Shechemites to take orders from him? Isn't he the son of Jerub-Baal, and isn't this his henchman Zebul? We belong to the race of Hamor and bear the noble name of Shechem. Why should we be toadies of Abimelech?

Judg.9.28

Then Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should be subject to him? Isn't he Jerub-Baal's son, and isn't Zebul his deputy? Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem's father! Why should we serve Abimelech?

Judg.9.28

Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him?

Judg.9.28

"Who is Abimelech?" Gaal shouted. "He's not a true descendant of Shechem! Why should we be Abimelech's servants? He's merely the son of Gideon, and Zebul is his administrator. Serve the men of Hamor, who are Shechem's true descendants. Why should we serve Abimelech?

Judg.9.29

If I were in charge of this people, the first thing I'd do is get rid of Abimelech! I'd say, "Show me your stuff, Abimelech--let's see who's boss here!'"

Judg.9.29

If only this people were under my command! Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelech, 'Call out your whole army!'"

Judg.9.29

If only this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech." So he said to Abimelech, "Increase your army and come out!"

Judg.9.29

If I were in charge, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, `Get some more soldiers, and come out and fight!'"

Judg.9.30

Zebul, governor of the city, heard what Gaal son of Ebed was saying and got angry.

Judg.9.30

When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry.

Judg.9.30

When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was aroused.

Judg.9.30

But when Zebul, the leader of the city, heard what Gaal was saying, he was furious.

Judg.9.31

Secretly he sent messengers to Abimelech with the message, "Gaal son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem and are stirring up trouble against you.

Judg.9.31

Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.

Judg.9.31

And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, "Take note! Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and here they are, fortifying the city against you.

Judg.9.31

He sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah, telling him, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to live in Shechem, and now they are inciting the city to rebel against you.

Judg.9.32

Here's what you do: Tonight bring your troops and wait in ambush in the field.

Judg.9.32

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

Judg.9.32

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

Judg.9.32

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

Judg.9.33

In the morning, as soon as the sun breaks, get moving and charge the city. Gaal and his troops will come out to you, and you'll know what to do next."

Judg.9.33

In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do whatever your hand finds to do."

Judg.9.33

And it shall be, as soon as the sun is up in the morning, that you shall rise early and rush upon the city; and when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you may then do to them as you find opportunity."

Judg.9.33

In the morning, as soon as it is daylight, storm the city. When Gaal and those who are with him come out against you, you can do with them as you wish."

Judg.9.34

Abimelech and his troops, four companies of them, went up that night and waited in ambush approaching Shechem.

Judg.9.34

So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies.

Judg.9.34

So Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night, and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Judg.9.34

So Abimelech and his men went by night and split into four groups, stationing themselves around Shechem.

Judg.9.35

Gaal son of Ebed had gotten up and was standing in the city gate. Abimelech and his troops left their cover.

Judg.9.35

Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance to the city gate just as Abimelech and his soldiers came out from their hiding place.

Judg.9.35

When Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance to the city gate, Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from lying in wait.

Judg.9.35

Gaal was standing at the city gates when Abimelech and his army came out of hiding.

Judg.9.36

When Gaal saw them he said to Zebul, "Look at that, people coming down from the tops of the mountains!" Zebul said, "That's nothing but mountain shadows; they just look like men." Gaal kept chattering away.

Judg.9.36

When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!" Zebul replied, "You mistake the shadows of the mountains for men."

Judg.9.36

And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!" But Zebul said to him, "You see the shadows of the mountains as if they were men."

Judg.9.36

When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, "Look, there are people coming down from the hilltops!" Zebul replied, "It's just the shadows of the hills that look like men."

Judg.9.37

Then he said again, "Look at the troops coming down off Tabbur-erez (the Navel of the World)-and one company coming straight from the Oracle Oak."

Judg.9.37

But Gaal spoke up again: "Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and a company is coming from the direction of the soothsayers' tree."

Judg.9.37

So Gaal spoke again and said, "See, people are coming down from the center of the land, and another company is coming from the Diviners' Terebinth Tree."

Judg.9.37

But again Gaal said, "No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners' Oak. "

Judg.9.38

Zebul said, "Where is that big mouth of yours now? You who said, "And who is Abimelech that we should take orders from him?' Well, there he is with the troops you ridiculed. Here's your chance. Fight away!"

Judg.9.38

Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big talk now, you who said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should be subject to him?' Aren't these the men you ridiculed? Go out and fight them!"

Judg.9.38

Then Zebul said to him, "Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, "Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now."

Judg.9.38

Then Zebul turned on him triumphantly. "Now where is that big mouth of yours?" he demanded. "Wasn't it you that said, `Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?' The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!"

Judg.9.39

Gaal went out, backed by the leaders of Shechem, and did battle with Abimelech.

Judg.9.39

So Gaal led out the citizens of Shechem and fought Abimelech.

Judg.9.39

So Gaal went out, leading the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

Judg.9.39

Gaal then led the men of Shechem into battle against Abimelech,

Judg.9.40

Abimelech chased him, and Gaal turned tail and ran. Many fell wounded, right up to the city gate.

Judg.9.40

Abimelech chased him, and many fell wounded in the flight-all the way to the entrance to the gate.

Judg.9.40

And Abimelech chased him, and he fled from him; and many fell wounded, to the very entrance of the gate.

Judg.9.40

but he was defeated and ran away. Many of Shechem's warriors were killed, and the ground was covered with dead bodies all the way to the city gate.

Judg.9.41

Abimelech set up his field headquarters at Arumah while Zebul kept Gaal and his relatives out of Shechem. [JC]

Judg.9.41

Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Judg.9.41

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

Judg.9.41

Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Judg.9.42

The next day the people went out to the fields. This was reported to Abimelech.

Judg.9.42

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

Judg.9.42

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

Judg.9.42

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

Judg.9.43

He took his troops, divided them into three companies, and placed them in ambush in the fields. When he saw that the people were well out in the open, he sprang up and attacked them.

Judg.9.43

So he took his men, divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose to attack them.

Judg.9.43

So he took his people, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field. And he looked, and there were the people, coming out of the city; and he rose against them and attacked them.

Judg.9.43

he divided his men into three groups and set an ambush in the fields. When Abimelech saw the people coming out of the city, he and his men jumped up from their hiding places and attacked them.

Judg.9.44

Abimelech and the company with him charged ahead and took control of the entrance to the city gate; the other two companies chased down those who were in the open fields and killed them.

Judg.9.44

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

Judg.9.44

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.

Judg.9.44

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.

Judg.9.45

Abimelech fought at the city all that day. He captured the city and massacred everyone in it. He leveled the city to the ground, then sowed it with salt.

Judg.9.45

All that day Abimelech pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it.

Judg.9.45

So Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he took the city and killed the people who were in it; and he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.

Judg.9.45

The battle went on all day before Abimelech finally captured the city. He killed the people, leveled the city, and scattered salt all over the ground.

Judg.9.46

When the leaders connected with Shechem's Tower heard this, they went into the fortified God-of-the-Covenant temple.

Judg.9.46

On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith.

Judg.9.46

Now when all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard that, they entered the stronghold of the temple of the god Berith.

Judg.9.46

When the people who lived in the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they took refuge within the walls of the temple of Baal-berith.

Judg.9.47

This was reported to Abimelech that the Shechem's Tower bunch were gathered together.

Judg.9.47

When Abimelech heard that they had assembled there,

Judg.9.47

And it was told Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

Judg.9.47

Someone reported to Abimelech that the people were gathered together in the temple,

Judg.9.48

He and his troops climbed Mount Zalmon (Dark Mountain). Abimelech took his ax and chopped a bundle of firewood, picked it up, and put it on his shoulder. He said to his troops, "Do what you've seen me do, and quickly."

Judg.9.48

he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon. He took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, "Quick! Do what you have seen me do!"

Judg.9.48

Then Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. And Abimelech took an ax in his hand and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it and laid it on his shoulder; then he said to the people who were with him, "What you have seen me do, make haste and do as I have done."

Judg.9.48

so he led his forces to Mount Zalmon. He took an ax and chopped some branches from a tree, and he put them on his shoulder. "Quick, do as I have done!" he told his men.

Judg.9.49

So each of his men cut his own bundle. They followed Abimelech, piled their bundles against the Tower fortifications, and set the whole structure on fire. Everyone in Shechem's Tower died, about a thousand men and women.

Judg.9.49

So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelech. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire over the people inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died.

Judg.9.49

So each of the people likewise cut down his own bough and followed Abimelech, put them against the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire above them, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem died, about a thousand men and women.

Judg.9.49

So each of them cut down some branches, following Abimelech's example. They piled the branches against the walls of the temple and set them on fire. So all the people who had lived in the tower of Shechem died, about a thousand men and women.

Judg.9.50

Abimelech went on to Thebez. He camped at Thebez and captured it.

Judg.9.50

Next Abimelech went to Thebez and besieged it and captured it.

Judg.9.50

Then Abimelech went to Thebez, and he encamped against Thebez and took it.

Judg.9.50

Then Abimelech attacked the city of Thebez and captured it.

Judg.9.51

The Tower-of-Strength stood in the middle of the city; all the men and women of the city along with the city's leaders had fled there and locked themselves in. They were up on the tower roof.

Judg.9.51

Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women-all the people of the city-fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof.

Judg.9.51

But there was a strong tower in the city, and all the men and women--all the people of the city--fled there and shut themselves in; then they went up to the top of the tower.

Judg.9.51

But there was a strong tower inside the city, and the entire population fled to it. They barricaded themselves in and climbed up to the roof of the tower.

Judg.9.52

Abimelech got as far as the tower and assaulted it. He came up to the tower door to set it on fire.

Judg.9.52

Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire,

Judg.9.52

So Abimelech came as far as the tower and fought against it; and he drew near the door of the tower to burn it with fire.

Judg.9.52

Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance,

Judg.9.53

Just then some woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and crushed his skull.

Judg.9.53

a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.

Judg.9.53

But a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Judg.9.53

a woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Judg.9.54

He called urgently to his young armor-bearer and said, "Draw your sword and kill me so they can't say of me, "A woman killed him.'" His armor bearer drove in his sword, and Abimelech died.

Judg.9.54

Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.'" So his servant ran him through, and he died.

Judg.9.54

Then he called quickly to the young man, his armorbearer, and said to him, "Draw your sword and kill me, lest men say of me, "A woman killed him."' So his young man thrust him through, and he died.

Judg.9.54

He said to his young armor bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me! Don't let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!" So the young man stabbed him with his sword, and he died.

Judg.9.55

When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home. [JC]

Judg.9.55

When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home.

Judg.9.55

And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed, every man to his place.

Judg.9.55

When Abimelech's men saw that he was dead, they disbanded and returned to their homes.

Judg.9.56

God avenged the evil Abimelech had done to his father, murdering his seventy brothers.

Judg.9.56

Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.

Judg.9.56

Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his seventy brothers.

Judg.9.56

Thus, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers.

Judg.9.57

And God brought down on the heads of the men of Shechem all the evil that they had done, the curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal.

Judg.9.57

God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came on them.

Judg.9.57

And all the evil of the men of Shechem God returned on their own heads, and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

Judg.9.57

God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon came true.