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.

John.6.1

After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee (some call it Tiberias).

John.6.1

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),

John.6.1

After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias.

John.6.1

After this, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias.

John.6.2

A huge crowd followed him, attracted by the miracles they had seen him do among the sick.

John.6.2

and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.

John.6.2

Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.

John.6.2

And a huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miracles as he healed the sick.

John.6.3

When he got to the other side, he climbed a hill and sat down, surrounded by his disciples.

John.6.3

Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.

John.6.3

And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

John.6.3

Then Jesus went up into the hills and sat down with his disciples around him.

John.6.4

It was nearly time for the Feast of Passover, kept annually by the Jews.

John.6.4

The Jewish Passover Feast was near.

John.6.4

Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.

John.6.4

(It was nearly time for the annual Passover celebration.)

John.6.5

When Jesus looked out and saw that a large crowd had arrived, he said to Philip, "Where can we buy bread to feed these people?"

John.6.5

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"

John.6.5

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"

John.6.5

Jesus soon saw a great crowd of people climbing the hill, looking for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Philip, where can we buy bread to feed all these people?"

John.6.6

He said this to stretch Philip's faith. He already knew what he was going to do.

John.6.6

He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

John.6.6

But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

John.6.6

He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

John.6.7

Philip answered, "Two hundred silver pieces wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each person to get a piece."

John.6.7

Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"

John.6.7

Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."

John.6.7

Philip replied, "It would take a small fortune to feed them!"

John.6.8

One of the disciples--it was Andrew, brother to Simon Peter--said,

John.6.8

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up,

John.6.8

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,

John.6.8

Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up.

John.6.9

"There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this."

John.6.9

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

John.6.9

"There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"

John.6.9

"There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?"

John.6.10

Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them.

John.6.10

Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.

John.6.10

Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

John.6.10

"Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus ordered. So all of them--the men alone numbered five thousand--sat down on the grassy slopes.

John.6.11

Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.

John.6.11

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

John.6.11

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.

John.6.11

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and passed them out to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate until they were full.

John.6.12

When the people had eaten their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted."

John.6.12

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."

John.6.12

So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."

John.6.12

"Now gather the leftovers," Jesus told his disciples, "so that nothing is wasted."

John.6.13

They went to work and filled twelve large baskets with leftovers from the five barley loaves.

John.6.13

So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

John.6.13

Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.

John.6.13

There were only five barley loaves to start with, but twelve baskets were filled with the pieces of bread the people did not eat!

John.6.14

The people realized that God was at work among them in what Jesus had just done. They said, "This is the Prophet for sure, God's Prophet right here in Galilee!"

John.6.14

After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world."

John.6.14

Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world."

John.6.14

When the people saw this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, "Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!"

John.6.15

Jesus saw that in their enthusiasm, they were about to grab him and make him king, so he slipped off and went back up the mountain to be by himself.

John.6.15

Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

John.6.15

Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

John.6.15

Jesus saw that they were ready to take him by force and make him king, so he went higher into the hills alone.

John.6.16

In the evening his disciples went down to the sea,

John.6.16

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake,

John.6.16

Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,

John.6.16

That evening his disciples went down to the shore to wait for him.

John.6.17

got in the boat, and headed back across the water to Capernaum. It had grown quite dark and Jesus had not yet returned.

John.6.17

where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.

John.6.17

got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them.

John.6.17

But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn't come back, they got into the boat and headed out across the lake toward Capernaum.

John.6.18

A huge wind blew up, churning the sea.

John.6.18

A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

John.6.18

Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing.

John.6.18

Soon a gale swept down upon them as they rowed, and the sea grew very rough.

John.6.19

They were maybe three or four miles out when they saw Jesus walking on the sea, quite near the boat. They were scared senseless,

John.6.19

When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.

John.6.19

So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid.

John.6.19

They were three or four miles out when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified,

John.6.20

but he reassured them, "It's me. It's all right. Don't be afraid."

John.6.20

But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."

John.6.20

But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."

John.6.20

but he called out to them, "I am here! Don't be afraid."

John.6.21

So they took him on board. In no time they reached land--the exact spot they were headed to.

John.6.21

Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

John.6.21

Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

John.6.21

Then they were eager to let him in, and immediately the boat arrived at their destination!

John.6.22

The next day the crowd that was left behind realized that there had been only one boat, and that Jesus had not gotten into it with his disciples. They had seen them go off without him.

John.6.22

The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.

John.6.22

On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone--

John.6.22

The next morning, back across the lake, crowds began gathering on the shore, waiting to see Jesus. For they knew that he and his disciples had come over together and that the disciples had gone off in their boat, leaving him behind.

John.6.23

By now boats from Tiberias had pulled up near where they had eaten the bread blessed by the Master.

John.6.23

Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

John.6.23

however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks--

John.6.23

Several boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the Lord had blessed the bread and the people had eaten.

John.6.24

So when the crowd realized he was gone and wasn't coming back, they piled into the Tiberias boats and headed for Capernaum, looking for Jesus.

John.6.24

Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

John.6.24

when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

John.6.24

When the crowd saw that Jesus wasn't there, nor his disciples, they got into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for him.

Ps.58.1

Is this any way to run a country? Is there an honest politician in the house?

Ps.58.1

Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge uprightly among men?

Ps.58.1

Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?

Ps.58.1

Justice--do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly?

Ps.58.2

Behind the scenes you brew cauldrons of evil, behind closed doors you make deals with demons.

Ps.58.2

No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

Ps.58.2

No, in heart you work wickedness; You weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth.

Ps.58.2

No, all your dealings are crooked; you hand out violence instead of justice.

Ps.58.3

The wicked crawl from the wrong side of the cradle; their first words out of the womb are lies.

Ps.58.3

Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.

Ps.58.3

The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

Ps.58.3

These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way.

Ps.58.4

Poison, lethal rattlesnake poison, drips from their forked tongues--

Ps.58.4

Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,

Ps.58.4

Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear,

Ps.58.4

They spit poison like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen,

Ps.58.5

Deaf to threats, deaf to charm, decades of wax built up in their ears.

Ps.58.5

that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.

Ps.58.5

Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.

Ps.58.5

ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.

Ps.58.6

God, smash their teeth to bits, leave them toothless tigers.

Ps.58.6

Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out, O LORD, the fangs of the lions!

Ps.58.6

Break their teeth in their mouth, O God! Break out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!

Ps.58.6

Break off their fangs, O God! Smash the jaws of these lions, O LORD!

Ps.58.7

Let their lives be buckets of water spilled, all that's left, a damp stain in the sand. Let them be trampled grass worn smooth by the traffic.

Ps.58.7

Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows be blunted.

Ps.58.7

Let them flow away as waters which run continually; When he bends his bow, Let his arrows be as if cut in pieces.

Ps.58.7

May they disappear like water into thirsty ground. Make their weapons useless in their hands.

Ps.58.8

Let them dissolve into snail slime, be a miscarried fetus that never sees sunlight.

Ps.58.8

Like a slug melting away as it moves along, like a stillborn child, may they not see the sun.

Ps.58.8

Let them be like a snail which melts away as it goes, Like a stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun.

Ps.58.8

May they be like snails that dissolve into slime, like a stillborn child who will never see the sun.

Ps.58.9

Before what they cook up is half-done, God, throw it out with the garbage!

Ps.58.9

Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns- whether they be green or dry-the wicked will be swept away.

Ps.58.9

Before your pots can feel the burning thorns, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, As in His living and burning wrath.

Ps.58.9

God will sweep them away, both young and old, faster than a pot heats on an open flame.

Ps.58.10

The righteous will call up their friends when they see the wicked get their reward, Serve up their blood in goblets as they toast one another,

Ps.58.10

The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked.

Ps.58.10

The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,

Ps.58.10

The godly will rejoice when they see injustice avenged. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

Ps.58.11

Everyone cheering, "It's worth it to play by the rules! God's handing out trophies and tending the earth!"

Ps.58.11

Then men will say, "Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth."

Ps.58.11

So that men will say, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth."

Ps.58.11

Then at last everyone will say, "There truly is a reward for those who live for God; surely there is a God who judges justly here on earth."