Abimelech Attempts To Become King

1 Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal (Gideon) went to Shechem to his mother’s relatives, and said to them and to the whole clan of the household of his mother’s father,

1 And (A)Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s (a)relatives, and spoke to them and to the whole clan of the household of his mother’s father, saying,

1 And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

1 Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother’s brothers at Shechem and spoke to them and to all his maternal grandfather’s clan, saying,

1 Then Jerubbaal's son Abimelech went to his mother's relatives in Shechem. He spoke to the entire family of his mother's father, telling them,

2 “Speak now in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that seventy men, all of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your own bone and flesh.”

2 “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that (B)seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am (C)your bone and your flesh.”

2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

2 “Please speak in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that 70 men, all the sons of Jerubbaal,(A) rule over you or that one man rule over you?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.”(a)

2 "Ask all the "lords" of Shechem, "What's better for you? That 70 men, each of them Jerubbaal's sons, rule over you? Or that one man rule over you?' Keep in mind that I'm like your own close relative."

3 So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words concerning him so that all the leaders of Shechem could hear; and their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”

3 And his mother’s (b)relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and (c)they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is (D)our (d)relative.”

3 And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

3 His mother’s relatives spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

3 So his mother's relatives spoke all of this on his behalf in the presence of all the "lords" of Shechem. Since they were inclined to follow Abimelech, they said, "He's our relative!"

4 And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and undisciplined men, and they followed (supported) him.

4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of (E)Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him.

4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

4 So they gave him 70 pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith.(b) Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men with this money, and they followed him.

4 and they gave him 70 silver coins from the temple that they had built to Baal-berith. Abimelech hired some worthless and useless men, who followed him

5 Then he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and murdered his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, [in a public execution] on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left alive, because he had hidden himself.

5 Then he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and (F)killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, (G)seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself.

5 And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

5 He went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his 70 brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, on top of a large stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.

5 to his father's house in Ophrah. There he murdered his own brothers, Jerubbaal's sons all 70 of them in one place. But Jerubbaal's youngest son Jotham survived by hiding himself.

6 All the men of Shechem and all of (a)Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak (terebinth) of the pillar (memorial stone) at Shechem.

6 All the men of Shechem and all (e)Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the (f)oak of the pillar which was in Shechem.

6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

6 Then all the lords of Shechem and of Beth-millo gathered together and proceeded to make Abimelech king at the oak of the pillar in Shechem.

6 All the men from Shechem and Beth-millo gathered together and set up Abimelech as king near the pillar erected in Shechem.

Jotham's Parable

7 When they told Jotham, he went and stood at the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted to them, “Hear me, O men of Shechem, so that God may hear you.

7 Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of (H)Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and called out. Thus he said to them, “Listen to me, O men of Shechem, that God may listen to you.

7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

7 When they told Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim,(B) raised his voice, and called to them:Listen to me, lords of Shechem,and may God listen to you:

7 When Jotham was informed about this, he went out, took his stand on top of Mount Gerizim, and cried out loudly, "Listen to me, you "lords" of Shechem, and God will listen to you.

8 (b)Once the trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’

8 Once the trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’

8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

8 The trees set outto anoint a king over themselves.They said to the olive tree, “Reign over us.”

8 "Once upon a time the trees went out to consecrate a king for themselves. "So they told the olive tree, "Reign over us!'

9 But the olive tree said to them, ‘Should I give up my fatness by which God and men are honored, and go to wave over the trees?’

9 But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my fatness with (g)which God and men are honored, and go to wave over the trees?’

9 But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

9 But the olive tree said to them,“Should I stop giving my oilthat honors both God and man,and rule(c) over the trees?”

9 But the olive tree asked them, "Should I stop producing my rich oils by which both God and men are honored and go take dominion over trees?'

10 Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us!’

10 Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come, reign over us!’

10 And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

10 Then the trees said to the fig tree,“Come and reign over us.”

10 "So the trees told the fig tree, "Hey you! Come and reign over us!'

11 But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I give up my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?’

11 But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good (h)fruit, and go to wave over the trees?’

11 But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

11 But the fig tree said to them,“Should I stop givingmy sweetness and my good fruit,and rule(d) over trees?”

11 But the fig tree asked them, "Should I leave my sweet, good fruit and go take dominion over trees?'

12 Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’

12 Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come, reign over us!’

12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

12 Later, the trees said to the grapevine,“Come and reign over us.”

12 "So the trees told the grape vine, "Hey you! Come and reign over us!'

13 And the vine replied, ‘Should I give up my new wine, which makes God and men happy, and go to wave over the trees?’

13 But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?’

13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

13 But the grapevine said to them,“Should I stop giving my winethat cheers both God and man,and rule(e) over trees?”

13 But the grape vine asked them, "Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go take dominion over trees?'

14 Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’

14 Finally all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come, reign over us!’

14 Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us.

14 Finally, all the trees said to the bramble,“Come and reign over us.”

14 "So all the trees told the bramble bush, "Hey you! Come and reign over us!'

15 So the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’

15 The bramble said to the trees, ‘If in (i)truth you are anointing me as king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, may fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’

15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

15 The bramble said to the trees,“If you really are anointing meas king over you,come and find refuge in my shade.But if not,may fire come out from the brambleand consume the cedars of Lebanon.”

15 Then the bramble bush replied to the trees, "If you really are consecrating me to rule you, come and put your confidence in my shade; but if not, may fire spring out from the bramble bush and burn up the cedars of Lebanon"'

16 “Now then, if you acted in truth and integrity when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have dealt with him as he deserved—

16 “Now therefore, if you have dealt in (j)truth and integrity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with (I)Jerubbaal and his house, and (k)have dealt with him (l)as he deserved—

16 Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;

16 “Now if you have acted faithfully(C) and honestly(D) in making Abimelech king, if you have done well by Jerubbaal and his family, and if you have rewarded him appropriately for what he did—

16 "Now then, if you have been acting in good faith and integrity by making a king out of Abimelech, if you have treated Jerubbaal and his household appropriately by acting toward him as he deserved

17 for my father fought for you and risked his life and rescued you from the hand of Midian;

17 for my father fought for you and (m)risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian;

17 (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

17 for my father fought for you, risked his life, and delivered you from the hand of Midian,

17 because my father fought on your behalf, throwing away all concern for his own life, and delivered you from Midian's domination.

18 but you have risen against my father’s house today and have murdered his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, son of his maidservant, king over the people of Shechem, because he is your relative—

18 but you have risen against my father’s house today and have killed (J)his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, (K)the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your (n)relative—

18 And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;)

18 and now you have attacked my father’s house today, killed his 70 sons on top of a large stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave, king over the lords of Shechem ‘because he is your brother’—

18 "But now as for you, you've rebelled against my father's house today. You've murdered his sons 70 men in one place, and you've installed Abimelech, the son of his mistress, as king to rule over the "lords" of Shechem, since he's related to you.

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

19 if then you have dealt in (o)truth and integrity with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.

19 If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you:

19 if then you have acted faithfully and honestly with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech and may he also rejoice in you.

19 So if you've acted in good faith and integrity toward Jerubbaal and his household today, then you're welcome to Abimelech, and he's welcome to you"

20 But if not, 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.”

20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem and (p)Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from (q)Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech.”

20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

20 But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”

20 But if not, may fire spring out from Abimelech and consume the "lords" of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire spring out from the "lords" of Shechem and Beth-millo to consume Abimelech."

21 Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and lived there because of Abimelech his brother.

21 Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and remained there because of Abimelech his brother.

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

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

21 Then Jotham escaped by running away. He went to Beer and remained there because of his brother Abimelech.

The Downfall Of Shechem And Abimelech

22 Abimelech ruled over Israel for three years.

22 Now Abimelech ruled over Israel three years.

22 When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,

22 When Abimelech had ruled over Israel three years,

22 Abimelech dominated Israel for three years.

23 Then God sent an (c)evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem acted treacherously against Abimelech,

23 (L)Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem (M)dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

23 Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

23 God sent an evil spirit(E) between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully,

23 Then God sent an evil spirit to divide Abimelech and the "lords" of Shechem

24 so that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal (Gideon) might come [on the guilty], and that their [innocent] blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who had killed them, and on the leaders of Shechem, who strengthened his hands (encouraged him) to kill his brothers.

24 (N)so that the violence (r)done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and (O)their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.

24 That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.

24 so that the crime against the 70 sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood would be avenged on their brother Abimelech, who killed them, and on the lords of Shechem, who had helped him kill his brothers.

24 so that the violence committed against the 70 sons of Jerubbaal might come back on their brother Abimelech, who murdered them, and so it might come back on the "lords" of Shechem, who provoked him to murder his brothers.

25 The leaders of Shechem set men in ambush against Abimelech on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along the road; and it was reported to Abimelech.

25 The men of Shechem set (s)men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who might pass by them along the road; and it was told to Abimelech.

25 And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

25 The lords of Shechem rebelled against him by putting people on the tops of the mountains to ambush(F) and rob everyone who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech.

25 The "lords" of Shechem sent out men to ambush him on the mountain tops, and they robbed everyone who came by them along the roads, and this was reported to Abimelech.

26 Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and moved into Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem trusted him.

26 Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his (t)relatives, and crossed over into Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.

26 And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

26 Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the lords of Shechem trusted him.

26 Meanwhile, Ebed's son Gaal arrived with his relatives and crossed over into Shechem. The "lords" of Shechem put their faith in him.

27 They went out into the field, gathered the grapes of their vineyard and trod them, and held a festival; and they entered the house of their god, and they ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.

27 They went out into the field and gathered the grapes of their vineyards and trod them, and held a (u)festival; and they went into the house of (P)their god, and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech.

27 And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

27 So they went out to the countryside and harvested grapes from their vineyards. They trampled the grapes and held a celebration.(G) Then they went to the house of their god, and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech.

27 They went out into the fields, harvested their vineyards, made some wine, and threw a party. Then they went into the temple of their god, ate, drank, and cursed Abimelech.

28 Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not [merely] the son of Jerubbaal and is Zebul not his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor the father (founder) of Shechem. Why then should we serve Abimelech?

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 Zebul not his (v)lieutenant? Serve the men of (Q)Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him?

28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?

28 Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of Jerubbaal, and isn’t Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem.(H) Why should we serve Abimelech?

28 Then Ebed's son Gaal remarked, "Who is this Abimelech? And who is Shechem? Should we serve him? Isn't he Jerubbaal's son? Isn't Zebul his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem's ancestor but why are we serving him?

29 If only this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech and say to him, ‘Increase [the size of] your army and come out [to fight].’”

29 (w)(R)Would, therefore, that this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out.”

29 And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

29 If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech.” So he said(f) to Abimelech, “Gather your army and come out.”

29 If only authority over this people were given to me. Then I would remove Abimelech!" Then he challenged Abimelech: "Build up your army and then come out and fight!"

30 When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger burned.

30 When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger burned.

30 And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.

30 When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was angry.

30 When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard what Ebed's son Gaal had said, he flew into a rage.

31 He sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and they are stirring up the city against you.

31 He sent messengers to Abimelech (x)deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his (y)relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are (z)stirring up the city against you.

31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.

31 So he sent messengers secretly to Abimelech, saying, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed, with his brothers, have come to Shechem and are turning the city against you.(g)

31 He sent messengers to Abimelech in secret and told him, "Look out! Ebed's son Gaal and his family have arrived here in Shechem. Watch out! They're stirring up the city against you.

32 Now then, get up during the night, you and the people who are with you, and set up an ambush in the field.

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

32 Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

32 Now tonight, you and the people with you are to come wait in ambush in the countryside.

32 So get up at night, take your soldiers with you, and wait in ambush out in the field.

33 Then in the morning, at sunrise, you will get up early and rush upon and attack the city; and when Gaal and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to them (d)whatever you can.”

33 In the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall (S)do to them (aa)whatever you can.”

33 And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

33 Then get up early, and at sunrise charge the city. When he and the people who are with him come out against you, do to him whatever you can.”(h)

33 Tomorrow morning when the sun is up, get up early and attack the city. When Gaal and his army come out to fight you, do whatever you can to them."

34 So Abimelech and all the people who were with him got up during the night, and set up an ambush against Shechem, in four companies.

34 So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four (ab)companies.

34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

34 So Abimelech and all the people with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units.

34 So Abimelech and his entire army got up that night and waited in ambush against Shechem in four separate companies.

35 Now Gaal the son of Ebed came out and stood in the entrance of the city gate; then Abimelech and the people who were with him got up from the ambush.

35 Now Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the city gate; and Abimelech and the people who were with him arose from the ambush.

35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.

35 Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate. Then Abimelech and the people who were with him got up from their ambush.

35 Ebed's son Gaal went out and stood in the entrance to the city gate while Abimelech and his army were creeping out of their ambush.

36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops.” But Zebul said to him, “You are only seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.”

36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “(ac)Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” But Zebul said to him, “You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.”

36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.

36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!” But Zebul said to him, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.”

36 When Gaal saw the army, he observed to Zebul, "Look there! People are coming down from the top of the mountains." But Zebul replied to him, "You're looking at morning shadows cast by the mountains. They just look like men to you."

37 Gaal spoke again and said, “Look! People are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company is coming by way of the sorcerers’ oak tree.”

37 Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down from (T)the (ad)highest part of the land, and one (ae)company comes by the way of (af)the diviners’ (ag)oak.”

37 And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.

37 Then Gaal spoke again, “Look, people are coming down from the central part of the land,(I) and one unit is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.”

37 Gaal spoke up again to say, "Look! People are coming down from the highest part of the land, and there's a company approaching from the diviner's oak tree."

38 Then Zebul said to Gaal, “Where is your [boasting] mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!”

38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your (ah)boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!”

38 Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

38 Zebul replied,(i) “Where is your mouthing off now? You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Aren’t these the people you despised? Now go and fight them!”

38 So Zebul replied, "Right... So where's your boasting now? You said, "Who is Abimelech? Should we serve him?' Isn't this the army that you insulted? So go out right now and fight them!"

39 So Gaal went out ahead of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.

39 So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.

39 And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

39 So Gaal went out leading the lords of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,

39 So Gaal went out in full view of the "lords" of Shechem and fought Abimelech.

40 Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded as far as the entrance of the gate.

40 Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded up to the entrance of the gate.

40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.

40 but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. Many wounded died(J) as far as the entrance of the gate.

40 Abimelech chased him, and Gaal ran away from him. Many fell wounded right up to the entrance to the city gate.

41 Then Abimelech stayed at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives so that they could not remain in Shechem.

41 Then Abimelech remained at Arumah, but Zebul drove out Gaal and his (ai)relatives so that they could not remain in Shechem.

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

41 Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers from Shechem.

41 Afterwards, Abimelech remained at Arumah, but Zebul expelled Gaal and his family so they couldn't remain in Shechem.

42 The next day the people went out to the field, and it was reported to Abimelech.

42 Now it came about the next day, that the people went out to the field, and it was told to Abimelech.

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

42 The next day when the people went into the countryside, this was reported to Abimelech.

42 The next day, the people went out to the field, and Abimelech learned about it.

43 So he took his people and divided them into three companies, and set an ambush in the field; and he looked and saw the people coming out of the city. And he rose up against them and struck them down.

43 So he took (aj)his people and divided them into three (ak)companies, and lay in wait in the field; when he looked and (al)saw the people coming out from the city, he arose against them and (am)slew them.

43 And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.

43 He took the people, divided them into three companies, and waited in ambush in the countryside. He looked, and the people were coming out of the city, so he arose against them and struck them down.

43 So he took his army, divided it into three separate companies, and laid in ambush out in the field. When Abimelech noticed the people coming out from the city, his army attacked them and killed them.

44 Then Abimelech and the company with him advanced forward and stood in the entrance of the city gate; the two other companies attacked all who were in the field and killed them.

44 Then Abimelech and the (an)company who was with him dashed forward and stood in the entrance of the city gate; the other two (ao)companies then dashed against all who were in the field and (ap)slew them.

44 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.

44 Then Abimelech and the units that were with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two units rushed against all who were in the countryside and struck them down.

44 Then Abimelech and the soldiers who were with him rushed forward and commandeered the entrance to the city gate while the other two companies ran out to kill everyone who was in the field.

45 Abimelech fought against the city that entire day. He took the city and killed the people who were in it; he demolished the city and (e)sowed it with salt.

45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he captured the city and killed the people who were in it; then he (U)razed the city and sowed it with salt.

45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

45 So Abimelech fought against the city that entire day, captured it, and killed the people who were in it. Then he tore down the city and sowed it with salt.

45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day, captured the city, killed the people in it, then tore the city to the ground and sowed it with salt.

The Tower Of Shechem Burns

46 When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber (stronghold) of the (f)temple of El-berith (the god of a covenant).

46 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the (aq)temple of (V)El-berith.

46 And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith.

46 When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber(j) of the temple of El-berith.(k)

46 When all the "lords" at the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they retreated into the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.

47 Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem were assembled together.

47 It was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

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

47 Then it was reported to Abimelech that all the lords of the Tower of Shechem had gathered together.

47 Abimilech was told that all of the "lords" of the Shechem Tower had assembled there.

48 So Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch from the trees, picked it up, and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the people with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do just as I have done.”

48 So Abimelech went up to Mount (W)Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took (ar)an axe in his hand and cut down a branch from the trees, and lifted it and laid it on his shoulder. Then he said to the people who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do (as)likewise.”

48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

48 So Abimelech and all the people who were with him went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his ax in his hand and cut a branch from the trees. He picked up the branch, put it on his shoulder, and said to the people who were with him, “Hurry and do what you have seen me do.”

48 So he went up to Mount Zalmon, accompanied by his entire army. Abimelech had an axe in his hand, so he cut down a branch from a tree, lifted it up, and laid it on his shoulder. Then he told the army that had accompanied him, "You've seen what I just did. Hurry up! Do the same thing!"

49 So everyone of the people also cut down his branch and followed Abimelech, and they put the branches on top of the inner chamber and set it on fire over those inside, so that all the people in the Tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women.

49 All the people also cut down each one his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women.

49 And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

49 Each person also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire around the people, and all the people in the Tower of Shechem died—about 1,000 men and women.

49 Then his entire army also cut down a branch for each soldier, followed Abimelech to the inner chamber, and set fire to it while they were inside. As a result, all the men of the tower of Shechem died, including about a thousand men and women.

Abimelech's Death

50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez, and camped against Thebez and took it.

50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez, and he camped against Thebez and captured it.

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

50 Abimelech went to Thebez,(K) camped against it, and captured it.

50 Later on, Abimelech went to Thebez, set up a siege encampment there, and captured it.

51 But there was a strong (fortified) tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower.

51 But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower.

51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower.

51 There was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and lords of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower.

51 But there was a fortified tower in the center of the city, and all the men, women, and leaders of the city escaped to it, shut themselves in, and went up to the roof of the tower.

52 So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire.

52 So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire.

52 And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.

52 When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire.

52 So Abimelech approached the tower, attacked it, and approached the tower's gate, intending to burn it down.

53 But a certain woman threw an upper millstone [down] on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull.

53 But (X)a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull.

53 And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.

53 But a woman threw the upper portion of a millstone on Abimelech’s head and fractured his skull.

53 But a certain woman threw an upper millstone down on Abimelech's head, fracturing his skull.

54 Then he called quickly to the young man who was his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So the young man pierced him through, and he died.

54 Then (Y)he called quickly to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, ‘A woman slew him.’” So (at)the young man pierced him through, and he died.

54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

54 He quickly called his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, or they’ll say about me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his armor-bearer thrust him through, and he died.

54 So he cried out to his young armor bearer and ordered him, "Draw your sword and kill me, so no one will say about me that "A woman killed him.'" So the young man pierced him through, and he died.

55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, each departed to his home.

55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, each departed to his (au)home.

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

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

55 When the men of Israel noticed that Abimelech was dead, they each left for home.

56 In this way God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father [Jerubbaal] by killing his seventy brothers.

56 Thus (Z)God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers.

56 Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:

56 In this way, God turned back on Abimelech the evil that he had done against his father, by killing his 70 brothers.

56 That's how God repaid Abimelech for the evil thing he did to his father by killing his 70 brothers.

57 Also God repaid all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal (Gideon) came upon them.(A)

57 Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came (av)upon them.

57 And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

57 And God also returned all the evil of the men of Shechem on their heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came on them.(L)

57 God also repaid the men of Shechem for their wickedness, and the curse of Jerubbaal's son Jotham came true for them.

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