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John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Judges 9:4

Jdg 9:4 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. Ver. 4. And they gave him threescore and ten pieces. ] Pounds, saith the Vulgate: but more likely, shekels: which though it were a small sum, yet we must know that a little money would go a great way in those days; as also that such soldiers might be hired for small wages, &c. Hired vain and light persons. ] Beggarly rascals,... read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - Judges 9:4

house: Judges 9:46-Ephesians :, Judges 8:33 vain: etc. Anashim raikim oophochozim, "worthless and dissolute men;" persons who were living on the public, and had nothing to lose. Such was the foundation of his Babel government. By a cunning management of such unprincipled men most revolutions are brought about. Judges 11:3, 1 Samuel 22:2, 2 Chronicles 13:7, Job 30:8, Proverbs 12:11, Acts 17:5 Reciprocal: Judges 9:27 - the house 2 Samuel 6:20 - vain fellows Proverbs 28:19 - but Daniel 11:24 -... read more

John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Judges 9:4

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.Pieces of silver — Not shekels, which were too small a sum for this purpose; but far larger pieces, the exact worth whereof it is not possible for us now to know.The house of Baal-berith — Out of his sacred treasury; having since Gideon's death built this temple (which he would never have suffered whilst he lived) and endowed it with... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 9:4

4. They gave him As a tribute to royalty, and to enable him to hire a body-guard and provide himself with the emblems of royalty. Threescore and ten pieces of silver Silver shekels are probably meant, and this number would amount to about forty dollars. House of Baal-berith The edifice or temple which the Shechemites had built for the worship of this heathen deity. Great treasure was usually laid up in such temples, and not unfrequently applied to political purposes. Compare 1 Kings... read more

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