judges-9:26-40-asv

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:27

(27) And made merry.—The vintage was the most joyous festival of the year (Isaiah 16:9-10; Jeremiah 25:30). The word rendered “merry” is hillûlim, and occurs only here and in Leviticus 19:24, where it is rendered “praise.” Some render it “offered thank-offerings.” The Chaldee renders it “dances,” and the Vulg. “choirs of singers.” The word evidently involves the notion of triumphant songs (LXX., elloulim and chorous).Of their god.—Baal-berith.Did eat and drink.—In some public feast, such as... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:28

(28) Who is Abimelech?—This is obviously contemptuous, like “Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?” in 1 Samuel 25:10.Who is Shechem?—The meaning of this clause is very obscure. It can hardly be a contrast between the insignificance of Abimelech and the grandeur of Shechem (Vulg., quœ est Shechem?). Some say that “Shechem” means “Abimelech;” but there is no trace of kings assuming the name of the place over which they rule, nor does the LXX. mend matters much by interpolating the words,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:29

(29) Would to God this people were under my hand !—Comp. 2 Samuel 15:4.And he said to Abimelech.—The “he said” may be the impersonal idiom (comp. Joshua 7:26, &c.), meaning “it was told” (Vulg., Dictum est). It is less likely that “he” means Zebul, or that it is Gaal’s drunken vaunt to the absent Abimelech. Another reading is, “And I would say to Abimelech,” &c. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:30

(30) The ruler of the city.—The word sar seems to imply that he was the military commandant. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:31

(31) Privily.—The Hebrew is betormah, which may mean “to Tormah,” or Arumah, where Abimelech was living (Judges 9:41). The word occurs nowhere else, and the versions differ (LXX., in secret; Cod. B, with gifts; Cod. A reading batherumah). Whether “craftily” be the right rendering or not, it is clear that the message was a secret one, for Zebul dissembled his anger until he was strong enough to throw off the mask.They fortify.—Rather, perhaps, they tyrannise over the city because of thee. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:32

(32) Lie in wait in the field.—To surprise the Shechemites when they went out to finish their vintage operations, which they would do securely under the protection of Gaal’s forces. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:33

(33) As thou shalt find occasion.—Literally, as in the margin, as thine hand shall find, as in 1 Samuel 10:7; 1 Samuel 25:8. read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:34

(34) Four companies.—Literally, four heads. (Comp. Judges 7:16.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:35

(35) Stood in the entering of the gate of the city.—This was the ordinary station of kings, judges, &c.; but Gaal only seems to have gone there in order to keep a look-out (Joshua 20:4). read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:36

(36) He said to Zebul.—The narrative is too brief to enable us to understand clearly the somewhat anomalous position of Zebul. He seems to have been deposed from his office, and yet to have retained the confidence of Gaal and the Shechemites.Thou seest the shadow of the mountains.—The shadow advancing as the sun rose. It was, of course, Zebul’s object to keep Gaal deceived as long as possible. But it is evident that Gaal’s suspicions were by no means lulled. Zebul treats him almost as if he... read more

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:27

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:28

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:29

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:30

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:31

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:32

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:33

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:34

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:35

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 9:36

Group of Brands