Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If only this people were under my command! Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, ‘Call out your whole army!’” New Living Translation If I were in charge here, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, ‘Get some soldiers, and come out and fight!’” English Standard Version Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’” Berean Standard Bible If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” King James Bible 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. New King James Version If only this people were under my authority! Then I would remove Abimelech.” So he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!” New American Standard Bible If only this people were under my authority! Then I would do away with Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Enlarge your army and come out!” NASB 1995 “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.” NASB 1977 “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.” Legacy Standard Bible Would, therefore, that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out.” Amplified Bible 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].’” Christian Standard Bible If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech.” So he said to Abimelech, “Gather your army and come out.” Holman Christian Standard Bible If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech.” So he said to Abimelech, “Gather your army and come out.” American Standard Version And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out. Contemporary English Version If I were the ruler of Shechem, I'd get rid of that Abimelech. I'd tell him, "Get yourself an even bigger army, and we will still defeat you." English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation How I wish I controlled these people! Then I'd get rid of Abimelech. I would tell him, 'Get yourself a big army and come out.' " Good News Translation I wish I were leading this people! I would get rid of Abimelech! I would tell him, 'Reinforce your army, come on out and fight!'" International Standard Version 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!" NET Bible If only these men were under my command, I would get rid of Abimelech!" He challenged Abimelech, "Muster your army and come out for battle!" New Heart English Bible Would that this people were under my hand. Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, "Increase your army, and come out." Webster's Bible Translation And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thy army, and come out. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” World English Bible I wish that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech.” He said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd oh that this people were in my hand—then I turn Abimelech aside”; and he says to Abimelech, “Increase your host, and come out.” Young's Literal Translation and oh that this people were in my hand -- then I turn Abimelech aside;' and he saith to Abimelech, 'Increase thy host, and come out.' Smith's Literal Translation And who will give this people into my hand? And I will remove Abimelech. And he will say to Abimelech, Increase thine army and come forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWould to God that some man would put this people under my hand, that I might remove Abimelech out of the way. And it was said to Abimelech: Gather together the multitude of an army, and come. Catholic Public Domain Version I wish that someone would set this people under my hand, so that I might take away Abimelech from their midst.” And it was told to Abimelech, “Gather the multitude of an army, and approach.” New American Bible Would that these troops were entrusted to my command! I would depose Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Get a larger army and come out!’ ” New Revised Standard Version If only this people were under my command! Then I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd would to God this people were under my command! Then I would remove Abimeleck. And he said to Abimeleck, Increase your army, and come out. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But who has delivered this people into my hands, and I would remove Abimelek?” And he said to Abimelek, “Increase your army and come out!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.' And he said to Abimelech: 'Increase thine army, and come out.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech, and I would say to him, Multiply thy host, and come out. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites…28Then Gaal 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? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? 29If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” Cross References 2 Samuel 15:4 And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.” 1 Samuel 17:26 David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:45 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 2 Samuel 16:11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son, my own flesh and blood, seeks my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone and let him curse me, for the LORD has told him so. 1 Kings 12:16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people pleaded, “You must not go out! For if we have to flee, they will not care about us. Even if half of us die, they will not care. But you are worth ten thousand of us. It is better now if you support us from the city.” 1 Samuel 14:24 Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. 2 Samuel 19:9-10 And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” 1 Samuel 25:10 But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. 2 Samuel 20:1 Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” 1 Samuel 8:19-20 Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.” 2 Samuel 15:10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” 1 Samuel 10:27 But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. 2 Samuel 3:17-18 Now Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and said, “In the past you sought David as your king. / Now take action, because the LORD has said to David, ‘Through My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hands of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’” 1 Samuel 11:12 Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!” Treasury of Scripture And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out. would to God. 2 Samuel 15:4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! 1 Kings 20:11 And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off. Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. And he said. 2 Samuel 2:14-17 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise… 2 Kings 14:8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. 2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Army Authority Command Hand Host Increase Remove Rid Strong Turn Way WholeJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Army Authority Command Hand Host Increase Remove Rid Strong Turn Way WholeJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin 22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him 30. Zebul reveals it 34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt 46. He burns the hold of the god Berith 50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone 56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled. If only this people were under my authority This phrase reflects a desire for power and control, a common theme in the Book of Judges, where leadership often shifts and is contested. The speaker, Gaal, is expressing a wish to lead the people of Shechem, indicating a political ambition that mirrors the instability of Israel during this period. The longing for authority can be seen throughout the Old Testament, where leaders are often raised by God to deliver Israel, such as Moses and Joshua. This desire for leadership contrasts with the biblical ideal of God as the ultimate authority over His people. I would remove Abimelech I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” Persons / Places / Events 1. Gaal son of EbedA man who incites rebellion against Abimelech, expressing a desire to lead the people of Shechem and challenge Abimelech's rule. 2. Abimelech The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who becomes a self-appointed king over Israel, known for his violent rise to power and the murder of his seventy brothers. 3. Shechem A significant city in Israel's history, often associated with covenantal events, but here it becomes a center of political intrigue and rebellion. 4. Zebul The governor of the city of Shechem, loyal to Abimelech, who plays a role in the unfolding conflict between Gaal and Abimelech. 5. The Rebellion The event where Gaal attempts to rally the people of Shechem against Abimelech, highlighting the instability and division within Israel during this period. Teaching Points The Dangers of Ambition and PrideGaal's desire for power and his boastful challenge to Abimelech serve as a warning against unchecked ambition and pride. Believers are reminded to seek humility and God's guidance in leadership. The Consequences of Unfaithfulness The chaos in Shechem reflects the broader theme of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant. The Role of Godly Leadership The absence of godly leadership in this account highlights the need for leaders who seek God's will and lead with integrity. Believers are encouraged to pray for and support godly leaders in their communities. Trusting in God's Sovereignty Despite human schemes and conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over the affairs of nations and individuals. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)? Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?(29) Would to God this people were under my hand !--Comp. 2Samuel 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. Verse 29. - And would to God, etc., i.e. "If you will only trust me as your leader, I will soon remove Abimelech, and then you can have a national government." It seems that the people at once closed with his offer, and, thus emboldened, he sent a challenge to Abimelech to come out and fight him.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew If onlyוּמִ֨י (ū·mî) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that people הָעָ֤ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were under my authority, בְּיָדִ֔י (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand I would remove וְאָסִ֖ירָה (wə·’ā·sî·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 5493: To turn aside Abimelech; אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name I would say וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to [him], לַאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ (la·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name ‘Muster רַבֶּ֥ה (rab·beh) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great your army צְבָאֲךָ֖ (ṣə·ḇā·’ă·ḵā) Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign and come out!’” וָצֵֽאָה׃ (wā·ṣê·’āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Links Judges 9:29 NIVJudges 9:29 NLT Judges 9:29 ESV Judges 9:29 NASB Judges 9:29 KJV Judges 9:29 BibleApps.com Judges 9:29 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:29 Chinese Bible Judges 9:29 French Bible Judges 9:29 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:29 Would that this people were under my (Jd Judg. 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