Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, “Gaal son of Ebed and his clan have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version And 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. Berean Standard Bible So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. Berean Literal Bible And he sent messengers to Abimelech in deceit, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem. And behold, they are fortifying the city against you. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible So using deception, he successfully sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you. NASB 1995 He sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you. NASB 1977 And he sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you. Legacy Standard Bible And he sent messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his relatives have come to Shechem; and behold, they are stirring up the city against you. Amplified Bible 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. Berean Annotated Bible So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech (he sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah) to say, “Look, Gaal (loathing) son of Ebed (servant) and his brothers have come to Shechem (shoulder) and are stirring up (besieging) the city against you. Christian Standard Bible So he secretly sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Beware! Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are turning the city against you. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee. Contemporary English Version And so he sent some messengers to Abimelech. But they had to pretend to be doing something else, or they would not have been allowed to leave Shechem. Zebul told the messengers to say: Gaal the son of Ebed has come to Shechem along with his brothers, and they have persuaded the people to let Gaal rule Shechem instead of you. English Revised Version And he sent messengers unto Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city to take part against thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech. "Watch out! Gaal (son of Ebed) and his brothers have come to Shechem. They have turned the city against you. Good News Translation He sent messengers to Abimelech at Arumah to say, "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are not going to let you into the city. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible He sent messengers to Abimelech, who was in Arumah, reporting, "Beware! Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers are coming to Shechem and inciting the city to rebel against you. New Heart English Bible He sent messengers to Abimelech in (Arumah), saying, "Look, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem; and look, they constrain the city to take part against you. Webster's Bible Translation And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, and his brethren, are come to Shechem; and behold, they fortify the city against thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. World English Bible He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and behold, they incite the city against you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he sends messengers to Abimelech deceitfully, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers are coming into Shechem, and behold, they are fortifying the city against you; Berean Literal Bible And he sent messengers to Abimelech in deceit, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem. And behold, they are fortifying the city against you. Young's Literal Translation and he sendeth messengers unto Abimelech deceitfully, saying, 'Lo, Gaal son of Ebed and his brethren are coming into Shechem, and lo, they are fortifying the city against thee; Smith's Literal Translation And he will send messengers to Abimelech in deceit, saying, Behold, Gaal son of Ebed, and his brethren, came to Shechem; and behold, they pressed the city against thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd sent messengers privately to Abimelech, saying: Behold Gaal the son of Obed is come into Sichem with his brethren, and endeavoureth to set the city against thee. Catholic Public Domain Version And he sent messengers secretly to Abimelech, saying: “Behold, Gaal, the son of Ebed, has arrived at Shechem with his brothers, and he has set the city against you. New American Bible and sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah to say, “Gaal, son of Ebed, and his kin have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. New Revised Standard Version He sent messengers to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his kinsfolk have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he sent messengers to Abimeleck deceitfully, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Epar and his brothers have come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he sent Messengers to Abimelek by treachery and said: “Behold, Gaal son of Aphar and his brothers came to Shekeem, and behold, they surround the city against you! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he sent messengers unto Abimelech in Tormah, saying: 'Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren are come to Shechem; and, behold, they will incite the city against thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he sent messengers to Abimelech secretly, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Jobel and his brethren are come to Sychem; and behold, they have besieged the city against thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Shechem30When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger. 31So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 32Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields.… Cross References So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, Joshua 2:1-2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” 2 Samuel 17:15-17 So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. / Now send quickly and tell David, ‘Do not spend the night at the fords of the wilderness, but be sure to cross over. Otherwise the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.’” / Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city. 1 Samuel 19:11-12 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” / So Michal lowered David from the window, and he ran away and escaped. “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem 1 Kings 12:1-3 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, Joshua 24:1 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officers of Israel, and they presented themselves before God. Genesis 34:25-29 Three days later, while they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons (Dinah’s brothers Simeon and Levi) took their swords, went into the unsuspecting city, and slaughtered every male. / They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with their swords, took Dinah out of Shechem’s house, and went away. / Jacob’s other sons came upon the slaughter and looted the city, because their sister had been defiled. … and are stirring up the city against you. Acts 21:27-30 When the seven days were almost over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, / crying out, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and against our law and against this place. Furthermore, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” / For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple. … Acts 19:28-29 When the men heard this, they were enraged and began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” / Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Acts 24:5 We have found this man to be a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 2 Samuel 15:10-12 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!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. 1 Kings 1:5-10 At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. … 2 Samuel 3:27 When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. 2 Samuel 20:1-2 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!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. 1 Samuel 22:9-10 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. / Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” 2 Samuel 15:13-14 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.” 1 Kings 16:9-10 However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. / So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place. Treasury of Scripture And he sent messengers to Abimelech privately, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against you. privily. Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Arumah Aru'mah City Constrain Cover Craftily Deceitfully Ebed Incite Kinsmen Messengers Part Privately Privily Relatives Shechem Stirring WorkingJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Arumah Aru'mah City Constrain Cover Craftily Deceitfully Ebed Incite Kinsmen Messengers Part Privately Privily Relatives Shechem Stirring WorkingJudges 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. So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say This phrase highlights the secretive nature of the communication, indicating a lack of trust and the presence of political intrigue. In the context of Judges, Abimelech was a son of Gideon who sought power through manipulation and violence. The use of covert messengers suggests a climate of fear and betrayal, common in the period of the Judges when Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). This reflects the broader theme of the book, where leadership is often flawed and self-serving. Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who declared himself king over Shechem after the death of his father. His rule is marked by treachery and violence. 2. Gaal son of Ebed A newcomer to Shechem who challenges Abimelech's authority, stirring up dissent among the people of the city. 3. Shechem An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. 4. Zebul The ruler of the city under Abimelech, who secretly informs Abimelech of Gaal's rebellion. 5. The Messengers Individuals sent by Zebul to inform Abimelech of the brewing rebellion in Shechem. Teaching Points The Dangers of Ambition and PowerAbimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The Role of Leadership Godly leadership is crucial for the well-being of a community. Abimelech's failure as a leader contrasts with the biblical ideal of servant leadership. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The events in Shechem demonstrate how God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His will. The Consequences of Division Gaal's rebellion and the ensuing conflict illustrate the dangers of division and strife within a community, emphasizing the need for unity and peace. The Importance of Discernment Zebul's actions remind us of the need for discernment and wisdom in dealing with conflicts and challenges. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:31?2. How does Judges 9:31 illustrate the consequences of deceit and betrayal? 3. What can we learn about leadership from Zebul's actions in Judges 9:31? 4. How does Judges 9:31 connect with Proverbs 12:19 on truthfulness? 5. How can we apply Zebul's strategic thinking to our spiritual battles today? 6. What does Judges 9:31 teach about God's sovereignty in human conflicts? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 9:31? 8. How does Judges 9:31 reflect the political dynamics of ancient Israel? 9. What is the significance of Gaal's role in Judges 9:31? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9? 11. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? 12. Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)? 13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)? 14. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? What Does Judges 9:31 Mean So he covertly sent messengers• “So” links directly to the jealousy and fear Zebul (the city’s governor, v. 30) felt when he heard Gaal’s boastful talk (v. 28). • “Covertly” underscores secretive maneuvering—echoing moments like Absalom’s hidden plans (2 Samuel 15:10) and Judas’s clandestine dealings (Luke 22:6). • God’s Word often exposes schemes done in darkness (Psalm 64:5–6; John 3:20), assuring us that nothing escapes His notice even when human plots stay hidden for a season. to Abimelech to say • Abimelech, Gideon’s son, had previously murdered his brothers to seize power (Judges 9:1–6). • Sending word to him demonstrates political loyalty mixed with self-interest: Zebul seeks to preserve his position under Abimelech’s rule (Proverbs 29:25). • The message also fulfills v. 23, where “God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem”; human free choices now accomplish divine judgment, illustrating Romans 1:24 and Acts 2:23. “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem • “Look” (or “Behold”) is a call for urgent attention, similar to Joseph’s brothers’ alarm in Genesis 37:19. • Gaal appears suddenly, positioning himself as a champion of Shechem (Judges 9:26). His lineage (“son of Ebed”) may hint that he is not a local, stirring suspicion (cf. Nehemiah 13:28). • Shechem’s history as a covenant site (Genesis 12:6–7; Joshua 24:1) now contrasts sharply with its present turmoil, showing how quickly a community can drift from earlier commitments (Galatians 5:7). and are stirring up the city against you. • “Stirring up” pictures agitation and rebellion, like Korah’s mutiny (Numbers 16:1–3) or Absalom’s manipulation of public opinion (2 Samuel 15:6). • Zebul frames Gaal’s actions as a direct threat to Abimelech, motivating immediate military response (Judges 9:32–33). • Scripture repeatedly warns about divisive people who “incite rebellion” (Proverbs 16:28; Titus 3:10), pointing believers to guard unity under godly leadership (Hebrews 13:17). summary Judges 9:31 shows Zebul acting in secret to alert Abimelech of a fresh uprising led by Gaal. Each phrase highlights clandestine tactics, political calculations, and the volatile nature of Shechem’s allegiance. Beneath the human intrigue, God continues to work out His righteous judgment against Abimelech and the city (Judges 9:56–57), reminding us that He remains sovereign over every hidden plot and public revolt. (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. Hebrew So he covertly sentוַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out messengers מַלְאָכִ֛ים (mal·’ā·ḵîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Abimelech אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name to say, לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “Look, הִנֵּה֩ (hin·nêh) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! Gaal גַ֨עַל (ḡa·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1603: Gaal -- probably a Canaanite son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Ebed עֶ֤בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5651: Ebed -- 'servant', two Israelites and his brothers וְאֶחָיו֙ (wə·’e·ḥāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) have come בָּאִ֣ים (bā·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to Shechem שְׁכֶ֔מָה (šə·ḵe·māh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor and are stirring up צָרִ֥ים (ṣā·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6696: To confine, bind, besiege the city הָעִ֖יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement against you. עָלֶֽיךָ׃ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Judges 9:31 NIVJudges 9:31 NLT Judges 9:31 ESV Judges 9:31 NASB Judges 9:31 KJV Judges 9:31 BibleApps.com Judges 9:31 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:31 Chinese Bible Judges 9:31 French Bible Judges 9:31 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:31 He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily saying (Jd Judg. 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