Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So he took his men, divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose to attack them. New Living Translation he divided his men into three groups and set an ambush in the fields. When Abimelech saw the people coming out of the city, he and his men jumped up from their hiding places and attacked them. English Standard Version He took his people and divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. And he looked and saw the people coming out of the city. So he rose against them and killed them. Berean Standard Bible So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So he took his people, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field. And he looked, and there were the people, coming out of the city; and he rose against them and attacked them. New American Standard Bible So he took his people and divided them into three units, and lay in wait in the field; when he looked and saw the people coming out from the city, he attacked them and killed them. NASB 1995 So he took his people and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field; when he looked and saw the people coming out from the city, he arose against them and slew them. NASB 1977 So he took his people and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field; when he looked and saw the people coming out from the city, he arose against them and slew them. Legacy Standard Bible So he took his people and divided them into three companies and lay in wait in the field; then he looked, and behold, the people were coming out from the city. So he arose against them and struck them down. Amplified Bible 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. Christian Standard Bible He took the troops, 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. Holman Christian Standard Bible 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. American Standard Version And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people came forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them. Contemporary English Version Abimelech divided his army into three groups and set up an ambush in the fields near Shechem. When the people came out of the town, he and his army rushed out from their hiding places and attacked. English Revised Version And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people came forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them. GOD'S WORD® Translation So he took his troops, divided them into three companies, and set an ambush in the fields. He watched and saw the people coming out of the city. Then he began to attack them. Good News Translation so he took his men, divided them into three groups, and hid in the fields, waiting. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he came out of hiding to kill them. International Standard Version 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. NET Bible he took his men and divided them into three units and set an ambush in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he attacked and struck them down. New Heart English Bible He took the people, and divided them into three companies, and waited in ambush in the field; and he looked, and look, the people came forth out of the city. He rose up against them, and struck them. Webster's Bible Translation And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and behold, the people had come out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them. World English Bible He took the people and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and behold, the people came out of the city. So, he rose up against them and struck them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he takes the people, and divides them into three detachments, and lays wait in a field, and looks, and behold, the people are coming out from the city, and he rises against them, and strikes them. Young's Literal Translation and he taketh the people, and divideth them into three detachments, and layeth wait in a field, and looketh, and lo, the people are coming out from the city, and he riseth against them, and smiteth them. Smith's Literal Translation And he will take the people and will divide them into three heads, and he will lie in wait in the field, and he will see, and behold, the people will come forth from the city, and he will rise up against them and smite them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he took his army, and divided it into three companies, and laid ambushes in the fields. And seeing that the people came out of the city, he arose and set upon them, Catholic Public Domain Version he took his army, and divided it into three companies, and he placed ambushes in the fields. And seeing that the people had departed from the city, he rose up and rushed upon them, New American Bible He divided the troops he had into three companies, and set up an ambush in the fields. He watched until he saw the army leave the city and then went on the attack against them. New Revised Standard Version he took his troops and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he looked and saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and killed them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he took the people and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields, and he looked, and, behold, the people were coming forth out of the city; and he rose up against them and slew them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he took the people and divided them to three divisions, and they lay wait in the wilderness, and he looked and, behold, the people went out from the city, and he arose against them and he killed them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people were coming forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and formed an ambush in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people went forth out of the city, and he rose up against them, and smote them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Shechem…42The next day the people of Shechem went out into the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech. 43So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked them. 44Then Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two companies rushed against all who were in the fields and struck them down.… Cross References 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. 2 Kings 9:14-20 Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” / Then Jehu got into his chariot and went to Jezreel, because Joram was laid up there. And Ahaziah king of Judah had gone down to see him. ... 1 Samuel 22:6-8 Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him. / Then Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards and making you commanders of thousands or hundreds? / Is that why all of you have conspired against me? Not one of you told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one of you has shown concern for me or revealed to me that my son has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me, as is the case today.” 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 20:4-10 Then the king said to Amasa, “Summon the men of Judah to come to me within three days, and be here yourself.” / So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he took longer than the time allotted him. / And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” ... 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. 2 Kings 11:14-16 And she looked out and saw the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason! Treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the horses’ entrance to the palace grounds, and there she was put to death. 2 Chronicles 23:13-15 And she looked and saw the king standing by his pillar at the entrance. The officers and trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets, while the singers with musical instruments were leading the praises. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and screamed, “Treason, treason!” / And Jehoiada the priest sent out the commanders of hundreds in charge of the army, saying, “Bring her out between the ranks, and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the house of the LORD.” / So they seized Athaliah as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate on the palace grounds, and there they put her to death. 2 Samuel 15:1-6 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” ... 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. ... Matthew 26:47-50 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ... Mark 14:43-46 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. / Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” / Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. ... Luke 22:47-48 While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” John 18:2-5 Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. / So Judas brought a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees. They arrived at the garden carrying lanterns, torches, and weapons. / Jesus, knowing all that was coming upon Him, stepped forward and asked them, “Whom are you seeking?” ... Acts 5:36-37 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. / After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered. Treasury of Scripture 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. Jump to Previous Bands City Companies Detachments Divided Divideth Laid Rose Secretly Separating Slew Smote Struck Three Wait WaitingJump to Next Bands City Companies Detachments Divided Divideth Laid Rose Secretly Separating Slew Smote Struck Three Wait WaitingJudges 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 took his men This phrase refers to Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who had declared himself king after the death of his father. Abimelech's leadership is marked by ambition and violence, contrasting with the judges who were divinely appointed. His men were likely mercenaries or loyalists, reflecting the tribal and fragmented nature of Israel during this period. divided them into three companies and lay in wait in the fields When he saw the people coming out of the city he rose up against them and attacked them Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding areas. His ambition and ruthlessness are central to this account. 2. Shechem An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It was a place of covenant renewal and later became a site of conflict under Abimelech's rule. 3. The Ambush Abimelech's strategic military maneuver to attack the people of Shechem. This event highlights his cunning and willingness to use deceit to achieve his goals. 4. The Three Companies Abimelech's division of his forces into three groups to effectively carry out the ambush. This tactic is reminiscent of Gideon's strategy against the Midianites. 5. The People of Shechem The inhabitants of the city who initially supported Abimelech but later turned against him, leading to this conflict. Teaching Points The Dangers of AmbitionAbimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost. Believers are encouraged to seek God's will rather than personal gain. Strategic Planning vs. Divine Guidance While strategic planning is valuable, it should not replace seeking God's guidance. Abimelech's reliance on human tactics contrasts with Gideon's reliance on God. The Consequences of Betrayal Abimelech's betrayal of Shechem and their subsequent betrayal of him illustrate the destructive cycle of treachery. Christians are called to integrity and faithfulness. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Despite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. Abimelech's account reminds us that God is ultimately in control, even when human actions seem dominant. The Importance of Community Loyalty The conflict between Abimelech and Shechem underscores the importance of loyalty and unity within a community of believers. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? Can the seemingly miraculous death by millstone be reconciled with historical or scientific explanations (Judges 9:53)? What is the significance of the Tribe of Naphtali?(43) Into three companies.--Why he only made three companies this time can only be matter of conjecture. He rose up against them, and smote them.--He was evidently a man of ruthlessly vindictive temperament, for these people whom he slew were mere husbandmen, not an armed host. Hebrew So he tookוַיִּקַּ֣ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take his men, הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock divided וַֽיֶּחֱצֵם֙ (way·ye·ḥĕ·ṣêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 2673: To cut, split in two, to halve them into three לִשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (liš·lō·šāh) Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice companies, רָאשִׁ֔ים (rā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7218: The head and waited in ambush וַיֶּאֱרֹ֖ב (way·ye·’ĕ·rōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 693: To lie in wait in the fields. בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7704: Field, land When he saw וַיַּ֗רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the people הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock coming out יֹצֵ֣א (yō·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the city, הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement he rose up וַיָּ֥קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand against them עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and attacked them. וַיַּכֵּֽם׃ (way·yak·kêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 5221: To strike Links Judges 9:43 NIVJudges 9:43 NLT Judges 9:43 ESV Judges 9:43 NASB Judges 9:43 KJV Judges 9:43 BibleApps.com Judges 9:43 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:43 Chinese Bible Judges 9:43 French Bible Judges 9:43 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:43 He took the people and divided them (Jd Judg. 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