Parallel Chapters Abimelech's Conspiracy | 1Abimelek son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother's clan, | 1Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s relatives and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother’s family, | 1And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's relatives, and spoke to them and to the whole clan of the household of his mother's father, saying, | 1And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, | 1Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers at Shechem and spoke to them and to all his maternal grandfather's clan, saying, " |
| 2"Ask all the citizens of Shechem, 'Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal's sons rule over you, or just one man?' Remember, I am your flesh and blood." | 2“Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” | 2"Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, 'Which is better for you, that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?' Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh." | 2Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. | 2Please speak in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, 'Is it better for you that 70 men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you or that one man rule over you?' Remember that I am your own flesh and blood." |
| 3When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelek, for they said, "He is related to us." | 3And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” | 3And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, "He is our relative." | 3And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. | 3His mother's relatives spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the lords of Shechem, and they were favorable to Abimelech, for they said, "He is our brother." |
| 4They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelek used it to hire reckless scoundrels, who became his followers. | 4And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. | 4They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him. | 4And 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. | 4So they gave him 70 pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith. Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men with this money, and they followed him. |
| 5He went to his father's home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding. | 5And he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. | 5Then he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. | 5And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. | 5He went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his 70 brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, on top of a large stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself. |
| 6Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelek king. | 6And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. | 6All the men of Shechem and all Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar which was in Shechem. | 6And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. | 6Then all the lords of Shechem and of Beth-millo gathered together and proceeded to make Abimelech king at the oak of the pillar in Shechem. |
Jotham's Parable | 7When Jotham was told about this, he climbed up on the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted to them, "Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. | 7When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you. | 7Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and called out. Thus he said to them, "Listen to me, O men of Shechem, that God may listen to you. | 7And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. | 7When they told Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and called to them: Listen to me, lords of Shechem, and may God listen to you: |
| 8One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, 'Be our king.' | 8The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ | 8"Once the trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us!' | 8The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. | 8The trees set out to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, "Reign over us." |
| 9"But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and humans are honored, to hold sway over the trees?' | 9But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?’ | 9"But the olive tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my fatness with which God and men are honored, and go to wave over the trees?' | 9But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? | 9But the olive tree said to them," Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, and rule over the trees?" |
| 10"Next, the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come and be our king.' | 10And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’ | 10"Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come, reign over us!' | 10And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us. | 10Then the trees said to the fig tree," Come and reign over us." |
| 11"But the fig tree replied, 'Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?' | 11But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’ | 11"But the fig tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?' | 11But the fig tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? | 11But the fig tree said to them," Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, and rule over trees?" |
| 12"Then the trees said to the vine, 'Come and be our king.' | 12And the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’ | 12"Then the trees said to the vine, 'You come, reign over us!' | 12Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us. | 12Later, the trees said to the grapevine," Come and reign over us." |
| 13"But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and humans, to hold sway over the trees?' | 13But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’ | 13"But the vine said to them, 'Shall I leave my new wine, which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?' | 13And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees? | 13But the grapevine said to them," Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, and rule over trees?" |
| 14"Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, 'Come and be our king.' | 14Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us.’ | 14"Finally all the trees said to the bramble, 'You come, reign over us!' | 14Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. | 14Finally, all the trees said to the bramble," Come and reign over us." |
| 15"The thornbush said to the trees, 'If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!' | 15And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ | 15"The bramble said to the trees, 'If in truth you are anointing me as king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, may fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.' | 15And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. | 15The bramble said to the trees," If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon."" |
| 16"Have you acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelek king? Have you been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family? Have you treated him as he deserves? | 16“Now therefore, if you acted in good faith and integrity when you made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house and have done to him as his deeds deserved— | 16"Now therefore, if you have dealt in truth and integrity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have dealt with him as he deserved-- | 16Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands; | 16Now if you have acted faithfully and honestly in making Abimelech king, if you have done well by Jerubbaal and his family, and if you have rewarded him appropriately for what he did-- |
| 17Remember that my father fought for you and risked his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian. | 17for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian, | 17for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian; | 17(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian: | 17for my father fought for you, risked his life, and delivered you from the hand of Midian, |
| 18But today you have revolted against my father's family. You have murdered his seventy sons on a single stone and have made Abimelek, the son of his female slave, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you. | 18and you have risen up against my father’s house this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative— | 18but you have risen against my father's house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your relative-- | 18And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;) | 18and now you have attacked my father's house today, killed his 70 sons on top of a large stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave, king over the lords of Shechem 'because he is your brother-- |
| 19So have you acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today? If you have, may Abimelek be your joy, and may you be his, too! | 19if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. | 19if then you have dealt in truth and integrity with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. | 19If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: | 19if then you have acted faithfully and honestly with Jerubbaal and his house this day, rejoice in Abimelech and may he also rejoice in you. |
| 20But if you have not, let fire come out from Abimelek and consume you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelek!" | 20But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” | 20"But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from Beth-millo, and consume Abimelech." | 20But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. | 20But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the lords of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech." |
| 21Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelek. | 21And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer and lived there, because of Abimelech his brother. | 21Then Jotham escaped and fled, and went to Beer and remained there because of Abimelech his brother. | 21And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. | 21Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and lived there because of his brother Abimelech. |
Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites | 22After Abimelek had governed Israel three years, | 22Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. | 22Now Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. | 22When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, | 22When Abimelech had ruled over Israel three years, |
| 23God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek. | 23And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, | 23Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, | 23Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: | 23God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully, |
| 24God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. | 24that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. | 24so that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. | 24That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. | 24so that the crime against the 70 sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood would be avenged on their brother Abimelech, who killed them, and on the lords of Shechem, who had helped him kill his brothers. |
| 25In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek. | 25And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. | 25The men of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who might pass by them along the road; and it was told to Abimelech. | 25And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. | 25The lords of Shechem rebelled against him by putting people on the tops of the mountains to ambush and rob everyone who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. |
| 26Now Gaal son of Ebed moved with his clan into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him. | 26And Gaal the son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his relatives, and the leaders of Shechem put confidence in him. | 26Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and crossed over into Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him. | 26And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. | 26Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the lords of Shechem trusted him. |
| 27After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden them, they held a festival in the temple of their god. While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelek. | 27And they went out into the field and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and reviled Abimelech. | 27They went out into the field and gathered the grapes of their vineyards and trod them, and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god, and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech. | 27And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech. | 27So they went out to the countryside and harvested grapes from their vineyards. They trampled the grapes and held a celebration. Then they went to the house of their god, and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech. |
| 28Then Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelek, and why should we Shechemites be subject to him? Isn't he Jerub-Baal's son, and isn't Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor, Shechem's father! Why should we serve Abimelek? | 28And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? | 28Then Gaal the 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 Zebul not his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? | 28And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him? | 28Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem that we should serve him? Isn't he the son of Jerubbaal, and isn't 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 command! Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, 'Call out your whole army!'" | 29Would that this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Increase your army, and come out.’” | 29"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." | 29And 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. | 29If only these people were in my power, I would remove Abimelech." So he said to Abimelech, "Gather your army and come out." |
| 30When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry. | 30When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. | 30When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger burned. | 30And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. | 30When Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was angry. |
| 31Under 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. | 31And 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. | 31He 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. | 31And 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. | 31So 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. |
| 32Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait in the fields. | 32Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field. | 32"Now therefore, arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field. | 32Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field: | 32Now tonight, you and the people with you are to come wait in ambush in the countryside. |
| 33In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, seize the opportunity to attack them." | 33Then in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, rise early and rush upon the city. And when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you may do to them as your hand finds to do.” | 33"In the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to them whatever you can." | 33And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion. | 33Then get up early, and at sunrise charge the city. When he and the people who are with him come out against you, do to him whatever you can." |
Abimelech Sows the City with Salt | 34So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies. | 34So Abimelech and all the men who were with him rose up by night and set an ambush against Shechem in four companies. | 34So Abimelech and all the people who were with him arose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies. | 34And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies. | 34So Abimelech and all the people with him got up at night and waited in ambush for Shechem in four units. |
| 35Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelek and his troops came out from their hiding place. | 35And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush. | 35Now Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the city gate; and Abimelech and the people who were with him arose from the ambush. | 35And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait. | 35Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate. Then Abimelech and the people who were with him got up from their ambush. |
| 36When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!" Zebul replied, "You mistake the shadows of the mountains for men." | 36And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!” And Zebul said to him, “You mistake the shadow of the mountains for men.” | 36When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains." But Zebul said to him, "You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men." | 36And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. | 36When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!" But Zebul said to him, "The shadows of the mountains look like men to you." |
| 37But Gaal spoke up again: "Look, people are coming down from the central hill, and a company is coming from the direction of the diviners' tree." | 37Gaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.” | 37Gaal spoke again and said, "Behold, people are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company comes by the way of the diviners' oak." | 37And Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim. | 37Then Gaal spoke again, "Look, people are coming down from the central part of the land, and one unit is coming from the direction of the Diviners' Oak." |
| 38Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big talk now, you who said, 'Who is Abimelek that we should be subject to him?' Aren't these the men you ridiculed? Go out and fight them!" | 38Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” | 38Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your boasting now with which you said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!" | 38Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. | 38Zebul replied, "Where is your mouthing off now? You said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Aren't these the people you despised? Now go and fight them!" |
| 39So Gaal led out the citizens of Shechem and fought Abimelek. | 39And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. | 39So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech. | 39And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. | 39So Gaal went out leading the lords of Shechem and fought against Abimelech, |
| 40Abimelek chased him all the way to the entrance of the gate, and many were killed as they fled. | 40And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate. | 40Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him; and many fell wounded up to the entrance of the gate. | 40And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate. | 40but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. Many wounded died as far as the entrance of the gate. |
| 41Then Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his clan out of Shechem. | 41And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem. | 41Then Abimelech remained at Arumah, but Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives so that they could not remain in Shechem. | 41And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem. | 41Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers from Shechem. |
| 42The next day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and this was reported to Abimelek. | 42On the following day, the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told. | 42Now it came about the next day, that the people went out to the field, and it was told to Abimelech. | 42And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech. | 42The next day when the people went into the countryside, this was reported to Abimelech. |
| 43So 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. | 43He 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. | 43So 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. | 43And 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. | 43He 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. |
| 44Abimelek and the companies with him rushed forward to a position at the entrance of the city gate. Then two companies attacked those in the fields and struck them down. | 44Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the two companies rushed upon all who were in the field and killed them. | 44Then Abimelech and the company who was with him dashed forward and stood in the entrance of the city gate; the other two companies then dashed against all who were in the field and slew them. | 44And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them. | 44Then Abimelech and the units that were with him rushed forward and took their stand at the entrance of the city gate. The other two units rushed against all who were in the countryside and struck them down. |
| 45All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it. | 45And Abimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and killed the people who were in it, and he razed the city and sowed it with salt. | 45Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he captured the city and killed the people who were in it; then he razed the city and sowed it with salt. | 45And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt. | 45So Abimelech fought against the city that entire day, captured it, and killed the people who were in it. Then he tore down the city and sowed it with salt. |
| 46On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. | 46When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. | 46When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. | 46And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. | 46When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. |
| 47When Abimelek heard that they had assembled there, | 47Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem were gathered together. | 47It was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. | 47And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. | 47Then it was reported to Abimelech that all the lords of the Tower of Shechem had gathered together. |
| 48he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon. He took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, "Quick! Do what you have seen me do!" | 48And Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. And Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a bundle of brushwood and took it up and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the men who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.” | 48So Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch from the trees, and lifted it and laid it on his shoulder. Then he said to the people who were with him, "What you have seen me do, hurry and do likewise." | 48And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done. | 48So Abimelech and all the people who were with him went up to Mount Zalmon. Abimelech took his ax in his hand and cut a branch from the trees. He picked up the branch, put it on his shoulder, and said to the people who were with him, "Hurry and do what you have seen me do." |
| 49So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelek. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire with the people still inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died. | 49So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women. | 49All the people also cut down each one his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. | 49And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women. | 49Each person also cut his own branch and followed Abimelech. They put the branches against the inner chamber and set it on fire around the people, and all the people in the Tower of Shechem died--about 1,000 men and women. |
A Millstone Dropped on Abimelech | 50Next Abimelek went to Thebez and besieged it and captured it. | 50Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. | 50Then Abimelech went to Thebez, and he camped against Thebez and captured it. | 50Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it. | 50Abimelech went to Thebez, camped against it, and captured it. |
| 51Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women--all the people of the city--had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. | 51But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. | 51But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower. | 51But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower. | 51There was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men, women, and lords of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. |
| 52Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, | 52And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. | 52So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire. | 52And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire. | 52When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire. |
| 53a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. | 53And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. | 53But a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head, crushing his skull. | 53And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull. | 53But a woman threw the upper portion of a millstone on Abimelech's head and fractured his skull. |
| 54Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can't say, 'A woman killed him.'" So his servant ran him through, and he died. | 54Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. | 54Then he called quickly to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, "Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, 'A woman slew him.'" So the young man pierced him through, and he died. | 54Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died. | 54He quickly called his armor-bearer and said to him, "Draw your sword and kill me, or they'll say about me, 'A woman killed him.'" So his armor-bearer thrust him through, and he died. |
| 55When the Israelites saw that Abimelek was dead, they went home. | 55And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home. | 55When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, each departed to his home. | 55And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place. | 55When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they all went home. |
Jotham's Curse Fulfilled | 56Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. | 56Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. | 56Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. | 56Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: | 56In this way, God turned back on Abimelech the evil that he had done against his father, by killing his 70 brothers. |
| 57God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came on them. | 57And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. | 57Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came upon them. | 57And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. | 57And God also returned all the evil of the men of Shechem on their heads. So the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came on them. |
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®. ESV® Text Edition® (2016): The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles. New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960 - 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. King James Bible Text courtesy of BibleProtector.comSection Headings Courtesy INT Bible © 2012, Used by Permission.
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