Abimelech's Usurpation and Destruction

Judges 9:1-57

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Genesis

The Creation of the World 1:1-2:3 The Creation of Man and Woman 2:4-25 The Fall of Man 3:1-24 Cain and Abel 4:1-26 From Adam to Noah 5:1-32 The Flood 6:1-8:22 God’s Covenant with Noah 9:1-17 Noah’s Drunkenness and Curse 9:18-29 Nations Descended from Noah 10:1-32 The Tower of Babel 11:1-9 From Shem to Abram 11:10-32 The Call of Abram 12:1-9 Abram in Egypt 12:10-20 Abram and Lot Separate 13:1-18 Abram Rescues Lot 14:1-24 God’s Covenant with Abram 15:1-21 Hagar and Ishmael 16:1-16 The Covenant of Circumcision 17:1-27 A Son Promised to Sarah 18:1-15 Abraham Intercedes for Sodom 18:16-33 The Destruction of Sodom 19:1-29 The Origin of Moab and Ammon 19:30-38 Abraham and Abimelech 20:1-18 The Birth of Isaac 21:1-7 Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away 21:8-21 A Treaty with Abimelech 21:22-34 The Sacrifice of Isaac 22:1-19 Nahor’s Children 22:20-24 The Death and Burial of Sarah 23:1-20 A Wife for Isaac 24:1-67 The Death of Abraham 25:1-11 Ishmael’s Descendants 25:12-18 Esau and Jacob 25:19-34 Isaac and Abimelech 26:1-35 Jacob Takes Esau’s Blessing 27:1-40 Jacob Sent to Paddan-aram 27:41-28:9 Jacob’s Dream at Bethel 28:10-22 Jacob Meets Rachel 29:1-14 Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel 29:15-30 The Children of Jacob 29:31-30:24 Jacob’s Prosperity 30:25-43 Jacob Flees from Laban 31:1-21 Jacob and Laban Make a Covenant 31:22-55 Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau 32:1-21 Jacob Wrestles with God 32:22-32 Jacob Meets Esau 33:1-20 Dinah and the Shechemites 34:1-31 God Blesses Jacob at Bethel 35:1-15 Deaths of Rachel and Isaac 35:16-29 Esau’s Descendants 36:1-30 The Kings of Edom 36:31-43 Joseph’s Dreams 37:1-11 Joseph Sold by His Brothers 37:12-36 Judah and Tamar 38:1-30 Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife 39:1-23 Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison 40:1-23 Pharaoh’s Dreams 41:1-40 Joseph Rises to Power 41:41-57 Joseph’s Brothers Go to Egypt 42:1-38 Joseph’s Brothers Return with Benjamin 43:1-34 The Silver Cup 44:1-34 Joseph Reveals Himself 45:1-28 Jacob Goes to Egypt 46:1-47:12 Joseph and the Famine 47:13-31 Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh 48:1-22 Jacob Blesses His Sons 49:1-28 The Death and Burial of Jacob 49:29-50:14 Joseph Reassures His Brothers 50:15-21 The Death of Joseph 50:22-26

Exodus

Israel Increases in Egypt 1:1-22 The Birth of Moses 2:1-10 Moses Flees to Midian 2:11-25 The Burning Bush 3:1-22 Signs for Moses 4:1-17 Moses Returns to Egypt 4:18-31 Moses and Aaron Before Pharaoh 5:1-21 God Promises Deliverance 5:22-6:12 The Genealogy of Moses and Aaron 6:13-27 Moses and Aaron Sent to Pharaoh 6:28-7:7 Aaron’s Staff Becomes a Serpent 7:8-13 The First Plague: Water to Blood 7:14-24 The Second Plague: Frogs 7:25-8:15 The Third Plague: Gnats 8:16-19 The Fourth Plague: Flies 8:20-32 The Fifth Plague: Livestock Die 9:1-7 The Sixth Plague: Boils 9:8-12 The Seventh Plague: Hail 9:13-35 The Eighth Plague: Locusts 10:1-20 The Ninth Plague: Darkness 10:21-29 A Final Plague Threatened 11:1-10 The Passover 12:1-30 The Exodus 12:31-42 Passover Regulations 12:43-51 Consecration of the Firstborn 13:1-16 Crossing the Red Sea 13:17-14:31 The Song of Moses 15:1-21 Bitter Water Made Sweet 15:22-27 Manna from Heaven 16:1-36 Water from the Rock 17:1-7 Amalek Defeated 17:8-16 Jethro’s Advice 18:1-27 Israel at Mount Sinai 19:1-25 The Ten Commandments 20:1-21 Laws About Altars 20:22-21:1 Laws About Slaves 21:2-11 Laws About Personal Injuries 21:12-36 Laws About Restitution 22:1-15 Laws About Holiness 22:16-31 Laws About Justice 23:1-9 Sabbath Years and Weeks 23:10-13 The Three Feasts 23:14-19 The Angel and the Promises 23:20-33 The Covenant Confirmed 24:1-18 Contributions for the Sanctuary 25:1-9 The Ark of the Testimony 25:10-22 The Table for Bread 25:23-30 The Golden Lampstand 25:31-40 The Tabernacle 26:1-37 The Bronze Altar 27:1-8 The Court of the Tabernacle 27:9-19 Oil for the Lamp 27:20-21 The Priests’ Garments 28:1-5 The Ephod 28:6-14 The Breastpiece of Judgment 28:15-30 Other Priestly Garments 28:31-43 Consecration of the Priests 29:1-46 The Altar of Incense 30:1-10 The Census Tax 30:11-16 The Bronze Basin 30:17-21 The Anointing Oil 30:22-33 The Incense 30:34-38 Oholiab and Bezalel 31:1-11 The Sabbath Sign 31:12-18 The Golden Calf 32:1-33:6 The Tent of Meeting 33:7-11 Moses’ Intercession and God’s Glory 33:12-23 New Tablets and Covenant 34:1-28 The Shining Face of Moses 34:29-35 Sabbath Regulations 35:1-3 Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle 35:4-29 Bezalel and Oholiab Set Apart 35:30-36:7 Making the Tabernacle 36:8-38 Making the Ark 37:1-9 Making the Table 37:10-16 Making the Lampstand 37:17-24 Making the Altar of Incense 37:25-29 Making the Bronze Altar 38:1-7 Making the Bronze Basin 38:8 Making the Court 38:9-20 Materials of the Tabernacle 38:21-31 Making the Priests’ Garments 39:1 The Ephod Made 39:2-7 The Breastpiece Made 39:8-21 Other Garments Made 39:22-31 The Work Completed 39:32-43 The Tabernacle Erected 40:1-33 The Glory Fills the Tabernacle 40:34-38

Numbers

The Census of Israel 1:1-54 Arrangement of the Camp 2:1-34 The Levites’ Duties 3:1-51 Kohathites’ Service 4:1-20 Gershonites’ Service 4:21-28 Merarites’ Service 4:29-33 Census of the Levites 4:34-49 Unclean Removed from Camp 5:1-4 Restitution for Wrongs 5:5-10 The Test for Adultery 5:11-31 The Nazirite Vow 6:1-21 The Priestly Blessing 6:22-27 Offerings of the Leaders 7:1-89 The Lamps 8:1-4 The Levites Consecrated 8:5-26 The Passover Celebrated 9:1-14 The Cloud Over the Tabernacle 9:15-23 The Silver Trumpets 10:1-10 Departure from Sinai 10:11-36 Complaint and Quail; Seventy Elders 11:1-35 Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses 12:1-16 Spies Sent into Canaan 13:1-25 Report of the Spies 13:26-33 The People Rebel 14:1-45 Offerings and Firstfruits 15:1-21 Unintentional Sin and Presumptuous Sin 15:22-31 The Sabbath-Breaker 15:32-36 Tassels on Garments 15:37-41 Korah’s Rebellion 16:1-50 Aaron’s Staff Buds 17:1-13 Priests’ and Levites’ Duties 18:1-7 Portions for Priests and Levites 18:8-32 The Red Heifer 19:1-22 Water from the Rock at Meribah 20:1-13 Edom Refuses Passage 20:14-21 Aaron’s Death 20:22-29 Arad Defeated 21:1-3 The Bronze Serpent 21:4-9 Journeys in the Wilderness 21:10-20 Victories over Sihon and Og 21:21-35 Balaam Summoned 22:1-20 Balaam’s Donkey and the Angel 22:21-41 Balaam’s First Oracle 23:1-12 Balaam’s Second Oracle 23:13-26 Balaam’s Third Oracle 23:27-24:14 The Star out of Jacob 24:15-19 Balaam’s Final Sayings 24:20-25 Baal of Peor and Phinehas 25:1-18 The Second Census 26:1-65 Daughters of Zelophehad 27:1-11 Joshua Appointed 27:12-23 Daily Offerings 28:1-8 Sabbath Offerings 28:9-10 Monthly Offerings 28:11-15 Passover Offerings 28:16-25 Weeks (Firstfruits) Offerings 28:26-31 Trumpets Offerings 29:1-6 Day of Atonement Offerings 29:7-11 Booths Offerings 29:12-40 Vows 30:1-16 War with Midian—Spoils 31:1-24 Division of the Spoils 31:25-54 Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh 32:1-42 Stages of Israel’s Journey 33:1-56 Boundaries of the Land 34:1-29 Levitical Cities 35:1-5 Cities of Refuge 35:6-34 Marriage of Zelophehad’s Daughters 36:1-13

Deuteronomy

Preamble and Setting 1:1-8 Leaders Appointed 1:9-18 Spies Sent 1:19-25 Rebellion and Judgment 1:26-46 Journey Through Edom, Moab, Ammon 2:1-23 Victory over Sihon 2:24-37 Victory over Og 3:1-11 Allotment East of Jordan 3:12-20 Moses Forbidden to Enter 3:21-29 Call to Obey 4:1-14 No Idols 4:15-31 The LORD Alone Is God 4:32-40 Cities of Refuge East 4:41-43 Introduction to the Law 4:44-49 The Ten Commandments Rehearsed 5:1-33 The Shema and Instruction 6:1-25 Warning Against the Nations 7:1-26 Do Not Forget the LORD 8:1-20 Not for Your Righteousness 9:1-6 Israel’s Rebellions Recounted 9:7-29 New Tablets; Ark 10:1-11 Fear the LORD 10:12-22 Love, Obey, Choose 11:1-32 The Place of Worship 12:1-32 False Prophets and Idolatry 13:1-18 Clean and Unclean Foods 14:1-21 Tithes 14:22-29 Sabbatical Year 15:1-11 Hebrew Slaves 15:12-18 Firstborn Animals 15:19-23 Passover 16:1-8 Weeks 16:9-12 Booths 16:13-17 Justice 16:18-20 Forbidden Worship 16:21-17:7 Difficult Cases 17:8-13 Laws for the King 17:14-20 Provision for Levites 18:1-8 Abominable Practices 18:9-13 A Prophet Like Moses 18:14-22 Cities of Refuge 19:1-14 Witnesses and Penalties 19:15-21 Rules for War 20:1-20 Unsolved Murder 21:1-9 Wives from War 21:10-14 Rights of the Firstborn 21:15-17 Rebellious Son 21:18-21 Various Laws 21:22-22:12 Laws of Chastity 22:13-30 Assembly Exclusions 23:1-8 Camp Purity 23:9-14 Various Laws Continued 23:15-25:19 Firstfruits and Tithes Confession 26:1-15 You Are the LORD’s People 26:16-19 Law on Stones and Altar 27:1-8 Curses Pronounced 27:9-26 Blessings for Obedience 28:1-14 Curses for Disobedience 28:15-68 Renewal in Moab 29:1-29 Choose Life 30:1-20 Joshua Commissioned 31:1-8 Public Reading of the Law 31:9-13 Moses’ Warning of Apostasy 31:14-29 The Song of Moses 31:30-32:47 Moses to Die on Nebo 32:48-52 Moses Blesses Israel 33:1-29 The Death of Moses 34:1-12

Joshua

Joshua Commissioned and Encouraged 1:1-18 Rahab Protects the Spies 2:1-24 Crossing the Jordan and Memorial Stones 3:1-4:24 Renewal at Gilgal: Circumcision and Passover 5:1-12 The Commander Appears and the Fall of Jericho 5:13-6:27 Defeat at Ai and Achan's Sin Revealed 7:1-26 The Capture and Destruction of Ai 8:1-29 Altar on Mount Ebal and the Law Proclaimed 8:30-35 The Gibeonite Deception and Treaty 9:1-27 Victory at Gibeon and the Long Day 10:1-15 Capture and Execution of the Five Kings 10:16-28 The Southern Campaign and Conquest of Cities 10:29-43 Defeat of the Northern Coalition and Hazor Destroyed 11:1-23 Lists of Kings Defeated East and West of the Jordan 12:1-24 Land Remaining to Be Possessed 13:1-7 Allotments East of the Jordan 13:8-33 Procedure for Distributing the Land and Levitical Cities 14:1-5 Caleb's Claim and Inheritance of Hebron 14:6-15 Boundaries and Towns of Judah 15:1-63 Ephraim and West Manasseh: Boundaries and Claims 16:1-17:18 Shiloh Established and the Land Surveyed 18:1-10 Territory and Towns of Benjamin 18:11-28 Territory of Simeon 19:1-9 Territory of Zebulun 19:10-16 Territory of Issachar 19:17-23 Territory of Asher 19:24-31 Territory of Naphtali 19:32-39 Territory of Dan 19:40-48 Completion of the Allotments and Joshua's Inheritance 19:49-51 Cities of Refuge Established 20:1-9 Levitical Cities and Their Holdings 21:1-45 The Eastern Tribes' Altar and the Reconciliation 22:1-34 Joshua's Farewell Exhortation and Warning 23:1-16 Renewal of the Covenant at Shechem 24:1-27 Death and Burial of Joshua and Eleazar 24:28-33

1 Samuel

Hannah's Prayer for a Son 1:1-20 Hannah Presents Samuel to the Lord 1:21-28 Hannah's Song of Praise 2:1-11 Eli's Corrupt Sons and Samuel's Childhood 2:12-26 Prophecy of Judgment on Eli's House 2:27-36 Samuel's Call and the Lord's Word to Eli 3:1-4:1 Israel Defeated and the Ark Captured 4:2-11 Eli's Death and the Birth of Ichabod 4:12-22 The Ark Brings Judgment in Philistine Cities 5:1-12 The Ark Returned to Israel 6:1-7:1 Samuel Judges Israel and Delivers Them at Mizpah 7:2-17 Israel Demands a King 8:1-22 Saul Chosen and Given Signs 9:1-10:8 Saul Proclaimed King by Lot 10:9-27 Saul's Victory at Jabesh-Gilead 11:1-11 Saul Confirmed as King at Gilgal 11:12-15 Samuel's Farewell and Exhortation to Israel 12:1-25 Saul's Unauthorized Sacrifice and Rebuke 13:1-15 Philistine Pressure and Israel's Lack of Arms 13:16-22 Jonathan's Bold Assault and Victory 13:23-14:14 Saul's Rash Oath and Its Consequences 14:15-23 Saul's Pursuit and Jonathan's Exploits 14:24-48 Saul's Family and Mighty Men 14:49-52 Saul's Disobedience and Rejection as King 15:1-35 David Anointed by Samuel 16:1-13 David Serves Saul and Eases His Torment 16:14-23 David and Goliath 17:1-58 David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy 18:1-30 Saul's Attempts on David's Life and Jonathan's Intervention 19:1-24 David and Jonathan's Covenant 20:1-42 David at Nob: Bread and Goliath's Sword 21:1-9 David Feigns Madness at Gath 21:10-15 David Gathers Followers and Seeks Priestly Aid 22:1-5 Massacre at Nob and Abiathar Joins David 22:6-23 David Delivers Keilah and Inquires of God 23:1-6 Saul's Pursuit, Ziphite Betrayal, and David's Escape 23:7-29 David Spares Saul in a Cave 24:1-22 Nabal's Folly and Abigail's Intervention 25:1-44 David Again Spares Saul in His Camp 26:1-25 David Seeks Refuge with Achish 27:1-12 Saul and the Witch of Endor 28:1-25 The Philistines Reject David 29:1-11 David Recovers His Family and Defeats the Amalekites 30:1-31 The Death of Saul and His Sons 31:1-13

2 Samuel

An Amalekite Reports Saul and Jonathan's Death 1:1-16 David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan 1:17-27 David Anointed King of Judah at Hebron 2:1-7 Ish‑Bosheth Made King; Civil War with David Begins 2:8-3:5 Abner Seeks Alliance with David 3:6-21 Joab Murders Abner; David's Protest and Mourning 3:22-39 Ish‑Bosheth Assassinated 4:1-12 David Anointed King over All Israel 5:1-5 David Captures Jerusalem and Establishes His House 5:6-16 David's Victories over the Philistines 5:17-25 Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem; Uzzah's Death and David's Joy 6:1-23 God's Covenant with David 7:1-17 David's Prayer of Thanksgiving for God's Promise 7:18-29 David's Military Victories 8:1-14 David's Officials and Mighty Men 8:15-18 David Shows Kindness to Mephibosheth 9:1-13 War with the Ammonites and Syrians 10:1-19 David and Bathsheba; the Death of Uriah 11:1-27 Nathan Rebukes David; Judgment and Aftermath 12:1-31 Amnon's Crime against Tamar 13:1-22 Absalom Kills Amnon and Flees 13:23-39 Joab Secures Absalom's Return and Reconciliation 14:1-33 Absalom's Conspiracy and Rise to Power 15:1-12 David Flees Jerusalem; Loyal Followers Accompany Him 15:13-37 Ziba Brings Provisions to David 16:1-4 Shimei Curses David as He Flees 16:5-14 Counsel in Absalom's Court; Ahithophel's Plan and Hushai's Counterplot 16:15-17:29 Battle in the Forest of Ephraim and Absalom's Death 18:1-18 Reports of Victory and David's Grief for Absalom 18:19-19:8 David's Return to Jerusalem; Reconciliation and Disputes 19:9-43 Sheba's Revolt and Its Suppression 20:1-26 Famine and the Gibeonites' Demand; Saul's Descendants Executed 21:1-14 David's Battles with the Philistines and the Valor of His Men 21:15-22 David's Song of Deliverance 22:1-51 David's Final Oracle 23:1-7 The Deeds of David's Mighty Warriors 23:8-39 David's Census and the Resulting Plague 24:1-17 David Purchases the Threshing Floor; Sacrifice and End of Plague 24:18-25

1 Kings

Adonijah Attempts to Seize the Throne 1:1-27 Solomon Anointed King 1:28-53 David's Charge to Solomon and Death 2:1-12 Solomon Consolidates His Power 2:13-46 Solomon's Request for Wisdom 3:1-15 Solomon's Wise Judgment 3:16-28 Solomon's Officials and Administrative Order 4:1-19 The Wealth and Prosperity of Israel 4:20-28 Solomon's Wisdom and Fame 4:29-34 Alliances and Preparations for the Temple 5:1-18 Solomon Builds the Temple 6:1-38 Solomon's Palace and Structural Works 7:1-12 Temple Furnishings and the Work of Hiram 7:13-51 The Ark Brought into the Temple 8:1-21 Solomon's Prayer of Dedication 8:22-61 The Dedication Celebrated with Sacrifice 8:62-66 God's Promise and Warning to Solomon 9:1-9 Solomon's Building Projects and Trade 9:10-28 The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon 10:1-13 The Wealth and Splendor of Solomon's Reign 10:14-29 Solomon's Foreign Wives and Apostasy 11:1-13 Adversaries Raised Against Solomon 11:14-25 Jeroboam's Call and the Promise of Division 11:26-40 Summary of Solomon's Reign and Death 11:41-43 Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom Divides 12:1-24 Jeroboam Establishes Golden Calves 12:25-33 Prophetic Rebuke at Bethel and Deception 13:1-34 Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam 14:1-20 Rehoboam's Unfaithfulness and Shishak's Invasion 14:21-31 Abijam's Short Reign in Judah 15:1-8 Asa's Reforms and Early Reign 15:9-24 Nadab's Reign and Baasha's Conspiracy 15:25-32 Baasha's Reign and Jehu's Prophecy 15:33-16:7 Elah Assassinated and Zimri's Usurpation 16:8-14 Zimri's Suicide and Omri's Rise to Power 16:15-20 Omri Establishes Samaria as Capital 16:21-28 Ahab and Jezebel Introduce Baal Worship 16:29-34 Elijah Announces the Drought and Is Fed by Ravens 17:1-6 Elijah in Zarephath: Provision and Resurrection 17:7-24 Elijah Confronts Ahab and Prepares for Confrontation 18:1-15 Elijah on Mount Carmel and the Fall of Baal's Prophets 18:16-46 Elijah Flees to Horeb and Is Renewed 19:1-9 God's Response to Elijah and New Commissions 19:10-18 The Call of Elisha 19:19-21 Ben‑hadad Besieges Samaria; Israel's Defiant Response 20:1-12 Israel's Victories Over Aram and Ahab's Mercy 20:13-34 A Prophet Enacts Judgment on the King 20:35-43 Naboth's Vineyard: Ahab and Jezebel's Crime and Punishment 21:1-29 Ahab and Jehoshaphat Seek Counsel; Micaiah's True Prophecy 22:1-28 Ahab Dies at Ramoth‑Gilead 22:29-40 Jehoshaphat's Reign in Judah 22:41-50 Ahaziah Succeeds Ahab and Does Evil 22:51-53

2 Kings

Ahaziah Seeks Counsel and Elijah’s Judgment 1:1-18 Elijah Taken Up; Elisha Succeeds 2:1-18 Elisha Purifies Jericho’s Water 2:19-22 Mockers of Elisha Mauled by Bears 2:23-25 Alliance Against Moab and Elisha’s Miracle 3:1-27 The Widow’s Oil Multiplied 4:1-7 Elisha Restores the Shunammite’s Son 4:8-37 Poisoned Stew Made Safe 4:38-41 Elisha Feeds a Hundred Men 4:42-44 Naaman Healed of Leprosy and Gehazi’s Greed 5:1-27 The Floating Axe Head 6:1-7 Elisha Foils the Aramean Raid 6:8-23 Famine Besieges Samaria 6:24-7:2 Arameans Flee; Samaria’s Deliverance 7:3-20 The Shunammite Restored to Her Land 8:1-6 Elisha Foretells Hazael’s Rise 8:7-15 Jehoram’s Reign in Israel 8:16-24 Ahaziah of Judah Ascends the Throne 8:25-29 Anointing of Jehu as King 9:1-13 Jehu Slays Joram and the House of Ahab 9:14-29 The Death of Jezebel 9:30-37 Jehu Executes Ahab’s Kin at Jezreel 10:1-17 Jehu Destroys Baal Worship 10:18-36 Joash Crowned; Athaliah Overthrown 11:1-21 Joash Repairs the Temple 12:1-21 Jehoahaz of Israel and Aramean Oppression 13:1-9 Jehoash of Israel and Elisha’s Final Acts 13:10-25 Amaziah of Judah: Victory and Pride 14:1-22 Jeroboam II Restores Israel’s Borders 14:23-29 Azariah (Uzziah) King of Judah 15:1-7 Zechariah’s Short Reign and Assassination 15:8-12 Shallum’s Brief Usurpation and Murder 15:13-16 Menahem’s Reign and Tribute to Assyria 15:17-22 Pekahiah Murdered; Pekah’s Conspiracy 15:23-26 Pekah Rules and Wars with Judah 15:27-31 Jotham King of Judah 15:32-38 Ahaz’s Reign and Submission to Assyria 16:1-20 Fall of Samaria and Israel’s Exile 17:1-6 Reasons for Israel’s Exile 17:7-23 Resettling Samaria and Syncretistic Worship 17:24-41 Hezekiah’s Reforms and Fortifications 18:1-16 Rabshakeh’s Taunts before Jerusalem 18:17-37 Hezekiah’s Plea and Isaiah’s Prophecy 19:1-13 Hezekiah’s Prayer of Surrender 19:14-19 The LORD Delivers Jerusalem from Sennacherib 19:20-37 Hezekiah’s Illness, Recovery, and the Sign 20:1-11 Hezekiah’s Pride and a Warning about Babylon 20:12-21 Manasseh’s Long, Wicked Reign 21:1-18 Amon’s Short Reign and Assassination 21:19-26 Josiah Finds the Book of the Law and Reforms 22:1-20 Josiah’s Covenant Renewal and Passover 23:1-30 Jehoahaz Deposed; Jehoiakim Installed by Egypt 23:31-35 Jehoiakim’s Reign and Babylonian Pressure 23:36-24:7 Jehoiachin’s Brief Reign and First Exile 24:8-17 Zedekiah Appointed as Babylon’s Vassal 24:18-19 Siege and Fall of Jerusalem; Destruction and Exile 24:20-25:26 Jehoiachin Released from Babylonian Prison 25:27-30

1 Chronicles

Genealogies from Adam to Abraham 1:1-27 The Descendants of Abraham 1:28-34 The Edomite Genealogies (Esau and Seir) 1:35-54 The Sons of Israel 2:1-2 The Genealogy and Families of Judah 2:3-55 David’s Descendants and the Royal Line 3:1-24 Judahite Families and Notable Descendants 4:1-23 The Families and Settlements of Simeon 4:24-43 Transjordanian Tribes and Their Chiefs 5:1-10 Wars and Settlements East of the Jordan 5:11-22 Loss of Territory and Exile East of the Jordan 5:23-26 The Levites: Genealogy and Temple Service 6:1-81 The Tribe of Issachar 7:1-5 A Register of Benjamin’s Households 7:6-12 A Brief Genealogical Note 7:13 The Tribe of Naphtali 7:14-19 The Tribe of Manasseh 7:20-29 The Tribe of Ephraim 7:30-40 The Genealogy of Benjamin (including Saul’s Line) 8:1-9:1 Resettlement of Jerusalem: Residents and Officials 9:2-34 Gatekeepers and Temple Servants in Jerusalem 9:35-44 The Death of Saul and the End of His House 10:1-14 David Anointed King over Israel 11:1-3 David Captures Jerusalem (Zion) 11:4-9 David’s Mighty Men and Warriors 11:10-47 Those Who Came to David at Hebron (Judah’s Support) 12:1-22 Israel’s Warriors Join David at Hebron 12:23-40 Bringing the Ark: Preparations and Uzzah’s Death 13:1-14 David’s Household and Philistine Submission 14:1-7 David’s Victories over the Philistines 14:8-17 Preparations for Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem 15:1-16:6 David Institutes Worship and a Song of Praise 16:7-43 God’s Covenant with David (Nathan’s Oracle) 17:1-15 David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Covenant 17:16-27 David’s Military Victories and Tribute 18:1-13 David’s Officials and the Spoils of War 18:14-17 War with the Ammonites and Their Allies 19:1-19 The Campaign against Rabbah (Ammon) 20:1-3 Defeat of the Philistines and Their Champions 20:4-8 David’s Census, Plague, and Purchase of the Temple Site 21:1-22:1 David’s Preparations and Instructions for Solomon 22:2-19 David Organizes the Levites 23:1-6 Levitical Families and Their Heads 23:7-11 Age Regulations and Duties of the Levites 23:12-20 Assignments of Levites: Singers, Gatekeepers, Treasurers 23:21-32 Divisions of the Priests into Twenty‑Four Courses 24:1-19 Priestly Families and Their Cities 24:20-31 The Levitical Musicians and Their Organization 25:1-31 Gatekeepers and Their Lineages 26:1-19 Officials Responsible for Treasuries and Records 26:20-32 Military Divisions and Their Commanders 27:1-15 David’s Civil Officials and Overseers 27:16-24 Heads of the King’s Household and Provisions 27:25-34 David’s Charge to Solomon and the Temple Plan 28:1-21 The Nation’s Offerings for the Temple 29:1-9 David’s Prayer of Praise and Blessing for Solomon 29:10-20 David’s Final Acts and Organization of the Kingdom 29:21-25 The Death of David and Solomon’s Accession 29:26-30

2 Chronicles

Solomon's Sacrifice at Gibeon and Prayer for Wisdom 1:1-17 Solomon Secures Materials and Craftsmen for the Temple 2:1-18 The Temple: Foundation and Structure 3:1-17 Temple Furnishings and Completion of the Work 4:1-5:1 The Ark Installed and Solomon's Dedication Prayer 5:2-6:11 Solomon's Prayer of Dedication and God's Assurance 6:12-42 The Lord Fills the Temple and the Dedication Festival 7:1-10 God Appears to Solomon and Gives a Conditional Promise 7:11-22 Solomon's Other Buildings and Relations with Hiram 8:1-18 The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon 9:1-12 Solomon's Wealth, Trade, and Administration 9:13-28 Summary of Solomon's Reign and Death 9:29-31 Rehoboam's Folly and the Division of the Kingdom 10:1-11:4 Rehoboam Fortifies Judah and Consolidates Support 11:5-17 Rehoboam's Descendants and Death 11:18-23 Shishak's Invasion and Judah's Loss 12:1-16 Abijah's Victory over Israel and His Death 13:1-14:1 Asa's Reforms and Victory over Ethiopia 14:2-15 Asa Strengthened by Prophecy and Covenant Renewal 15:1-19 Asa's Alliance with Aram and Reproof by Hanani 16:1-14 Jehoshaphat Strengthens Judah and Reforms Justice 17:1-19 Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab and the Battle at Ramoth-gilead 18:1-27 Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat for the Alliance with Ahab 18:28-19:3 Judicial Reforms: Judges Appointed to Administer Justice 19:4-11 Jehoshaphat's Deliverance through Prayer and Praise 20:1-30 End of Jehoshaphat's Reign and Jehoram's Accession 20:31-21:3 Jehoram's Wicked Reign, Revolts, and Judgment 21:4-20 Ahaziah Succeeds His Father and Is Wounded 22:1-9 Athaliah's Usurpation Overthrown and Joash Crowned 22:10-23:21 Joash's Temple Restoration under Jehoiada 24:1-16 Joash's Apostasy, Punishment, and Assassination 24:17-27 Amaziah's Reign: Victory, Pride, and Defeat by Israel 25:1-28 Uzziah's Prosperity and Pride; Leprosy for Presumption 26:1-23 Jotham's Reign: Fortifications and Prosperity 27:1-9 Ahaz's Idolatry, Defeats, and Assyrian Subjugation 28:1-27 Hezekiah's Temple Restoration and Religious Reforms 29:1-36 Hezekiah's Passover and National Repentance 30:1-31:1 Hezekiah's Religious Administration and Temple Support 31:2-21 Hezekiah's Defense Against Sennacherib and Divine Deliverance 32:1-23 Hezekiah's Illness, Pride, and the Babylonian Envoys 32:24-33 Manasseh's Idolatry, Captivity, Repentance, and Restoration 33:1-20 Amon's Wicked Reign and Assassination 33:21-25 Josiah's Early Reforms and Temple Repair 34:1-13 The Book of the Law Found, Huldah's Prophecy, and Josiah's Covenant 34:14-33 Josiah's Observance of the Passover 35:1-19 Josiah Killed at Megiddo and National Mourning 35:20-36:1 Jehoahaz Reigns Briefly and Is Deposed by Pharaoh 36:2-4 Jehoiakim's Reign and Disobedience 36:5-8 Jehoiachin's Short Reign and Exile to Babylon 36:9-10 Zedekiah's Reign and Rejection of Prophetic Warnings 36:11-14 Judgment, Exile, and the Decree of Cyrus 36:15-23

Psalm

Psalms 1–2 1:1-2:12 Psalms 3–8 3:1-8 Psalms 4–8 4:1-8 Psalms 5–12 5:1-12 Psalms 6–10 6:1-10 Psalms 7–17 7:1-17 Psalms 8–9 8:1-9 Psalms 9–10 9:1-10:18 Psalms 11–7 11:1-7 Psalms 12–8 12:1-8 Psalms 13–6 13:1-6 Psalms 14–7 14:1-7 Psalms 15–5 15:1-5 Psalms 16–11 16:1-11 Psalms 17–15 17:1-15 Psalms 18–50 18:1-50 Psalms 19–14 19:1-14 Psalms 20–9 20:1-9 Psalms 21–13 21:1-13 Psalms 22–31 22:1-31 Psalms 23–6 23:1-6 Psalms 24–10 24:1-10 Psalms 25–22 25:1-22 Psalms 26–12 26:1-12 Psalms 27–14 27:1-14 Psalms 28–9 28:1-9 Psalms 29–11 29:1-11 Psalms 30–12 30:1-12 Psalms 31–24 31:1-24 Psalms 32–33 32:1-33:22 Psalms 34–22 34:1-22 Psalms 35–28 35:1-28 Psalms 36–12 36:1-12 Psalms 37–40 37:1-40 Psalms 38–22 38:1-22 Psalms 39–13 39:1-13 Psalms 40–17 40:1-17 Psalms 41–13 41:1-13 Psalms 42–43 42:1-43:5 Psalms 44–26 44:1-26 Psalms 45–17 45:1-17 Psalms 46–11 46:1-11 Psalms 47–9 47:1-9 Psalms 48–14 48:1-14 Psalms 49–20 49:1-20 Psalms 50–23 50:1-23 Psalms 51–19 51:1-19 Psalms 52–9 52:1-9 Psalms 53–6 53:1-6 Psalms 54–7 54:1-7 Psalms 55–23 55:1-23 Psalms 56–13 56:1-13 Psalms 57–11 57:1-11 Psalms 58–11 58:1-11 Psalms 59–17 59:1-17 Psalms 60–12 60:1-12 Psalms 61–8 61:1-8 Psalms 62–12 62:1-12 Psalms 63–11 63:1-11 Psalms 64–10 64:1-10 Psalms 65–13 65:1-13 Psalms 66–20 66:1-20 Psalms 67–7 67:1-7 Psalms 68–35 68:1-35 Psalms 69–36 69:1-36 Psalms 70–71 70:1-71:24 Psalms 72–20 72:1-20 Psalms 73–28 73:1-28 Psalms 74–23 74:1-23 Psalms 75–10 75:1-10 Psalms 76–12 76:1-12 Psalms 77–20 77:1-20 Psalms 78–72 78:1-72 Psalms 79–13 79:1-13 Psalms 80–19 80:1-19 Psalms 81–16 81:1-16 Psalms 82–8 82:1-8 Psalms 83–18 83:1-18 Psalms 84–12 84:1-12 Psalms 85–13 85:1-13 Psalms 86–17 86:1-17 Psalms 87–7 87:1-7 Psalms 88–18 88:1-18 Psalms 89–52 89:1-52 Psalms 90–91 90:1-91:16 Psalms 92–97 92:1-97:12 Psalms 98–99 98:1-99:9 Psalms 100–5 100:1-5 Psalms 101–8 101:1-8 Psalms 102–28 102:1-28 Psalms 103–106 103:1-106:48 Psalms 107–43 107:1-43 Psalms 108–13 108:1-13 Psalms 109–31 109:1-31 Psalms 110–118 110:1-118:29 Psalms 119–8 119:1-8 Psalms 119–16 119:9-16 Psalms 119–24 119:17-24 Psalms 119–32 119:25-32 Psalms 119–40 119:33-40 Psalms 119–48 119:41-48 Psalms 119–56 119:49-56 Psalms 119–64 119:57-64 Psalms 119–72 119:65-72 Psalms 119–80 119:73-80 Psalms 119–88 119:81-88 Psalms 119–176 119:89-176 Psalms 119–104 119:96-104 Psalms 119–112 119:105-112 Psalms 119–120 119:113-120 Psalms 119–128 119:121-128 Psalms 119–136 119:129-136 Psalms 119–144 119:137-144 Psalms 119–152 119:145-152 Psalms 119–160 119:153-160 Psalms 119–168 119:161-168 Psalms 119–176 119:169-176 Psalms 120–7 120:1-7 Psalms 121–8 121:1-8 Psalms 122–9 122:1-9 Psalms 123–4 123:1-4 Psalms 124–8 124:1-8 Psalms 125–5 125:1-5 Psalms 126–6 126:1-6 Psalms 127–5 127:1-5 Psalms 128–6 128:1-6 Psalms 129–8 129:1-8 Psalms 130–8 130:1-8 Psalms 131–3 131:1-3 Psalms 132–18 132:1-18 Psalms 133–3 133:1-3 Psalms 134–137 134:1-137:9 Psalms 138–8 138:1-8 Psalms 139–24 139:1-24 Psalms 140–13 140:1-13 Psalms 141–10 141:1-10 Psalms 142–7 142:1-7 Psalms 143–12 143:1-12 Psalms 144–15 144:1-15 Psalms 145–150 145:1-150:6

Proverbs

Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord 1:1-7 Warning Against Enticement by Sinners 1:8-19 Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection 1:20-33 The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection 2:1-22 Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom 3:1-35 A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom 4:1-27 Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity 5:1-23 Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness 6:1-19 Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery 6:20-35 The Example of a Young Man Seduced 7:1-27 Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings 8:1-36 Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly 9:1-18 Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly 10:1-32 Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living 11:1-31 Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech 12:1-28 Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child 13:1-25 Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord 14:1-35 The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom 15:1-33 God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans 16:1-33 Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity 17:1-28 The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship 18:1-24 Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline 19:1-29 Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess 20:1-30 Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role 21:1-31 Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline 22:1-16 Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction 22:17-24:34 Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership 25:1-28 Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds 26:1-28 Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life 27:1-27 Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion 28:1-28 Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order 29:1-27 The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations 30:1-33 Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman 31:1-31

Isaiah

Judah's Rebellion and Call to Repentance 1:1-31 The Mountain of the Lord and the Nations' Hope 2:1-6 Judgment on Arrogance and Idolatry 2:7-22 Judgment on Jerusalem's Leaders and Social Order 3:1-4:1 The Branch and the Renewal of Zion 4:2-6 The Song of the Vineyard: Israel's Failure 5:1-7 Woes to Israel and Coming Judgment 5:8-30 Isaiah's Vision and Commission 6:1-13 Ahaz, the Immanuel Sign, and Invasion 7:1-25 The Sign of Plunder and a Call to Courage 8:1-10 Trust the Lord, Not Alliances or Diviners 8:11-22 A Child Is Born: Promise of Peace 9:1-7 Israel's Arrogance and Coming Punishment 9:8-10:4 Assyria: Instrument of Judgment and Its Doom 10:5-19 The Remnant and the Fall of Assyria 10:20-34 The Righteous Branch and the Peaceable Kingdom 11:1-16 A Song of Praise for God's Salvation 12:1-6 Babylon's Doom and the Day of the Lord 13:1-14:23 God's Decree: Assyria Overthrown 14:24-27 Oracle Concerning Philistia and Promise to Zion 14:28-32 Lament for Moab 15:1-16:14 Judgment on Damascus and Northern Israel 17:1-14 A Message to Cush (Ethiopia) 18:1-7 Judgment on Egypt and Future Salvation 19:1-25 Isaiah's Sign against Egypt and Cush 20:1-6 Prophecy of Babylon's Fall (The Watchman's Report) 21:1-10 Oracle concerning Dumah: The Night Watchman's Lament 21:11-12 Oracle Against Arabia (Dedan and Kedar) 21:13-17 The Valley of Vision: Jerusalem's Fall and Leadership Change 22:1-25 Tyre's Fall and Future Restoration 23:1-18 The Lord's Universal Judgment and Final Reign 24:1-23 Praise for God's Triumph and Deliverance 25:1-12 Trust in God and Hope for Deliverance 26:1-21 The Slaying of Leviathan and Israel's Restoration 27:1-13 Woe to Ephraim and Judah: Drunkenness and Judgment 28:1-29 Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) and Promise of Enlightenment 29:1-24 Rebuke for Seeking Egypt's Help; Call to Trust the Lord 30:1-33 Egypt Is No Help; The Lord Will Save Jerusalem 31:1-9 A Righteous King and Just Leadership 32:1-8 Call to Repentance and Promise of Renewal 32:9-20 A Plea for Deliverance and the Lord's Judgment 33:1-24 The Lord's Vengeance on the Nations (Edom) 34:1-17 The Glorious Restoration of the Redeemed 35:1-10 Sennacherib's Siege and Rabshakeh's Taunt 36:1-22 Hezekiah Seeks Isaiah; Rabshakeh's Threat 37:1-13 Hezekiah's Prayer and Isaiah's Assurance 37:14-20 God Delivers Jerusalem and Sennacherib's Defeat 37:21-38 Hezekiah's Illness, Prayer, and Recovery 38:1-22 Babylonian Envoys and the Announcement of Exile 39:1-8 Comfort for Zion and the Majesty of God 40:1-31 God Defends Israel Against the Nations and Idols 41:1-29 The Servant of the Lord: Covenant and Mission 42:1-9 A Call to Praise and God's Guidance for the Blind 42:10-17 Israel's Unfaithfulness and Resulting Judgment 42:18-25 Israel Redeemed: God's Sovereign Deliverer 43:1-13 The Lord Proclaims Redemption and Rebukes Israel 43:14-28 Israel Chosen and Blessed by the Spirit 44:1-5 The Folly of Idols and God's Uniqueness 44:6-23 God the Creator and the Call of Cyrus for Israel's Restoration 44:24-45:25 The God Who Carries and Redeems: Yahweh's Sovereignty over Idols 46:1-13 The Humbling of Babylon the Mistress 47:1-15 Israel's Stubbornness and God's Resolute Purpose 48:1-11 God's Sovereign 'I Am' and Call to Return 48:12-22 The Servant's Commission to Restore Israel and the Nations 49:1-8 Restoration and Promise to Gather Israel 49:9-26 The Servant's Suffering and Israel's Rejection 50:1-11 Comfort for Zion: Remember Abraham; God's Salvation 51:1-16 Awakening of Zion and Proclamation of Salvation 51:17-52:12 The Suffering Servant and Atonement 52:13-53:12 The Exalted Zion: Promise of Restoration and Protection 54:1-17 Invitation to Life and the Power of God's Word 55:1-13 Justice, Inclusion, and Sabbath Observance 56:1-8 Condemnation of Idolatry and Complacency 56:9-57:13 Restoration for the Humble and Promise of Peace 57:14-21 True Fasting: Justice, Mercy, and Sabbath Blessing 58:1-14 Sin's Consequences and God's Redeeming Intervention 59:1-21 The Glory and Gathering of Zion 60:1-22 The Year of the Lord's Favor and Joyful Restoration 61:1-11 Zion's Vindication and New Name 62:1-12 The Lord's Vengeance: Treading the Winepress 63:1-6 Remembering God's Mercy and Plea for Restoration 63:7-64:12 God's Grace to the Faithful and Judgment on the Rebellious 65:1-16 A New Creation: Joy and Peace 65:17-25 The Lord's Final Judgment and the New Creation 66:1-24

Jeremiah

The Call and Commission of Jeremiah 1:1-19 Israel's Unfaithfulness and Call to Repentance 2:1-3:5 Judah's Spiritual Adultery and Call to Return 3:6-4:4 The Coming Calamity on the Land 4:5-31 An Accusation against Jerusalem's Corruption 5:1-31 The Siege and Devastation of Jerusalem 6:1-30 The Temple Sermon: False Security Condemned 7:1-29 Violence and Corruption in the Land 7:30-8:3 Persistent Idolatry and Coming Punishment 8:4-9:26 The Folly of Idols 10:1-16 Judah's Flight and Jeremiah's Lament 10:17-22 A Prayer for Direction and Deliverance 10:23-25 The Broken Covenant and a Public Warning 11:1-17 Conspiracy against Jeremiah and God's Vindication 11:18-23 Jeremiah's Complaint to God 12:1-4 A Call to Endure and Judgment on Nations 12:5-17 The Linen Belt: Symbol of Judah's Humiliation 13:1-11 A Sign of Shame and Pronounced Judgment 13:12-14 A Lament of Shame and Imminent Disaster 13:15-27 Famine, False Prophets, and Divine Judgment 14:1-15:21 Symbolic Acts and the People's Sinfulness 16:1-17:18 Warning about Sabbath Violations 17:19-27 The Potter and the Broken Jar: Judgment on Jerusalem 18:1-19:15 Persecution by Pashhur the Priest 20:1-6 Jeremiah's Lament and Resolve 20:7-18 A Message to the Royal House: Doom for Jerusalem 21:1-14 Judgment on the Kings and Royal House 22:1-30 False Shepherds Condemned and a Righteous Branch Promised 23:1-8 Condemnation of False Prophets 23:9-32 The Lord Rebukes False Oracles 23:33-40 The Two Figs: Exile and Remnant 24:1-10 Seventy Years of Babylonian Dominion 25:1-14 The Cup of God's Wrath on the Nations 25:15-38 Jeremiah's Temple Address, Arrest, and Vindication 26:1-24 The Yoke of Babylon and Call to Submit 27:1-22 Hananiah's False Prophecy and Its Rebuke 28:1-17 Letter to the Exiles: Seek the Welfare of Babylon 29:1-23 Shemaiah's Letter and Its Condemnation 29:24-32 The Book of Comfort: Restoration and the New Covenant 30:1-31:40 Jeremiah Buys a Field: Faith and Hope in Captivity 32:1-44 Promise of Restoration and the Davidic Covenant 33:1-26 Zedekiah's Appeal and Jeremiah's Warning 34:1-7 Breach of Covenant and Punishment for Oppression 34:8-22 The Rechabites' Fidelity as a Rebuke to Judah 35:1-19 Baruch Writes Jeremiah's Words and the Scroll Is Burned 36:1-32 Jeremiah Imprisoned during the Siege of Jerusalem 37:1-21 Jeremiah Cast into a Cistern 38:1-13 Ebed‑Melech Rescues Jeremiah; Zedekiah's Failure 38:14-28 The Fall of Jerusalem and Jeremiah's Release 39:1-18 Gedaliah Appointed Governor and Jeremiah's Choice 40:1-6 Assassination of Gedaliah and the Terror in Judah 40:7-41:15 Rejection of Jeremiah's Counsel and Flight to Egypt 41:16-43:13 The Jews in Egypt: Idolatry and Condemnation 44:1-30 A Word to Baruch: Encouragement and Warning 45:1-5 Oracles against Egypt 46:1-28 Judgment on the Philistines 47:1-7 Judgment on Moab 48:1-47 Judgment on Ammon 49:1-6 Judgment on Edom 49:7-22 Judgment on Damascus and Aram 49:23-27 Destruction of Kedar and the Nomads 49:28-33 Judgment on Elam and Future Restoration 49:34-39 Judgment on Babylon and Its Final Fall 50:1-51:64 The Fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah's Fate 52:1-30 Jehoiachin's Release from Babylonian Captivity 52:31-34

Ezekiel

The Vision of God's Glory and the Living Creatures 1:1-28 Ezekiel's Commission and the Eating of the Scroll 2:1-3:15 Ezekiel Appointed as Watchman and Made Speechless 3:16-27 Symbolic Acts of Siege and Judgment on Jerusalem 4:1-5:17 Judgment on Israel for Idolatry 6:1-14 The Day of the Lord: Impending Disaster 7:1-27 Visions of Temple Abominations 8:1-18 The Execution of Jerusalem's Wicked and the Marked Few 9:1-11 The Departure of God's Glory from the Temple 10:1-22 Condemnation of Jerusalem's Leaders 11:1-15 The Departure of God's Glory and Promise of Restoration 11:16-25 Signs of Exile and the Futility of False Hopes 12:1-28 Condemnation of False Prophets and Diviners 13:1-23 Elders' Idolatry and Its Consequences 14:1-11 Judgment on Nations and the Limits of Intercession 14:12-23 Jerusalem Portrayed as a Useless Vine 15:1-8 Jerusalem's Infidelity: Shame, Judgment, and Vindication 16:1-63 The Parable of the Two Eagles: Zedekiah's Folly 17:1-24 Individual Responsibility and the Call to Repentance 18:1-32 A Lament for Israel's Princes 19:1-14 Israel's History of Rebellion and Divine Judgment 20:1-29 Punishment for Profane Worship and Promise of Restoration 20:30-44 A Prophecy Against the Mountains of Israel 20:45-49 The Sword of the Lord: Judgment on Jerusalem and the Nations 21:1-32 Jerusalem's Corruption and the Search for a Righteous Remnant 22:1-31 The Sisters' Harlotry: Samaria and Jerusalem Condemned 23:1-49 The Boiling Pot: Prophecy of Jerusalem's Siege 24:1-14 The Sign of Ezekiel's Wife's Death: Judgment and Changed Lament 24:15-27 Oracle Against Ammon 25:1-7 Oracles Against Moab and Seir 25:8-11 Judgment on the Philistines 25:12-14 Oracle Against Tyre 25:15-17 The Fall of Tyre Foretold 26:1-21 Lamentation for Tyre, the Merchant City 27:1-36 The Pride and Fall of Tyre's Ruler 28:1-19 Judgment on Sidon and Promise of Israel's Security 28:20-26 Egypt's Humiliation and Years of Desolation 29:1-21 The Day of the Lord Against Egypt and Its Allies 30:1-26 Egypt Compared to the Fallen Cedar: Pride and Doom 31:1-18 Lament for Egypt's Collapse and Descent into Sheol 32:1-32 The Watchman's Duty and Personal Responsibility 33:1-20 Report of Jerusalem's Fall and the People's Alarm 33:21-33 Condemnation of Bad Shepherds and Promise of a Good Shepherd 34:1-31 Judgment on Edom for Rejoicing over Israel 35:1-15 Promise of Israel's Restoration and Spiritual Renewal 36:1-38 The Valley of Dry Bones: National Revival 37:1-14 The Two Sticks: Unity of Israel and the Davidic Covenant 37:15-28 The Invasion of Gog and Its Defeat 38:1-39:29 Vision of the Future Temple: Introduction and Commission 40:1-4 Measurements of the Outer Court and Gateways 40:5-16 Courtyard Entrances and Portico Dimensions 40:17-19 Inner Court Entrances and Chambers 40:20-23 Vestibules and Side Entrance Specifications 40:24-27 Details of Inner Chambers and Gate Structure 40:28-37 Porches, Chambers, and Steps of the Temple Court 40:38-43 Priests' Chambers and the Prince's Quarters 40:44-47 The Inner Sanctuary and Holy Place Measurements 40:48-41:26 Priestly Chambers and the Inner Court Layout 42:1-20 The Return of God's Glory to the Temple 43:1-12 Altar Design and Sacrificial Regulations 43:13-27 Temple Gates, Priestly Roles, and Exclusions 44:1-31 Land Allotments and the Prince's Portion 45:1-12 Worship Regulations: Offerings, Festivals, and the Prince 45:13-46:24 The Life-Giving River Flowing from the Temple 47:1-12 Division of the Land and Inheritance Boundaries 47:13-23 Tribal Allotments in the Restored Land 48:1-29 The City Gates and the Name: 'The Lord Is There' 48:30-35

Matthew

The Genealogy of Jesus 1:1-17 The Birth of Jesus Foretold to Joseph 1:18-25 The Visit of the Magi 2:1-12 Flight into Egypt and the Slaughter of the Innocents 2:13-18 Return to Nazareth 2:19-23 John the Baptist Prepares the Way 3:1-12 The Baptism of Jesus 3:13-17 The Temptation of Jesus 4:1-11 Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry 4:12-17 Jesus Calls the First Disciples 4:18-22 Jesus Ministers Throughout Galilee 4:23-25 The Beatitudes 5:1-12 Salt and Light 5:13-16 Jesus and the Law 5:17-20 Teaching on Anger and Reconciliation 5:21-26 Teaching on Adultery and Lust 5:27-30 Teaching on Divorce 5:31-32 Teaching on Oaths and Honesty 5:33-37 Teaching on Retaliation and Generosity 5:38-42 Love Your Enemies 5:43-48 Giving to the Needy in Secret 6:1-4 Prayer and the Lord's Prayer 6:5-15 Teaching on Fasting 6:16-18 Treasures and Serving God 6:19-24 Do Not Worry 6:25-34 Do Not Judge 7:1-6 Ask, Seek, Knock and the Golden Rule 7:7-12 The Narrow and Wide Gates 7:13-14 Recognizing False Prophets 7:15-23 Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders 7:24-29 Jesus Cleanses a Leper 8:1-4 The Faith of the Centurion 8:5-13 Jesus Heals Many and Fulfills Prophecy 8:14-17 The Cost of Discipleship 8:18-22 Jesus Calms the Storm 8:23-27 Healing of Two Demon-Possessed Men 8:28-34 Jesus Heals a Paralytic 9:1-8 Jesus Calls Matthew and Eats with Sinners 9:9-13 Fasting and the New Cloth and Wineskins 9:14-17 A Daughter Restored and a Woman Healed 9:18-26 Two Blind Men Healed and a Mute Man Restored 9:27-34 Jesus' Compassion and the Call for Workers 9:35-38 The Mission of the Twelve 10:1-42 John's Inquiry and Jesus' Testimony about John 11:1-19 Woe to Unrepentant Cities 11:20-24 The Father's Revelation and Rest for the Weary 11:25-30 Sabbath Controversies: Grain and Healing 12:1-14 Jesus Heals and Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy 12:15-21 Accusation, Blasphemy Against the Spirit, and the Heart's Fruit 12:22-37 The Sign of Jonah and the Unclean Spirit 12:38-45 Jesus Redefines Family 12:46-50 The Parable of the Sower and Its Interpretation 13:1-23 The Parable of the Weeds 13:24-30 The Mustard Seed and the Yeast 13:31-35 Explanation of the Weeds and End-Time Judgment 13:36-43 Treasure and Pearl: The Kingdom's Value 13:44-46 The Net and New and Old Treasures 13:47-52 Jesus Rejected at Nazareth 13:53-58 The Execution of John the Baptist 14:1-12 Feeding the Five Thousand 14:13-21 Jesus Walks on Water and Heals Many 14:22-36 Tradition, Purity, and the Canaanite Woman's Faith 15:1-28 Jesus Heals Many and Feeds the Four Thousand 15:29-39 Pharisees Demand a Sign 16:1-4 Warning About the Teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees 16:5-12 Peter's Confession: You Are the Christ 16:13-20 Jesus Foretells His Death and Discipleship 16:21-28 The Transfiguration 17:1-13 Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy and a Second Prediction of Death 17:14-23 Payment of the Temple Tax 17:24-27 Humility and Care for Little Ones 18:1-9 The Parable of the Lost Sheep 18:10-14 Church Discipline and Prayer 18:15-20 Forgiveness and the Unforgiving Servant 18:21-35 Marriage, Divorce, and Children 19:1-15 The Rich Young Ruler and the Cost of Discipleship 19:16-30 The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard 20:1-16 Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection 20:17-19 Request for Honor and Teaching on Servanthood 20:20-28 Two Blind Men Healed Near Jericho 20:29-34 The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem 21:1-11 Jesus Cleanses the Temple and Heals 21:12-17 The Withered Fig Tree and Teaching on Faith 21:18-22 Jesus' Authority Challenged 21:23-27 The Parable of the Two Sons 21:28-32 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants 21:33-46 The Parable of the Wedding Banquet 22:1-14 Question about Paying Taxes to Caesar 22:15-22 The Sadducees and the Resurrection 22:23-33 The Greatest Commandment 22:34-40 Jesus Questions the Pharisees about the Messiah 22:41-46 Seven Woes on the Scribes and Pharisees 23:1-39 The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End and the Temple's Destruction 24:1-35 The Olivet Discourse: Watchfulness and Judgment 24:36-51 The Parable of the Ten Virgins 25:1-13 The Parable of the Talents 25:14-30 The Final Judgment: Sheep and Goats 25:31-46 The Plot to Arrest Jesus 26:1-5 The Anointing at Bethany 26:6-13 Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 26:14-16 The Last Supper 26:17-30 Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial 26:31-35 Prayer in Gethsemane 26:36-46 The Arrest of Jesus 26:47-56 Jesus Before the Sanhedrin 26:57-68 Peter's Denial and Repentance 26:69-75 Judas' Remorse and Suicide 27:1-10 Jesus Sentenced by Pilate 27:11-26 Jesus Mocked and Scourged 27:27-31 The Crucifixion and Mockery 27:32-44 The Death of Jesus 27:45-56 Jesus Is Buried 27:57-61 The Tomb Secured by the Authorities 27:62-66 The Resurrection: Women at the Tomb 28:1-10 The Guards' Report and the Chief Priests' Lie 28:11-15 The Great Commission 28:16-20

Mark

John the Baptist Prepares the Way 1:1-8 The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus 1:9-13 Jesus Begins His Ministry and Calls the First Disciples 1:14-20 Jesus Teaches with Authority and Casts Out an Unclean Spirit 1:21-28 Healings and Demons Cleansed at Simon's Home 1:29-34 Jesus Prays and Proclaims the Kingdom in Galilee 1:35-39 Healing of a Man with Leprosy 1:40-45 Forgiveness and Healing of a Paralytic 2:1-12 Calling of Levi and Eating with Sinners 2:13-17 Questions about Fasting; New Cloth and Wineskins 2:18-22 Sabbath Controversies: Grain, Healing, and Plot Against Jesus 2:23-3:6 Great Crowds Follow; Unclean Spirits Acknowledge Jesus 3:7-12 Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles 3:13-19 Accusations of Beelzebul and the Parable of the Strong Man 3:20-30 Jesus Redefines True Family 3:31-35 Parable of the Sower and Its Interpretation 4:1-20 A Lamp, Measure, and the Principle of Growth 4:21-25 Parable of the Growing Seed 4:26-29 The Mustard Seed and the Kingdom's Growth 4:30-34 Jesus Calms the Storm 4:35-41 The Gerasene Demoniac Restored 5:1-20 A Woman Healed and Jairus' Daughter Raised 5:21-43 Jesus Rejected in His Hometown 6:1-6 Jesus Sends Out the Twelve 6:7-13 Herod, Herodias, and the Death of John the Baptist 6:14-29 Feeding of the Five Thousand 6:30-44 Jesus Walks on Water and Heals at Gennesaret 6:45-56 Tradition, Inner Purity, and What Truly Defiles 7:1-23 A Gentile Woman's Faith and the Healing at Tyre 7:24-30 Jesus Heals a Deaf Man Who Could Not Speak Clearly 7:31-37 Feeding the Four Thousand and the Pharisees' Demand for a Sign 8:1-13 Beware the Yeast of the Pharisees and Herod 8:14-21 Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida 8:22-26 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ 8:27-30 Jesus Predicts His Death and Calls Disciples to Take Up the Cross 8:31-9:1 The Transfiguration and the Return of Elijah 9:2-13 Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit; Jesus Predicts His Passion Again 9:14-32 Who Is the Greatest? A Child as the Model of Service 9:33-37 Tolerance for Those Who Serve in Jesus' Name 9:38-41 Warnings about Causing Sin; Exhortations on Salt and Holiness 9:42-50 Jesus' Teaching on Divorce 10:1-12 Jesus Blesses Little Children 10:13-16 The Rich Young Man and the Cost of Discipleship 10:17-31 Jesus Again Predicts His Suffering, Death, and Resurrection 10:32-34 Ambition and Servanthood: The Way of True Greatness 10:35-45 Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus 10:46-52 The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem 11:1-11 Withered Fig Tree and the Cleansing of the Temple 11:12-19 Faith, Prayer, and the Call to Forgiveness 11:20-26 Religious Leaders Question Jesus' Authority 11:27-33 The Parable of the Wicked Tenants 12:1-12 Render to Caesar: Taxes and Allegiance 12:13-17 Sadducees Challenge Resurrection; Jesus Teaches Eternal Life 12:18-27 The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Neighbor 12:28-34 Jesus Questions the Messiah and Warns Against Scribes 12:35-40 The Widow's Offering: True Generosity 12:41-44 The Olivet Discourse: Signs of Destruction and the End 13:1-31 No One Knows the Day: Be Watchful 13:32-37 Plot to Kill Jesus and the Anointing at Bethany 14:1-11 The Passover Meal and Institution of the Lord's Supper 14:12-26 Jesus Predicts the Disciples' Flight and Peter's Denial 14:27-31 Gethsemane: Jesus' Agony and Prayer 14:32-42 The Arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane 14:43-52 Jesus Before the Council 14:53-65 Peter's Denial and His Remorse 14:66-72 Jesus Before Pilate; Barabbas Released 15:1-15 The Soldiers Mock and Scourge Jesus 15:16-20 The Way of the Cross and the Crucifixion 15:21-32 Jesus' Death and the Centurion's Confession 15:33-41 The Burial of Jesus 15:42-47 The Resurrection: Women Find the Empty Tomb 16:1-8 Appearances of the Risen Lord and the Commission 16:9-20

Luke

Purpose and Order of the Gospel 1:1-4 Announcement of John the Baptist's Birth 1:5-25 The Annunciation to Mary 1:26-38 Mary Visits Elizabeth 1:39-45 Mary's Song (The Magnificat) 1:46-56 The Birth and Naming of John 1:57-66 Zechariah's Prophecy and John's Mission 1:67-80 The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2:1-7 Angels Announce the Shepherds' Good News 2:8-20 Presentation in the Temple; Simeon and Anna 2:21-40 The Boy Jesus in the Temple 2:41-52 John the Baptist's Call to Repentance 3:1-20 The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus 3:21-38 Jesus Tested in the Wilderness 4:1-13 Rejection at Nazareth 4:14-30 Authority over Unclean Spirits in Capernaum 4:31-37 Healings and Preaching in Galilee 4:38-44 The Call of the First Disciples 5:1-11 Healing a Man with Leprosy 5:12-16 A Paralytic Forgiven and Healed 5:17-26 The Calling of Levi and Eating with Sinners 5:27-32 Questions about Fasting; New Wine and Old Wineskins 5:33-39 Lord of the Sabbath and a Sabbath Healing 6:1-11 The Appointment of the Twelve Apostles 6:12-16 The Sermon on the Plain: Blessings and Woes 6:17-26 Love Your Enemies and Be Merciful 6:27-36 Judging Others and the Speck and Log 6:37-42 A Tree and Its Fruit: True Character Revealed 6:43-45 The Wise and Foolish Builders 6:46-49 The Faith of the Centurion 7:1-10 Raising the Widow's Son at Nain 7:11-17 John the Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Testimony 7:18-35 A Sinful Woman Forgiven 7:36-50 Parable of the Sower and Its Interpretation 8:1-15 Lighted Lamp and Hearing the Word 8:16-18 Jesus Redefines His Family 8:19-21 Jesus Calms the Storm 8:22-25 Healing the Gerasene Demoniac 8:26-39 Jairus' Daughter Raised and a Woman Healed 8:40-56 The Twelve Sent Out 9:1-9 Feeding the Five Thousand 9:10-17 Peter's Confession and the Way of the Cross 9:18-27 The Transfiguration 9:28-36 Healing a Demon-Possessed Boy; A Second Passion Prediction 9:37-45 Who Is Greatest and a Servant's Ministry 9:46-50 Jesus Resolves for Jerusalem; Samaritan Rejection 9:51-56 The Cost of Discipleship 9:57-62 The Seventy Sent Out and Their Return 10:1-24 The Good Samaritan 10:25-37 Mary and Martha: Choosing the Better Part 10:38-42 The Lord's Prayer and Persistent Prayer 11:1-13 Jesus, Beelzebul, and True Blessedness 11:14-28 Demand for a Sign; Jonah and the Queen of the South 11:29-32 The Light of the Body and Inner Purity 11:33-36 Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers 11:37-54 Warnings against Hypocrisy and Confession before Men 12:1-12 The Parable of the Rich Fool 12:13-21 Do Not Worry; Seek God's Kingdom 12:22-34 Watchfulness and Faithful Stewardship 12:35-48 Division Caused by Christ 12:49-53 Interpreting the Times and Settling with Adversaries 12:54-59 Call to Repentance and the Barren Fig Tree 13:1-9 Healing on the Sabbath and Jesus' Rebuke 13:10-17 Parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast 13:18-21 The Narrow Door and the Cost of Entry 13:22-30 Jesus Laments over Jerusalem 13:31-35 Healing at a Pharisee's House and Humility at the Table 14:1-14 Parable of the Great Banquet 14:15-24 The Cost of Following Jesus; Salt and Saltiness 14:25-35 The Parable of the Lost Sheep 15:1-7 The Parable of the Lost Coin 15:8-10 The Parable of the Prodigal Son 15:11-32 The Shrewd Manager and Teaching on Wealth 16:1-15 Law, the Kingdom, and Divorce 16:16-18 The Rich Man and Lazarus 16:19-31 Teachings on Temptation, Forgiveness, and Duty 17:1-10 Healing of the Ten Lepers 17:11-19 The Coming of the Kingdom and End-Time Sayings 17:20-37 Parable of the Persistent Widow 18:1-8 Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 18:9-14 Jesus Blesses Little Children 18:15-17 The Rich Ruler and the Cost of Discipleship 18:18-30 Jesus Predicts His Death Again 18:31-34 Healing of Blind Bartimaeus 18:35-43 Zacchaeus: Salvation Comes to His House 19:1-10 Parable of the Ten Minas 19:11-27 Triumphal Entry and Lament over Jerusalem 19:28-44 Cleansing the Temple and Teaching 19:45-48 Jesus' Authority Challenged 20:1-8 Parable of the Wicked Tenants 20:9-19 Paying Taxes to Caesar 20:20-26 Question about the Resurrection 20:27-40 Jesus Questions the Pharisees; Warnings against Hypocrisy 20:41-47 The Widow's Offering 21:1-4 The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End 21:5-38 The Plot to Kill Jesus and Judas' Agreement 22:1-6 The Last Supper and Predictions of Denial 22:7-38 Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane 22:39-46 Jesus Arrested 22:47-53 Peter's Denial Fulfilled 22:54-62 Jesus Mocked and Beaten 22:63-65 Jesus before the Council and Pilate; Sentencing 22:66-23:25 The Way of the Cross and the Penitent Thief 23:26-43 The Death of Jesus and the Centurion's Confession 23:44-49 The Burial of Jesus 23:50-56 The Empty Tomb and the Women's Report 24:1-12 The Road to Emmaus and Recognition of the Risen Lord 24:13-35 Jesus Appears to the Disciples and Explains Scripture 24:36-49 The Ascension and the Disciples' Worship 24:50-53

John

The Word Became Flesh 1:1-18 John the Baptist's Witness 1:19-28 Behold the Lamb of God 1:29-34 The First Disciples and Simon Peter 1:35-42 Calling of Philip and Nathanael 1:43-51 The Wedding at Cana: Water Made Wine 2:1-11 Jesus Cleanses the Temple and Speaks of His Body 2:12-25 Nicodemus and the New Birth 3:1-21 John the Baptist Exalts Jesus 3:22-36 Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well 4:1-26 The Harvest Is Ready 4:27-38 Samaritans Believe in Jesus 4:39-42 Healing of the Royal Official's Son 4:43-54 Jesus Heals at Bethesda 5:1-15 Jesus Claims Authority Over Life and Judgment 5:16-30 Witnesses to Jesus and Israel's Unbelief 5:31-47 Feeding the Five Thousand 6:1-15 Jesus Walks on the Sea 6:16-24 Jesus the Bread of Life 6:25-59 Many Turn Away; Peter's Confession 6:60-71 Jesus Stays Away from Judea 7:1-13 Jesus Teaches at the Festival 7:14-24 Growing Division Over Jesus 7:25-44 Temple Officers and the Adulterous Woman 7:45-8:11 Jesus the Light and His Claim 8:12-30 True Discipleship and Freedom 8:31-41 Jesus' Divine Origin and Opposition 8:42-47 Jesus' 'I Am' and Preexistence 8:48-59 Healing of a Man Born Blind 9:1-12 Controversy with the Pharisees over the Healing 9:13-34 Spiritual Sight and Blindness 9:35-41 The Good Shepherd and His Sheep 10:1-21 Feast of Dedication and Controversy over Jesus 10:22-42 Lazarus' Sickness and Jesus' Intention 11:1-16 Jesus Weeps at Lazarus' Tomb 11:17-37 Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead 11:38-44 Plot to Kill Jesus and Caiaphas' Counsel 11:45-57 Mary Anoints Jesus; Plot to Kill Lazarus 12:1-11 The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem 12:12-19 Greeks Seek Jesus; He Predicts His Death 12:20-36 Unbelief and Jesus' Final Appeal 12:37-50 Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet 13:1-17 The Prediction of Judas' Betrayal 13:18-30 The New Commandment and Peter's Denial 13:31-38 Jesus Promises a Place in the Father's House 14:1-4 Jesus the Way to the Father 14:5-14 Promise of the Holy Spirit and Peace 14:15-31 The Vine and the Command to Love 15:1-17 The World's Hatred and the Cost of Discipleship 15:18-16:4 The Holy Spirit's Work 16:5-16 Sorrow Turned to Joy; Peace in Christ 16:17-33 The Son's Prayer for Glory 17:1-5 Prayer for the Disciples' Protection and Sanctification 17:6-19 Prayer for Unity Among Believers 17:20-26 Jesus Arrested in Gethsemane 18:1-11 Jesus Brought to Annas 18:12-14 Peter's First Denial 18:15-18 Jesus Questioned and Struck Before the High Priest 18:19-24 Peter Denies Jesus Three Times 18:25-27 Jesus Before Pilate 18:28-40 Jesus Scourged, Mocked, and Sentenced to Crucifixion 19:1-16 The Crucifixion and Jesus' Care for His Mother 19:17-27 Jesus' Death and the Fulfillment of Scripture 19:28-37 Jesus' Burial 19:38-42 The Empty Tomb Discovered 20:1-9 Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Lord 20:10-18 Jesus Appears to His Disciples and Breathes the Spirit 20:19-23 Thomas Believes; Purpose of John's Gospel 20:24-31 The Miraculous Catch and Breakfast by the Sea 21:1-14 Peter Reinstated and the Beloved Disciple 21:15-25

Acts

The Ascension of Jesus 1:1-11 Prayer in the Upper Room and the Choosing of Matthias 1:12-26 Pentecost: The Coming of the Spirit 2:1-13 Peter's Sermon and Three Thousand Converted 2:14-41 The Early Christian Community 2:42-47 Healing at the Beautiful Gate 3:1-10 Peter's Address at Solomon's Colonnade 3:11-26 The Apostles Before the Sanhedrin 4:1-22 Believers Pray for Boldness 4:23-31 The Believers Share Possessions 4:32-37 Ananias and Sapphira 5:1-11 Signs Performed by the Apostles 5:12-16 Persecution of the Apostles and Their Witness 5:17-42 The Appointment of the Seven Deacons 6:1-7 Stephen's Wisdom and Opposition 6:8-15 Stephen's Speech before the Sanhedrin 7:1-53 The Stoning of Stephen and the Persecution of the Church 7:54-8:1 Saul's Persecution Scatters the Church 8:2-3 Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria 8:4-8 Simon Magus and Peter's Rebuke 8:9-25 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 8:26-40 The Conversion of Saul 9:1-19 Saul's Early Ministry and Acceptance by the Church 9:20-31 Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Tabitha 9:32-43 Cornelius' Vision and the Call for Peter 10:1-8 Peter's Vision and the Messengers from Cornelius 10:9-23 Peter at Cornelius' House: Gentiles Receive the Spirit 10:24-48 Peter Defends the Conversion of Gentiles 11:1-18 The Church in Antioch and Famine Relief 11:19-30 Herod Executes James; Peter Miraculously Freed 12:1-19 Herod's Death and the Church's Continued Growth 12:20-25 The First Missionary Sending 13:1-3 Ministry in Cyprus and Elymas's Blinding 13:4-12 Paul's Mission in Pisidian Antioch 13:13-52 Paul and Barnabas in Iconium 14:1-7 Healing in Lystra and Paul's Stoning 14:8-20 Paul and Barnabas Strengthen the Churches 14:21-28 The Jerusalem Council on Gentile Circumcision 15:1-21 The Council's Letter and Peace with Antioch 15:22-35 Paul and Barnabas Separate 15:36-41 Timothy Joins Paul and Churches Are Strengthened 16:1-5 The Call to Macedonia 16:6-10 Lydia's Conversion at Philippi 16:11-15 Paul and Silas Imprisoned and Released in Philippi 16:16-40 Preaching in Thessalonica and Opposition 17:1-9 Berea's Noble Reception and Paul's Departure 17:10-15 Paul's Address at the Areopagus 17:16-34 Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Conflict 18:1-17 Paul Departs; Apollos Instructed by Priscilla and Aquila 18:18-28 Paul's Ministry and the Ephesian Disciples 19:1-22 The Ephesian Riot over Artemis 19:23-41 Paul's Journeys Through Macedonia and Greece 20:1-6 Eutychus Raised in Troas 20:7-12 Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders 20:13-38 Paul's Voyage to Jerusalem 21:1-16 Paul's Arrival in Jerusalem and the Temple Ritual 21:17-26 Paul Seized in the Temple 21:27-36 Paul's Defense: His Conversion and Mission 21:37-22:21 Paul's Arrest and the Council's Division 22:22-23:11 The Plot to Kill Paul and the Soldier's Intervention 23:12-22 Paul Escorted to Caesarea under Guard 23:23-35 Paul's Defense before Governor Felix 24:1-27 Paul Brought before Festus and the Jewish Charges 25:1-12 King Agrippa Learns of Paul's Case 25:13-22 Paul's Defense Before Agrippa 25:23-26:32 Paul's Voyage to Rome Begins 27:1-12 The Storm at Sea and God's Promise of Safety 27:13-26 Shipwreck and Deliverance on Malta 27:27-44 Paul on Malta: Healing and Hospitality 28:1-10 Voyage to Rome and Arrival 28:11-16 Paul in Rome: Preaching under House Arrest 28:17-31

Romans

Paul's Greeting and the Gospel's Power 1:1-17 God's Wrath Against Ungodliness 1:18-32 God's Impartial Judgment and Conscience 2:1-16 The Law, True Circumcision, and Jewish Identity 2:17-29 Israel's Advantage and God's Faithfulness 3:1-8 Universal Sinfulness and the Law's Condemnation 3:9-20 Righteousness Through Faith and Justification 3:21-31 Abraham: Justification by Faith 4:1-25 Peace with God and Reconciliation 5:1-11 Adam and Christ: Death, Grace, and Righteousness 5:12-21 Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ 6:1-14 Slavery to Sin or to Righteousness 6:15-23 Released from the Law to Serve in the Spirit 7:1-6 The Inner Conflict: Law, Sin, and the Flesh 7:7-25 Life in the Spirit: Freedom and Adoption 8:1-17 Future Glory and the Spirit's Intercession 8:18-27 Assurance of God's Love: Nothing Can Separate Us 8:28-39 Paul's Sorrow and God's Sovereign Election 9:1-29 Righteousness by Faith and Israel's Unbelief 9:30-10:21 A Remnant Preserved and Israel's Hardening 11:1-10 Gentiles Grafted In and a Warning Against Boasting 11:11-24 The Mystery of Israel's Salvation and God's Mercy 11:25-32 Doxology: Praise for God's Wisdom and Sovereignty 11:33-36 A Living Sacrifice and the Diversity of Gifts 12:1-8 Christian Conduct: Love, Humility, and Ethical Duties 12:9-21 Submission to Authorities and Civic Duty 13:1-7 Love Fulfills the Law; Walk in the Light 13:8-14 Christian Liberty, Conscience, and Mutual Acceptance 14:1-15:13 Paul's Service to the Gentiles and Missionary Ambition 15:14-22 Paul's Travel Plans and Prayer Requests 15:23-33 Personal Greetings, Final Warnings, and Doxology 16:1-27

Revelation

The Revelation Announced and the Blessing 1:1-3 Greeting and the Lord's Self‑Declaration 1:4-8 John's Vision of the Glorified Son of Man 1:9-20 Letter to Ephesus: Faithfulness and the Call to Repent 2:1-7 Letter to Smyrna: Persecution and the Crown of Life 2:8-11 Letter to Pergamum: Fidelity and False Teaching 2:12-17 Letter to Thyatira: Tolerance of Immorality and Promise to Overcomers 2:18-29 Letter to Sardis: Wakefulness and Repentance 3:1-6 Letter to Philadelphia: An Open Door and a Promise of Protection 3:7-13 Letter to Laodicea: Lukewarmness and the Call to Repent 3:14-22 The Throne in Heaven and Heavenly Worship 4:1-11 The Sealed Scroll and the Worthy Lamb 5:1-14 The Six Seals: Tribulation and Cosmic Disturbance 6:1-17 The Sealing of the 144,000 7:1-8 The Multitude Before the Throne: Salvation and Comfort 7:9-17 The Seventh Seal and the Prayers of the Saints 8:1-5 The Trumpet Judgments: Plagues and Woes 8:6-9:21 The Mighty Angel and the Little Scroll 10:1-11 The Two Witnesses: Prophecy, Death, and Resurrection 11:1-14 The Seventh Trumpet: God's Kingdom Proclaimed and the Temple Opened 11:15-19 The Cosmic Conflict: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Male Child 12:1-13:1 The Sea Beast: Blasphemy and Persecution 13:2-10 The Earth Beast and the Mark of the Beast 13:11-18 The Lamb on Mount Zion and the 144,000 14:1-5 The Three Angels' Messages and the Call to Endure 14:6-13 The Harvest of the Earth: Reaping God's Judgment 14:14-20 The Seven Last Plagues and the Victors' Song 15:1-8 The Bowl Judgments: The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath 16:1-21 The Fall of Babylon the Great and the Beast's Doom 17:1-18:24 Heavenly Praise and the Marriage of the Lamb 19:1-10 Christ's Triumphant Return and the Defeat of the Beast 19:11-21 Satan Bound and the Reign of the Saints 20:1-6 Satan's Final Rebellion and Defeat 20:7-10 The Great White Throne and the Final Judgment 20:11-15 The New Heaven and New Earth and the New Jerusalem 21:1-27 The River of Life and the Throne of God 22:1-6
1 Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers and spoke to them and to all his mother's kin, saying,

Jud.9.1 - Details

Translation

Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers and spoke to them and to all his mother's kin, saying,

Original Text

וילך אבימלך בן־ ירבעל שכמה אל־ אחי אמו וידבר אליהם ואל־ כל־ משפחת בית־ אבי אמו לאמר׃

Morphology

  • וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שכמה: NOUN,f,sg,suff,3,f
  • אל: NEG
  • אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
  • אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
  • וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • ואל: CONJ+PREP
  • כל: DET
  • משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
  • לאמר: INF,qal,infc

Parallels

  • Judg.8:30-31 (verbal): Same identification of Abimelech as 'son of Jerubbaal' and the Shechem/maternal-concubine background that explains his appeal to his mother's kin.
  • Judg.9:2-6 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Abimelech secures support from his mother's relatives, buys followers, and acts to seize power—directly develops the action begun in 9:1.
  • Gen.31:1-3 (thematic): Jacob turns to his mother's brother Laban and his household for refuge and resources—illustrates the broader Near Eastern pattern of relying on maternal kin for support and alliance.
  • Gen.34:1-31 (thematic): The episode at Shechem (Dinah/Shechemite clan) highlights the political power of Shechem's local clans and the role of intermarriage/kinship ties in local alliances—background context for Abimelech's recruitment of his mother's family at Shechem.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers and spoke to them and to all his mother's kin, saying,
  • Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers and spoke with them and with all his mother's kin, saying,
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? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”

Jud.9.2 - Details

Translation

“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? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”

Original Text

דברו־ נא באזני כל־ בעלי שכם מה־ טוב לכם המשל בכם שבעים איש כל בני ירבעל אם־ משל בכם איש אחד וזכרתם כי־ עצמכם ובשרכם אני׃

Morphology

  • דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
  • נא: PART
  • באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
  • כל: DET
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • מה: PRON,int
  • טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
  • לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
  • המשל: ADJ,m,sg,abs
  • בכם: PREP,2,m,pl
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • כל: DET
  • בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אם: CONJ
  • משל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • בכם: PREP,2,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
  • וזכרתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,mp
  • כי: CONJ
  • עצמכם: PRON,2,mp
  • ובשרכם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2,mp
  • אני: PRON,1,sg

Parallels

  • Genesis 2:23 (verbal): Uses the foundational kinship formula “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh,” which Judges 9:2 echoes in asserting close familial/communal ties (“I am your bone and your flesh”).
  • Genesis 29:14 (verbal): Laban’s words to Jacob (“Are you not my bone and my flesh?”) employ the same kinship language to justify claims of belonging—parallel to Abimelech’s appeal to Shechem’s leaders.  
  • 1 Chronicles 11:1 (verbal): When Israel gathers to make David king they declare “We are your bone and your flesh,” linking kinship-language to the political act of elevating a single ruler—closely analogous to Abimelech’s argument for one leader.  
  • 1 Samuel 8:4-7 (thematic): Israel’s request for a single king and the rejection of decentralized judges echoes the tension in Judges 9 between collective/judicial leadership (many sons/elders) and concentration of power in one man (Abimelech).

Alternative generated candidates

  • “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? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”
  • "Speak now in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem: Which is better for you—to have seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or to have one man rule over you? Remember also that I am flesh and bone with you."
3 And his mother's brothers spoke all these words in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Jud.9.3 - Details

Translation

And his mother's brothers spoke all these words in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

Original Text

וידברו אחי־ אמו עליו באזני כל־ בעלי שכם את כל־ הדברים האלה ויט לבם אחרי אבימלך כי אמרו אחינו הוא׃

Morphology

  • וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
  • אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
  • עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
  • באזני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cstr
  • כל: DET
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • כל: DET
  • הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • האלה: DEM,pl
  • ויט: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • לבם: NOUN,m,sg,poss
  • אחרי: PREP
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • כי: CONJ
  • אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • אחינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1pl
  • הוא: PRON,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.20 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — the leaders of Shechem respond to the persuasion and make Abimelech king, showing the practical outcome of the kinship appeal in v.3.
  • 2 Sam.15.6 (thematic): Absalom 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel' by cultivating popular sympathy; parallels Abimelech’s gaining of Shechem’s support by appeals to kin and brotherhood.
  • 1 Kgs.12.16-17 (thematic): The northern tribes reject David’s house and rally around Jeroboam after a political break—another instance of a populace/leadership shifting allegiance and installing an alternative ruler.
  • Gen.34.13-16 (thematic): Hamor and Shechem seek to bind the city to an outsider through intermarriage and mutual covenant (‘let us be one people’), paralleling Shechem’s willingness to unite with Abimelech for communal advantage.

Alternative generated candidates

  • His mother's brothers spoke about him to all the leaders of Shechem all these words; and the heart of the leaders of Shechem inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”
  • And his mother's brothers spoke of him in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem all these words; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, "He is our brother."
4 They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the house of Baal-berith, and Abimelech hired reckless, worthless fellows, and they went with him.

Jud.9.4 - Details

Translation

They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the house of Baal-berith, and Abimelech hired reckless, worthless fellows, and they went with him.

Original Text

ויתנו־ לו שבעים כסף מבית בעל ברית וישכר בהם אבימלך אנשים ריקים ופחזים וילכו אחריו׃

Morphology

  • ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • לו: PRON,3,m,sg
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • וישכר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • ריקים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
  • ופחזים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
  • וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Matthew 27:3-10 (thematic): Thirty pieces of silver paid in connection with betrayal; parallels the motif of silver used to secure treachery or culpable support for a violent outcome.
  • Zechariah 11:12-13 (thematic): The prophet is paid thirty pieces of silver and the payment is treated as contemptuous — thematically echoes the use of silver as a degrading price that effects or symbolizes betrayal.
  • Genesis 37:28 (thematic): Joseph is sold by his brothers for silver; similar theme of human relationships overridden by money leading to violence, displacement, or illicit gain.
  • 2 Samuel 15:1-6 (structural): Absalom wins followers by giving gifts and currying favor, mirroring Abimelech’s tactic of buying or securing support to build a power base.
  • 1 Kings 21:8-16 (thematic): Jezebel arranges false witnesses and uses corrupt means to seize property and remove an opponent — comparable to hiring corrupt agents/using paid support to achieve unlawful political ends.

Alternative generated candidates

  • They gave him seventy shekels of silver out of the house of his mother's kin; with these Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men, and they went with him.
  • They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of their god, and Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows with them, and they followed him.
5 He came to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men on one stone; and Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself.

Jud.9.5 - Details

Translation

He came to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men on one stone; and Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself.

Original Text

ויבא בית־ אביו עפרתה ויהרג את־ אחיו בני־ ירבעל שבעים איש על־ אבן אחת ויותר יותם בן־ ירבעל הקטן כי נחבא׃

Morphology

  • ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
  • עפרתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • ויהרג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
  • בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • על: PREP
  • אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • אחת: NUM,f,sg
  • ויותר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • יותם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • הקטן: ADJ,m,sg,def
  • כי: CONJ
  • נחבא: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 8:30-31 (structural): Background: Gideon had many sons and Abimelech was the son of a concubine—this context explains Abimelech's motive and claim to power that leads to the massacre in 9:5.
  • 2 Kings 11:1-3 (thematic): Athaliah slaughters the royal seed but Joash is hidden and preserved; parallels a rulerly purge of kin and the saving of a youngest/hidden heir (compare Jotham’s escape).
  • 2 Kings 10:12-14 (thematic): Jehu’s extermination/display of Ahab’s house (seventy men/heads brought) is a dynastic purge similar to Abimelech’s killing of Gideon’s sons—the number and motive (securing power) resonate with Judges 9:5.
  • Genesis 4:8 (thematic): Cain’s murder of Abel is the archetypal fratricide motif—brother killing brother—which underlies Abimelech’s slaughter of his brothers in Judges 9:5.

Alternative generated candidates

  • 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 survived, for he hid himself.
  • 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 escaped, for he hid himself.
6 All the leaders of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered together and went and made Abimelech king by the pillar beside the oak that is at Shechem.

Jud.9.6 - Details

Translation

All the leaders of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered together and went and made Abimelech king by the pillar beside the oak that is at Shechem.

Original Text

ויאספו כל־ בעלי שכם וכל־ בית מלוא וילכו וימליכו את־ אבימלך למלך עם־ אלון מצב אשר בשכם׃

Morphology

  • ויאספו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • כל: DET
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מלוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • וימליכו: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עם: PREP
  • אלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מצב: VERB,pual,ptcp,-,m,sg
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • בשכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Israelite assembly makes a rival king at Shechem (Jeroboam); parallels the popular enthronement of Abimelech in Shechem and the city's role in political breakaways.
  • 1 Samuel 11:15 (structural): Public, communal inauguration of a king ('made Saul king before the LORD at Gilgal')—comparable ritual form to the people of Shechem making Abimelech king.
  • 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): The men of Judah anoint David king over the house of Judah—another example of a regional group assembling to appoint a ruler, echoing the local election of Abimelech.
  • Genesis 12:6-7 (verbal): Mentions Shechem and the 'oak' (Allon Moreh); echoes the cultic/topographical motif of an oak or sacred tree at Shechem (cf. 'the oak of the pillar' where Abimelech is made king).

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then all the leaders of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered together and went and made Abimelech king beside the pillar oak that was at Shechem.
  • All the leaders of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered and went and made Abimelech king by the oak of the pillar that was at Shechem.
7 When it was told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and lifted up his voice and cried out and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you.”

Jud.9.7 - Details

Translation

When it was told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and lifted up his voice and cried out and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you.”

Original Text

ויגדו ליותם וילך ויעמד בראש הר־ גרזים וישא קולו ויקרא ויאמר להם שמעו אלי בעלי שכם וישמע אליכם אלהים׃

Morphology

  • ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • ליותם: PREP+PN,prop,sg,m
  • וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
  • הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • גרזים: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • קולו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
  • ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
  • אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs

Parallels

  • Deuteronomy 27:11-13 (allusion): Mount Gerizim (and Ebal) is the site of the covenantal blessing/curse ceremony; Jotham's address from Gerizim echoes that covenantal/hearing tradition and the mountain's judicial role.
  • Joshua 8:30-35 (structural): Joshua publicly reads the law and pronounces blessings/curses from Gerizim/Ebal—a public proclamation from the same summit, framing Gerizim as a place for communal hearing and judgment.
  • 2 Samuel 12:1-7 (structural): Nathan confronts David with a parable to expose guilt and provoke judgment; Jotham likewise uses a fable delivered publicly to indict Abimelech and the Shechemites.
  • Isaiah 1:2 (verbal): Both openings employ an imperative summons (“Hear…”), a common prophetic device calling the audience to listen before a public rebuke or oracle.
  • 1 Kings 18:21 (thematic): Elijah's public, high‑place confrontation of the people (‘How long halt ye…?’) parallels Jotham's bold mountaintop denunciation and challenge to public responsibility.

Alternative generated candidates

  • When Jotham heard it, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and lifted up his voice and cried out and said to them, “Hear me, leaders of Shechem; may God listen to you and judge.”
  • When Jotham was told, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice and cried out and said to them, "Hear me, you leaders of Shechem; may God listen to you!"
8 The trees went forth to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’

Jud.9.8 - Details

Translation

The trees went forth to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’

Original Text

הלוך הלכו העצים למשח עליהם מלך ויאמרו לזית מלכה עלינו׃

Morphology

  • הלוך: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
  • הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • למשח: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
  • עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
  • לזית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl

Parallels

  • Judg.9.9-15 (structural): Continuation of Jotham’s fable (olive, fig, vine, thornbush) — the full parable explains the point about rejecting proper leaders and accepting a worthless ruler (Abimelech).
  • 1 Sam.8:4-22 (thematic): Israel’s demand for a king and Samuel’s warning about the costs of kingship — both texts critique popular choice of a human monarch and explore the consequences of that choice.
  • 1 Sam.10:1; 16:1,13 (thematic): Narratives of anointing Saul and David as king — parallels the theme of ‘anointing/appointing a king’ (the trees seek to anoint a ruler).
  • Isa.5:1-7 (thematic): The parable of the vineyard and its failure links plant imagery to Israel’s leaders and God’s judgment, similar use of cultivated trees/vines to make a political/theological point.
  • Matt.7:16-20 (thematic): New Testament use of tree-and-fruit imagery to evaluate character and leadership — like Jotham’s fable, trees symbolize agents judged by their fruit/role rather than by titles.

Alternative generated candidates

  • The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, “Reign over us.”
  • The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive tree, "Reign over us."
9 But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Jud.9.9 - Details

Translation

But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Original Text

ויאמר להם הזית החדלתי את־ דשני אשר־ בי יכבדו אלהים ואנשים והלכתי לנוע על־ העצים׃

Morphology

  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • הזית: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • החדלתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • דשני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1,sg
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
  • יכבדו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • ואנשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • והלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
  • לנוע: VERB,qal,inf
  • על: PREP
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def

Parallels

  • Judg.9.8-15 (structural): The immediate context — Jotham’s fable of the trees (fig, vine, olive, bramble). Verse 9 is one line in this larger satirical parable about refused and sought-after rulership.
  • Isa.5.1-7 (thematic): The 'Song of the Vineyard' uses personified plants to criticize leadership and social failure; like Jotham’s parable it employs cultivated-plant imagery to make a moral/political point.
  • Rom.11.17-24 (verbal): Paul’s extended olive-tree metaphor treats the olive as emblematic of God’s honored people and their place before God — resonant with the olive’s portrayed value and honor in Judges 9:9.
  • Ps.52:8 (verbal): The psalmist’s ‘I am like a green olive tree in the house of God’ uses olive imagery to signify honored flourishing before God and men, echoing the olive’s honorable role in Judges 9:9.
  • 1 Sam.8:4-9 (thematic): Israel’s demand for a king and the prophetic warning about human kingship correspond to Jotham’s critique of desire for rulership and the dangers of elevating unsuitable leaders.

Alternative generated candidates

  • But the olive tree answered them, “Shall I leave my oil that makes gods and men honored and go to sway over the trees?”
  • But the olive tree said to them, "Shall I cease giving my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, and go to sway over the trees?"
10 Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’

Jud.9.10 - Details

Translation

Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’

Original Text

ויאמרו העצים לתאנה לכי־ את מלכי עלינו׃

Morphology

  • ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • לתאנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • לכי: VERB,qal,imp,2,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
  • עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl

Parallels

  • Judges 9:8 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same parable: the olive tree is first asked to be king, showing the same pattern of trees petitioning a ruler before the fig is approached.
  • 1 Samuel 8:4-7 (thematic): Israel’s demand for a human king parallels the trees’ choice of a king—both scenes explore popular choice of leadership and its problematic consequences.
  • Isaiah 5:1-7 (thematic): The Song of the Vineyard uses vineyard/tree imagery to portray Israel’s leadership and fruitlessness; thematically related to the trees’ metaphor for kingship and judgment.
  • Ezekiel 17:1-10 (allusion): A political parable using a cedar and vine to represent kings and alliances; parallels Judges 9’s use of arboreal imagery to comment on rulers and political choices.
  • Luke 13:6-9 (thematic): The parable of the barren fig tree uses a fig tree as a moral/political symbol and expectations about productivity—echoing the fig tree’s symbolic role in Judges 9.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then the trees said to the fig tree, “You come, reign over us.”
  • Then the trees said to the fig tree, "You come, reign over us."
11 And the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my sweetness and my good fruit to go hold sway over the trees?’

Jud.9.11 - Details

Translation

And the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my sweetness and my good fruit to go hold sway over the trees?’

Original Text

ותאמר להם התאנה החדלתי את־ מתקי ואת־ תנובתי הטובה והלכתי לנוע על־ העצים׃

Morphology

  • ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
  • להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • התאנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • החדלתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,common,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • מתקי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,common,sg
  • ואת: CONJ
  • תנובתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,common,sg
  • הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
  • והלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
  • לנוע: VERB,qal,inf
  • על: PREP
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def

Parallels

  • Judges 9:8 (structural): Introduces the fable’s frame — the trees’ quest to anoint a king, which sets up the successive refusals (including the fig in v.11).
  • Judges 9:9 (verbal): The olive tree’s refusal uses the same logic as the fig (it cannot abandon its productive role); parallel wording and motif of productive trees declining kingship.
  • Judges 9:10 (verbal): The vine likewise refuses on the basis of its fruitfulness (giving wine); closely parallels the fig’s concern for leaving behind sweetness and good produce.
  • Judges 9:15 (thematic): The bramble’s response and acceptance of kingship provides the contrast to the fig’s refusal, completing the fable’s moral about unworthy rulers chosen when the proper, productive ones decline.
  • Isaiah 5:1-7 (allusion): The ‘Song of the Vineyard’ personifies vine/plant imagery to critique Israel’s leadership and fruitlessness; thematically parallels the use of productive trees/vines to signify social function and suitability for rule.

Alternative generated candidates

  • The fig tree said to them, “Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go to sway over the trees?”
  • And the fig tree answered them, "Shall I cease my sweetness and my good fruit and go to sway over the trees?"
12 Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’

Jud.9.12 - Details

Translation

Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’

Original Text

ויאמרו העצים לגפן לכי־ את מלכי עלינו׃

Morphology

  • ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • לגפן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • לכי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
  • עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl

Parallels

  • Judg.9:8-15 (structural): Immediate context — Jotham’s fable in which the trees inquire of olive, fig, and vine to ‘be king’ (the vine’s response continues the same satirical narrative).
  • Isa.5:1-7 (thematic): The Song of the Vineyard uses the vine as a symbol for Israel and God's expectations; like Jotham’s vine, the vineyard motif links fertility, leadership and divine judgment on failure.
  • Ps.80:8-16 (verbal): Psalmist depicts Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt and planted to flourish; shared vine imagery and concerns about rulership, protection and fruitfulness.
  • Ezek.17:5-10 (allusion): Ezekiel’s allegory of a planted shoot/vine among the trees functions as a political parable about kingship and dependency, echoing the tree/vine metaphor for authority and alliance.
  • Matt.21:33-41 (thematic): The Parable of the Wicked Tenants uses vineyard imagery to address leadership, stewardship and judgment — related thematic material about land, caretakers (leaders) and accountability.

Alternative generated candidates

  • So the trees said to the vine, “You come, reign over us.”
  • So the trees said to the vine, "You come, reign over us."
13 And the vine said to them, ‘Shall I cease my wine, which gladdens both gods and men, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Jud.9.13 - Details

Translation

And the vine said to them, ‘Shall I cease my wine, which gladdens both gods and men, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Original Text

ותאמר להם הגפן החדלתי את־ תירושי המשמח אלהים ואנשים והלכתי לנוע על־ העצים׃

Morphology

  • ותאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
  • להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • הגפן: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • החדלתי: INTERR+VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • תירושי: NOUN,m,sg,poss1
  • המשמח: ADJ,ptc,masc,sg,def
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • ואנשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • והלכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
  • לנוע: VERB,qal,inf
  • על: PREP
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def

Parallels

  • Isaiah 5:1-7 (thematic): The ‘song of the vineyard’ uses vine imagery to represent Israel’s expected fruitfulness and God’s disappointment and judgment—parallel to Jotham’s vine as a symbolic actor and the theme of leadership and failure.
  • John 15:1-8 (thematic): Jesus’ ‘I am the true vine’ discourse uses vine-and-fruit imagery to describe right relationship, fruitfulness, and authority—echoing the vine as a moral/relational symbol found in Jotham’s fable.
  • Matthew 21:33-41 (Parable of the Tenants) (thematic): The vineyard parable depicts stewardship of a vineyard and failure of those entrusted with it; while not a speaking vine, it shares the symbolic vineyard/vine motif relating to kingship, responsibility, and judgment.
  • Psalm 80:8-11 (verbal): The psalmist’s language of a vine transplanted (brought out of Egypt, planted) and expected to flourish parallels the biblical use of vine imagery to characterize the nation’s vocation and hoped-for fruitfulness.
  • Ezekiel 15:1-8 (allusion): Ezekiel’s portrayal of the vine as valueless timber—only fit to be burned—offers a contrasting image of the vine’s failure and futility that resonates with Jotham’s fable about a vine refusing rulership.

Alternative generated candidates

  • The vine said to them, “Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go to sway over the trees?”
  • But the vine answered them, "Shall I cease my wine that cheers God and men, and go to sway over the trees?"
14 Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come, you reign over us.’

Jud.9.14 - Details

Translation

Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come, you reign over us.’

Original Text

ויאמרו כל־ העצים אל־ האטד לך אתה מלך־ עלינו׃

Morphology

  • ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
  • כל: DET
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • אל: NEG
  • האטד: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • לך: PRON,2,m,sg
  • אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
  • מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl

Parallels

  • Judg.9:8 (structural): Immediate context: earlier verse in the same parable where the trees seek a king (vv.8–12), setting up the bramble’s appointment and response.
  • Ezek.17:2-10 (thematic): A political parable using a tree/planting image to represent kingship and alliances — similar symbolic use of trees to critique rulers and national leadership.
  • Matt.7:17-20 (thematic): Jesus’ saying that trees are known by their fruit parallels the moral/judicial logic behind the trees’ choice of a worthless bramble as a critique of bad leadership.
  • Luke 13:6-9 (thematic): The barren fig-tree parable uses tree imagery to condemn unfruitful leadership and to demand accountability, echoing the expectations behind the trees’ search for a king.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then all the trees said to the bramble, “You come, you be our king.”
  • Then all the trees said to the bramble, "You come, reign over us."
15 The bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’

Jud.9.15 - Details

Translation

The bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’

Original Text

ויאמר האטד אל־ העצים אם באמת אתם משחים אתי למלך עליכם באו חסו בצלי ואם־ אין תצא אש מן־ האטד ותאכל את־ ארזי הלבנון׃

Morphology

  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • האטד: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אל: NEG
  • העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • אם: CONJ
  • באמת: ADV
  • אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
  • משחים: VERB,piel,ptcp,NA,m,pl
  • אתי: PRON,1,sg
  • למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
  • באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • חסו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
  • בצלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
  • ואם: CONJ
  • אין: PART,neg
  • תצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
  • אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • מן: PREP
  • האטד: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • ארזי: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
  • הלבנון: NOUN,m,sg,def

Parallels

  • Judges 9:13 (structural): Immediate context in Jotham’s fable: the olive (and other trees) refuse kingship, setting up the bramble’s speech and threat in 9:15; part of the same narrative unit.
  • Ezekiel 31:12 (verbal): Ezekiel speaks of sending fire into the cedars (‘I will send fire into the cedars’), echoing the image of fire consuming the cedars of Lebanon found in Judges 9:15.
  • Psalm 80:8-11 (thematic): The psalm portrays a planted vine whose growth fills the land and reaches the cedars of Lebanon—parallel tree/vegetation imagery and the prominent motif of the cedars as a symbol of majesty.
  • Nahum 1:10 (thematic): Uses the image of thorns/brambles and burning (thorns folded together and consumed like dry stubble), thematically resonating with the bramble’s threat of fire in Jotham’s parable.

Alternative generated candidates

  • And the bramble said to the trees, “If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out from the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.”
  • And the bramble said to the trees, "If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon."
16 “Now therefore, if you have truly and sincerely acted and have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have repaid him according to the deeds of his hands,

Jud.9.16 - Details

Translation

“Now therefore, if you have truly and sincerely acted and have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have repaid him according to the deeds of his hands,

Original Text

ועתה אם־ באמת ובתמים עשיתם ותמליכו את־ אבימלך ואם־ טובה עשיתם עם־ ירבעל ועם־ ביתו ואם־ כגמול ידיו עשיתם לו׃

Morphology

  • ועתה: CONJ
  • אם: CONJ
  • באמת: ADV
  • ובתמים: ADV
  • עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • ותמליכו: VERB,hif,impf,2,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ואם: CONJ
  • טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
  • עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • עם: PREP
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ועם: CONJ+PREP
  • ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ואם: CONJ
  • כגמול: PREP
  • ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
  • עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • לו: PRON,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.6 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: earlier verse describes the same act of the Shechemites 'making Abimelech king,' linking the account of how he was installed to the question posed in 9:16.
  • Judg.9.7-15 (quotation): Jotham's parable (the speech addressed to the men of Shechem) thematically anticipates and condemns the people's decision to exalt Abimelech—the moral challenge behind 9:16.
  • Judg.9.20 (verbal): Continues the same episode and rhetoric about Abimelech and the townsmen; echoes the social-political dynamics and mutual obligations raised in 9:16.
  • 1 Sam.11.14-15 (thematic): Parallel example of an assembly 'making' a man king (Saul); highlights the recurring Israelite practice and communal dimension of choosing a ruler, which 9:16 invokes.
  • 2 Sam.5.3 (thematic): All-Israel recognition of David as king by the elders and tribes echoes the theme of popular/tribal legitimation of kingship implicit in the question posed in 9:16 about making Abimelech king.

Alternative generated candidates

  • “Now therefore, if you have acted faithfully and truly in making Abimelech king, and if you have done well to Jerubbaal and to his house—
  • Now therefore, if you acted truly and sincerely, and if you made Abimelech king for good, and if you dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have repaid him according to the deeds of his hands,
17 —which my father fought for you and put his life in his hand and delivered you from the hand of Midian—

Jud.9.17 - Details

Translation

—which my father fought for you and put his life in his hand and delivered you from the hand of Midian—

Original Text

אשר־ נלחם אבי עליכם וישלך את־ נפשו מנגד ויצל אתכם מיד מדין׃

Morphology

  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • נלחם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
  • וישלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
  • מנגד: ADV
  • ויצל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
  • מיד: PREP
  • מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judges 6:14 (verbal): God commissions Gideon: “Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites,” directly paralleling the claim that the speaker’s father fought to save Israel from Midian.
  • Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Narrative of Gideon’s night attack and the LORD’s intervention (men striking one another) — the concrete military deliverance behind the statement that the father ‘fought for you’ and rescued Israel from Midian.
  • Judges 8:28 (thematic): Summary of Gideon’s success: Midian was subdued and Israel’s oppression ended — a later account that corroborates the claim that the father saved Israel from Midian.
  • Judges 9:15 (structural): Immediate context in Jotham’s speech: the earlier clause identifying ‘my father’ as a mighty man who delivered Israel provides the same evaluative claim that verse 9:17 reiterates (that the father risked himself and saved them from Midian).

Alternative generated candidates

  • for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian,
  • (which my father fought for you, and risked his life and delivered you from the hand of Midian,
18 and you have risen up today against my father's house and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech son of his maidservant king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your kinsman,

Jud.9.18 - Details

Translation

and you have risen up today against my father's house and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech son of his maidservant king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your kinsman,

Original Text

ואתם קמתם על־ בית אבי היום ותהרגו את־ בניו שבעים איש על־ אבן אחת ותמליכו את־ אבימלך בן־ אמתו על־ בעלי שכם כי אחיכם הוא׃

Morphology

  • ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
  • קמתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • על: PREP
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ותהרגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • בניו: NOUN,m,pl,cs
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • על: PREP
  • אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • אחת: NUM,f,sg
  • ותמליכו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אמתו: NOUN,f,sg,poss3m
  • על: PREP
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • כי: CONJ
  • אחיכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
  • הוא: PRON,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 9:5 (verbal): Earlier statement that Abimelech “slew his brothers, seventy men on one stone” — essentially the same claim repeated; direct verbal parallel within the same narrative.
  • Judges 9:6 (verbal): Immediate sequel in the chapter: the people of Shechem make Abimelech king — repeats and corroborates the detail in 9:18 about his being set over the men of Shechem.
  • Judges 9:22-24 (structural): Later section describing Abimelech’s subsequent attack on Shechem and the brutal suppression of its leaders — continuation and consequence of the fratricidal rise to power described in 9:18.
  • Genesis 34:25-29 (thematic): Simeon and Levi’s massacre at Shechem (killing the city’s males) parallels the motif of mass slaughter associated with Shechem and familial vengeance/violence against a city.
  • 2 Samuel 15:6 (thematic): Absalom’s public campaign to ‘win the hearts’ of Israel and set himself as a rival leader parallels the theme of a kinsman/almost-royal figure gaining local support to claim authority (usurpation and intra-family political violence).

Alternative generated candidates

  • and you have risen against the house of my father this day and killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and made Abimelech son of his slave-wife king over the leaders of Shechem—because he is your kinsman—
  • and you have risen up against the house of my father this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech son of his maidservant king over the leaders of Shechem—because he is your kinsman),
19 if then you have acted truly and sincerely toward Jerubbaal and his house today, rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you;

Jud.9.19 - Details

Translation

if then you have acted truly and sincerely toward Jerubbaal and his house today, rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you;

Original Text

ואם־ באמת ובתמים עשיתם עם־ ירבעל ועם־ ביתו היום הזה שמחו באבימלך וישמח גם־ הוא בכם׃

Morphology

  • ואם: CONJ
  • באמת: ADV
  • ובתמים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • עשיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • עם: PREP
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ועם: CONJ+PREP
  • ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • הזה: DEM,m,sg
  • שמחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
  • באבימלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וישמח: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • גם: ADV
  • הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
  • בכם: PREP,2,m,pl

Parallels

  • Judg.9:21-24 (structural): Immediate context in the same episode: continues the argument about Shechem's support for Abimelech and the consequences of siding with a usurper who killed Jerubbaal’s sons.
  • Judg.9:5-6 (structural): Earlier account of Abimelech’s rise (his murder of Gideon’s sons and the Shechemites’ backing) provides the background that makes the call to 'rejoice in Abimelech' morally and politically charged.
  • Proverbs 17:15 (thematic): Condemns justifying the wicked or condemning the righteous; thematically opposes taking pleasure in or defending a leader who gained power by violence.
  • Psalm 37:12-13 (thematic): Describes the apparent prosperity and rejoicing of the wicked and promises divine reversal — parallels the irony of celebrating Abimelech’s success despite his wrongdoing.
  • Romans 12:15 (thematic): The New Testament injunction 'rejoice with those who rejoice' highlights the moral ambiguity here: the verse’s call to rejoice with Abimelech raises ethical questions about sharing in communal joy when that joy rests on injustice.

Alternative generated candidates

  • if then you have acted honestly and sincerely toward Jerubbaal and his house today, rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you.
  • if then you have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and his house today, rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you.
20 but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo and devour Abimelech.”

Jud.9.20 - Details

Translation

but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo and devour Abimelech.”

Original Text

ואם־ אין תצא אש מאבימלך ותאכל את־ בעלי שכם ואת־ בית מלוא ותצא אש מבעלי שכם ומבית מלוא ותאכל את־ אבימלך׃

Morphology

  • ואם: CONJ
  • אין: PART,neg
  • תצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms
  • אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • מאבימלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ואת: CONJ
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מלוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ותצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
  • אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • מבעלי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ומבית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מלוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9:8-21 (structural): Jotham’s parable/curse in which the conditional image of ‘fire going out’ is articulated — 9:20 is part of this larger speech predicting mutual destruction between Abimelech and Shechem.
  • 2 Kings 1:10-12 (verbal): Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume the captains and their men — uses the motif of fire sent to destroy human opponents, echoing the ‘fire… and devour’ language.
  • 1 Kings 18:38 (thematic): God sends fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice and demonstrate judgment — parallels the idea of divine or destructive fire as decisive punishment.
  • Proverbs 26:27 (thematic): ‘Whoever digs a pit will fall into it’ — a proverb expressing reciprocal harm/retribution comparable to the mutual-devouring imagery of Judges 9:20.
  • Galatians 6:7 (thematic): ‘You reap what you sow’ — a New Testament articulation of reciprocal consequence that parallels the principle underlying the mutual destruction pictured in Judges 9:20.

Alternative generated candidates

  • But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo and consume Abimelech.”
  • But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and from the leaders of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and consume you, even that Abimelech and all who are his."
21 Then Jotham escaped and fled and went to Beer, and lived there because of Abimelech his brother.

Jud.9.21 - Details

Translation

Then Jotham escaped and fled and went to Beer, and lived there because of Abimelech his brother.

Original Text

וינס יותם ויברח וילך בארה וישב שם מפני אבימלך אחיו׃

Morphology

  • וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • יותם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויברח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • בארה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • שם: ADV
  • מפני: PREP
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • 1 Kings 19:3 (verbal): Elijah 'ran for his life' and went a day's journey into the wilderness to Beersheba — uses the same verbs of fleeing and a refuge named with Beer/Beersheba, a close verbal and geographical echo.
  • Genesis 27:43-45 (thematic): Jacob is sent away to Haran to escape Esau's wrath — a motif of fleeing to another place to avoid violence from a close kin (brother).
  • 2 Samuel 13:37-38 (thematic): After murdering Amnon, Absalom flees to Geshur and stays there to avoid retribution — another instance of intra-family violence producing exile/fleeing.
  • 1 Samuel 22:1 (thematic): David 'went down' to the cave of Adullam and gathered followers while fleeing Saul — parallels the theme of seeking refuge from a more powerful rival/king.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then Jotham fled and went to Beer, and he lived there because of Abimelech his brother.
  • Then Jotham fled and went to Beer, and lived there for fear of Abimelech his brother.
22 Abimelech reigned over Israel three years.

Jud.9.22 - Details

Translation

Abimelech reigned over Israel three years.

Original Text

וישר אבימלך על־ ישראל שלש שנים׃

Morphology

  • וישר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • על: PREP
  • ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
  • שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9:1-6 (structural): Immediate narrative context: these verses narrate how Abimelech was made king by the leaders of Shechem, providing the setting for v.22's statement that he reigned.
  • Judg.8:33-35 (thematic): Describes Israel's apostasy after Gideon's death and the social conditions that lead to Abimelech's rise—connects the moral/political background of his reign.
  • 1 Kings 15:2 (verbal): Gives the reign-length formula ('reigned three years') for Abijam—verbal parallel in biblical summaries that note short, numbered reigns.
  • 1 Sam.8:4-7 (thematic): The people's demand for a human king anticipates the recurring theme of Israel accepting human rulers (as in Abimelech) rather than direct rule by YHWH.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech reigned over Israel three years.
  • Abimelech reigned over Israel three years.
23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem betrayed Abimelech.

Jud.9.23 - Details

Translation

God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem betrayed Abimelech.

Original Text

וישלח אלהים רוח רעה בין אבימלך ובין בעלי שכם ויבגדו בעלי־ שכם באבימלך׃

Morphology

  • וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • בין: PREP
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ובין: CONJ+PREP
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ויבגדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • באבימלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Uses the same language and theological motif: 'the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him' — God sending an 'evil' or troubling spirit to affect human behavior.
  • 1 Kings 22:22-23 (thematic): Depicts God/Heaven dispatching a spirit (a 'lying spirit') to entice leaders to act against their own interest — a parallel theme of divine agency in producing deception and discord among leaders.
  • Isaiah 19:14 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD mingling a 'perverse' or misleading spirit among a nation, similar language and concept of God causing a spirit that leads to error and internal disruption.
  • Acts 5:3 (thematic): Though NT and attributing agency to Satan, Peter charges that Ananias allowed a hostile spirit to fill his heart — thematically related to biblical motifs of invisible spirits influencing human betrayal and treachery.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech.
  • God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; so that the leaders of Shechem acted treacherously against Abimelech.
24 It was to repay the wickedness done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, whose blood Abimelech had shed, and to lay their blood upon Abimelech their brother, who killed them; and upon the leaders of Shechem who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.

Jud.9.24 - Details

Translation

It was to repay the wickedness done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, whose blood Abimelech had shed, and to lay their blood upon Abimelech their brother, who killed them; and upon the leaders of Shechem who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.

Original Text

לבוא חמס שבעים בני־ ירבעל ודמם לשום על־ אבימלך אחיהם אשר הרג אותם ועל בעלי שכם אשר־ חזקו את־ ידיו להרג את־ אחיו׃

Morphology

  • לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
  • חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ודמם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,suff3mp
  • לשום: VERB,qal,inf
  • על: PREP
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • הרג: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
  • ועל: CONJ+PREP
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • חזקו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
  • להרג: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Genesis 4:10 (thematic): The imagery of blood that ‘cries’ or alleges guilt — Abel’s blood crying from the ground — parallels the idea of shed blood calling for retribution placed upon those responsible.
  • Matthew 27:25 (verbal): The crowd’s formula ‘His blood be on us and on our children’ parallels Judges’ language of placing the blood/guilt of slain kin upon specific persons or communities (Abimelech and the men of Shechem).
  • 2 Samuel 3:28-29 (thematic): David’s words assigning the guilt of Abner’s murder to Joab and his household echo the notion of holding particular individuals or groups responsible for the blood of slain men.
  • Ezekiel 33:8-9 (thematic): The prophetic principle that blood-guilt can be required of another (’I will require his blood at your hand’) parallels Judges’ placing the blame for the brothers’ blood on Abimelech and the men of Shechem.

Alternative generated candidates

  • They dealt with Abimelech acts of violence so that the blood of the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, whose blood Abimelech had shed, might come upon their head and upon the head of Abimelech himself.
  • The wickedness of the seventy sons of Jerubbaal their blood was laid upon Abimelech, and upon the leaders of Shechem who strengthened his hands to slay his brothers.
25 The leaders of Shechem set ambushes for him on the tops of the mountains; they robbed all who passed by them on the road, and it was told Abimelech.

Jud.9.25 - Details

Translation

The leaders of Shechem set ambushes for him on the tops of the mountains; they robbed all who passed by them on the road, and it was told Abimelech.

Original Text

וישימו לו בעלי שכם מארבים על ראשי ההרים ויגזלו את כל־ אשר־ יעבר עליהם בדרך ויגד לאבימלך׃

Morphology

  • וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • לו: PRON,3,m,sg
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • מארבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • על: PREP
  • ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
  • ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • ויגזלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • כל: DET
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • יעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • לאבימלך: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Joshua 8:3-11 (verbal): Joshua arranges an ambush in the hills behind Ai (setting men on the heights to attack those who come out), paralleling the tactic of placing marauders on mountain-tops to intercept travelers.
  • Judges 6:3-5 (thematic): The Midianite/Amalekite raids that devastated Israel’s crops and waylaid people on the roads echo the motif of banditry and ambushing travelers described in Judges 9:25.
  • 1 Samuel 30:1-6 (thematic): The Amalekite raid on Ziklag—pillaging, taking captives and spoil—is a related example of marauding groups robbing communities and those who travel, akin to the robbers on the mountain-tops.
  • Genesis 34:25-30 (structural): The episode involving Shechem and the men of the city (deceit, violence and ruthless action against Jacob’s family) resonates as a background motif for the later violent/treacherous behavior attributed to the men of Shechem in Judges 9.

Alternative generated candidates

  • The leaders of Shechem set men in ambush on the tops of the mountains and robbed whatever came along them on the road; and they reported it to Abimelech.
  • The leaders of Shechem set ambushes on the tops of the mountains and robbed all who passed by them on the road; and they reported it to Abimelech.
26 Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers passed by Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem put their trust in him.

Jud.9.26 - Details

Translation

Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers passed by Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem put their trust in him.

Original Text

ויבא געל בן־ עבד ואחיו ויעברו בשכם ויבטחו־ בו בעלי שכם׃

Morphology

  • ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • געל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
  • ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • בשכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויבטחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 9:4 (verbal): The leaders of Shechem earlier support Abimelech — similar language and situation of the town’s leaders placing their trust in a local strongman.
  • Judges 9:6 (thematic): All the men of Shechem and Beth-millo gather to make Abimelech king, showing the same pattern of Shechem rallying behind a human leader.
  • Judges 9:41 (structural): Abimelech’s subsequent attack on Shechem illustrates the consequence of the city’s political alignment and trust in rival leaders (a narrative continuation of 9:26).
  • 1 Samuel 8:4-8 (thematic): Israel’s demand for a king and the people’s turning to a human ruler echoes the theme of placing trust in a human leader rather than relying on God or existing structures.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and they passed by Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.
  • Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers, and they came to Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem put their trust in him.
27 They went out into the field and gathered their grapes and trod them and made merry, and went into the house of their god, ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.

Jud.9.27 - Details

Translation

They went out into the field and gathered their grapes and trod them and made merry, and went into the house of their god, ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.

Original Text

ויצאו השדה ויבצרו את־ כרמיהם וידרכו ויעשו הלולים ויבאו בית א‍להיהם ויאכלו וישתו ויקללו את־ אבימלך׃

Morphology

  • ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ויבצרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • כרמיהם: NOUN,m,pl,prsuf
  • וידרכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • הלולים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • א: PRT
  • להיהם: PRON,3,m,pl,poss
  • ויאכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • וישתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • ויקללו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Isaiah 63:2-3 (verbal): Both texts use the image of treading the winepress (דָּרַךְ/treading) — Judges describes literal vintage-treading and revelry, Isaiah uses the winepress motif as vivid language of divine action/vengeance, creating a verbal echo and shared imagery.
  • 2 Samuel 16:5-8 (thematic): Shimei publicly curses King David as he passes by; thematically parallels the episode in Judges where townspeople ‘ate and drank and cursed Abimelech’ — a motif of subjects or citizens directing curses at a king/leader.
  • 1 Kings 18:26-29 (thematic): The prophets/worshippers of Baal engage in intense cultic activity and ecstatic behavior at their shrine; parallels Judges 9:27’s scene of entering the house of their god to eat, drink and engage in religiously charged communal behavior.
  • Amos 9:13-14 (thematic): Describes harvest, abundant vintage and rejoicing after restoration — thematically related to Judges 9:27’s sequence of going out to the fields, harvesting vineyards, treading winepresses and feasting (though Amos frames harvest as a positive, restorative blessing).

Alternative generated candidates

  • They went out into the fields, and gathered the grapes from their vineyards and trod them, and made merry and went into the house of their god and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech.
  • They went out into the fields and harvested their vineyards and trod their winepresses, and made merry and went into the house of their god, ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.
28 Gaal said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal? And indeed Zebul is his officer. Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem; why should we serve him?”

Jud.9.28 - Details

Translation

Gaal said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal? And indeed Zebul is his officer. Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem; why should we serve him?”

Original Text

ויאמר ׀ געל בן־ עבד מי־ אבימלך ומי־ שכם כי נעבדנו הלא בן־ ירבעל וזבל פקידו עבדו את־ אנשי חמור אבי שכם ומדוע נעבדנו אנחנו׃

Morphology

  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • געל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • מי: PRON,interr,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ומי: PRON,interr
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • כי: CONJ
  • נעבדנו: VERB,qal,yiqtol,1,pl
  • הלא: PART
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וזבל: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • פקידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUFF,3,m,sg
  • עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
  • חמור: PNOUN,m,sg
  • אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ומדוע: CONJ+ADV,interr
  • נעבדנו: VERB,qal,yiqtol,1,pl
  • אנחנו: PRON,1,pl

Parallels

  • Genesis 34:2,4,11 (verbal): Mentions Shechem and Hamor (Shechem son of Hamor); the same persons/linguistic cluster ('men of Hamor, father of Shechem') appear, linking the Shechem/Hamor family and its local identity.
  • Judges 9:2 (structural): Earlier in the chapter Abimelech is made leader by the men of Shechem—this verse poses the opposite question ('Who is Abimelech…that we should serve him?') and directly responds to the political act narrated in v.2.
  • Judges 9:21–24 (structural): Gaal’s revolt against Abimelech and Zebul’s countermeasures are narrated here; these verses form the immediate narrative parallel explaining the conflict behind the challenge to serving Abimelech.
  • Judges 8:30–31 (allusion): Refers to Gideon/Jerubbaal’s numerous sons and the household power from which Abimelech (a son of Jerubbaal) arises; the verse’s appeal to 'ben-yerubaal' echoes this wider family/power background.
  • 1 Samuel 8:5–7 (thematic): The people’s demand for a human king (appoint a king over us) parallels the theme of preferring local human rulers or leaders over existing deliverers or divine appointment—similar social/theological dynamics to the Shechem/Abimelech episode.

Alternative generated candidates

  • 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? Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem? Why should we serve him?
  • 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 isn't Zebul his officer? Serve the sons of Hamor, go and choose men for yourselves.
29 And who will deliver this people into my hand, that I may put Abimelech in his place? Abimelech said, “Make your men great, and go out.”

Jud.9.29 - Details

Translation

And who will deliver this people into my hand, that I may put Abimelech in his place? Abimelech said, “Make your men great, and go out.”

Original Text

ומי יתן את־ העם הזה בידי ואסירה את־ אבימלך ויאמר לאבימלך רבה צבאך וצאה׃

Morphology

  • ומי: PRON,interr
  • יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • הזה: DEM,m,sg
  • בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
  • ואסירה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • לאבימלך: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
  • צבאך: NOUN,m,sg,prsfx,2,m
  • וצאה: VERB,qal,ptcp,ms,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 9:25 (structural): Immediate context: Gaal's taunt and the rising of the Shechemites set the scene for the challenge in 9:29 to put Abimelech to death; this verse is part of that same exchange and movement toward open conflict.
  • Judges 9:41–45 (thematic): The ensuing combat between Abimelech's forces and the city (including Gaal and his supporters) shows the outcome of the challenge in 9:29 and the larger theme of internecine civil strife and attempts to seize or eliminate a leader.
  • Judges 9:53–55 (thematic): Ironic reversal: although opponents sought to put Abimelech to death (as in 9:29), Abimelech later meets his end by a woman dropping a millstone and a servant’s sword—an example of violent retribution and unexpected downfall of a ruler.
  • 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Political assassination amid civil war: Abner’s murder during the struggle for control in Israel parallels the motif in Judges 9 of factional violence and attempts to eliminate rival leaders to secure power.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Whoever will lead this people, let him put Abimelech and his men in bonds; I will lead the people, and I will take Abimelech.”
  • Why should we serve him? Who will give this people into my hand, that I may put Abimelech to death?" Then he spoke, "Assemble your army and come down."
30 Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, and his anger was kindled.

Jud.9.30 - Details

Translation

Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, and his anger was kindled.

Original Text

וישמע זבל שר־ העיר את־ דברי געל בן־ עבד ויחר אפו׃

Morphology

  • וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • זבל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • שר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • את: PRT,acc
  • דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
  • געל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
  • אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms

Parallels

  • Judg.9.31 (structural): Immediate narrative response: Zebul's anger leads him to send secret messengers to Abimelech to counter Gaal—continuation of the same incident.
  • Judg.9.25 (verbal): Gaal's seditious speech in Shechem ('Who is Abimelech...?') is the provocation that Zebul hears and to which he reacts angrily.
  • 1 Kings 12:13-17 (thematic): Rehoboam's hostile reaction to counsel produces a political rupture and popular revolt—parallel theme of a leader's words/reaction triggering civic upheaval.
  • Acts 19:28-29 (thematic): A city's leaders and populace are inflamed after hearing incendiary speech (Demetrius' complaint), producing public anger and disorder—similar motif of spoken agitation sparking civic anger.

Alternative generated candidates

  • When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, his anger burned.
  • When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was very angry.
31 He sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.

Jud.9.31 - Details

Translation

He sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.

Original Text

וישלח מלאכים אל־ אבימלך בתרמה לאמר הנה געל בן־ עבד ואחיו באים שכמה והנם צרים את־ העיר עליך׃

Morphology

  • וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • אל: NEG
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בתרמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • לאמר: INF,qal,infc
  • הנה: PART
  • געל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
  • באים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
  • שכמה: NOUN,f,sg,suff,3,f
  • והנם: CONJ+DEM,3,m,pl
  • צרים: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • עליך: PREP+2ms

Parallels

  • Judg 9:26 (verbal): Same incident introduced earlier: Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers enter the city and take positions—directly identifies the rebels mentioned in v.31.
  • Judg 9:30 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: Abimelech hears the commotion and organizes his forces—shows the military response triggered by the report in v.31.
  • Judg 9:33 (verbal): Zebul secretly sends word to Abimelech about Gaal’s plotting—another instance of messengers/secret communication concerning the same revolt.
  • Judg 9:50 (thematic): Thebez episode (Abimelech at Thebez) continues the siege context and the motif of a city under threat and a leader besieged in a stronghold—the place named in v.31.

Alternative generated candidates

  • He sent messengers secretly to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and now they are fortifying the city against you.
  • He sent messengers to Abimelech at Arumah, saying, "Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem; and now they are in the city, plotting against you.
32 Now therefore, arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.

Jud.9.32 - Details

Translation

Now therefore, arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.

Original Text

ועתה קום לילה אתה והעם אשר־ אתך וארב בשדה׃

Morphology

  • ועתה: CONJ
  • קום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
  • לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
  • והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
  • וארב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Genesis 34:25 (thematic): A sudden, covert attack on a city/people after a prior incident—both passages describe lying in wait and striking unexpectedly.
  • Judges 7:19 (structural): Gideon's night-time surprise assault on the Midianite camp; parallels the tactic of rising at night and attacking by ambush.
  • 1 Samuel 26:7 (thematic): Discussion of a night operation against an enemy in his camp; shares the motif of preparing to lie in wait and exploit the cover of night.
  • Psalm 10:9 (thematic): Uses the imagery of lying in wait to trap the innocent; thematically parallels the idea of enemies ambushing others under cover.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Now therefore arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in ambush in the field.
  • Now therefore arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the plain.
33 And it shall be at morning that, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to him whatever your hand finds to do.”

Jud.9.33 - Details

Translation

And it shall be at morning that, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to him whatever your hand finds to do.”

Original Text

והיה בבקר כזרח השמש תשכים ופשטת על־ העיר והנה־ הוא והעם אשר־ אתו יצאים אליך ועשית לו כאשר תמצא ידך׃

Morphology

  • והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • בבקר: PREP
  • כזרח: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • השמש: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • תשכים: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • ופשטת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
  • על: PREP
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • והנה: ADV
  • הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
  • והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
  • יצאים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,mp,pl
  • אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
  • ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
  • לו: PRON,3,m,sg
  • כאשר: CONJ
  • תמצא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
  • ידך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:2,f,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 9:34 (structural): Direct continuation of the scene: the watchmen on the tower see the coming force and give the alarm—completes the tactical instruction given in 9:33.
  • Joshua 8:3-11 (thematic): Describes a planned ambush against a city at dawn and instructions to be ready when the inhabitants come out—parallels the tactic of watching early and striking when men exit the city.
  • 2 Samuel 18:24-27 (verbal): A watchman on a tower sights a runner and reports to those in the city/king—similar imagery and function of a tower-watchman observing movements and sounding an alarm.
  • Ezekiel 33:2-6 (thematic): Presentation of the watchman motif: one appointed to keep watch and warn of approaching danger—echoes the responsibility and tactical role of observers in Judges 9:33.

Alternative generated candidates

  • In the morning, when the sun is up, rise early and rush upon the city; behold, when he and the people who are with him come out to meet you, do to them whatever your hand finds to do.”
  • It shall be in the morning, as the sun rises, that you shall rise early and show yourself to the people; then, behold, they will come out to you; you shall do to them whatever your hand finds to do."
34 Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Jud.9.34 - Details

Translation

Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Original Text

ויקם אבימלך וכל־ העם אשר־ עמו לילה ויארבו על־ שכם ארבעה ראשים׃

Morphology

  • ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויארבו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
  • על: PREP
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
  • ראשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.45 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation of the same campaign against Shechem; both verses describe Abimelech’s military action and the capture/destruction of the city (same episode, same tactics).
  • Joshua 8:9-10 (structural): Joshua sends men by night to lie in ambush behind the city of Ai; parallels the tactic and sudden nocturnal assault described in Judg 9:34 (night ambush against a city).
  • Judg.21:10-11 (verbal): Describes Israel arising and attacking Jabesh-gilead by night to strike down its inhabitants; uses similar language and the same motif of a nocturnal surprise attack on a town/people.
  • Gen.14:15 (thematic): Abram divides his forces and attacks by night to rescue Lot—another early example of a decisive nocturnal military maneuver, thematically comparable to Abimelech’s night ambush.

Alternative generated candidates

  • So Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night and lay in ambush against Shechem in four companies.
  • So Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night and lay in wait against Shechem, in four companies.
35 Gaal went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush.

Jud.9.35 - Details

Translation

Gaal went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush.

Original Text

ויצא געל בן־ עבד ויעמד פתח שער העיר ויקם אבימלך והעם אשר־ אתו מן־ המארב׃

Morphology

  • ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • געל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
  • מן: PREP
  • המארב: NOUN,m,sg,def

Parallels

  • Judg.9.24 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode: earlier Abimelech and his men lie in ambush (מארב), the same ambush motif continued in v.35 when they rise up against those at the gate.
  • 2 Sam.15.2 (thematic): Absalom 'stood by the way of the gate' to win the people’s favor—parallel use of the city gate as a place for political maneuvering and rallying support (like Gaal standing at the gate).
  • Ruth 4.1 (structural): Boaz goes to sit at the city gate and convene elders; highlights the gate as the public forum for civic decisions and encounters—context for understanding Gaal’s presence there as a public claim to influence.
  • Gen.34.25-26 (thematic): Violent conflict centered on Shechem in an earlier narrative—like the uprising in Judges 9, Genesis 34 records bloodshed and communal rupture associated with Shechem’s inhabitants and leaders.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Gaal went out and stood in the gate of the city; Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush.
  • Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city; Abimelech rose and the people who were with him from the ambush.
36 When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadow of the mountains as if it were men.”

Jud.9.36 - Details

Translation

When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadow of the mountains as if it were men.”

Original Text

וירא־ געל את־ העם ויאמר אל־ זבל הנה־ עם יורד מראשי ההרים ויאמר אליו זבל את צל ההרים אתה ראה כאנשים׃

Morphology

  • וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • געל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אל: NEG
  • זבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • הנה: PART
  • עם: PREP
  • יורד: VERB,qal,part,ms,sg
  • מראשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
  • ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • זבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • את: PRT,acc
  • צל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ההרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
  • ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
  • כאנשים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs

Parallels

  • 2 Kings 7:6-7 (thematic): A scene of military misperception—Arameans hear sounds and flee, having mistaken a divinely caused noise for a large army. Both passages hinge on people erroneously perceiving an approaching force.
  • 2 Kings 6:15-17 (thematic): Contrast in "sight" in warfare: Elisha opens his servant's eyes to see the unseen heavenly host. Judges 9:36 likewise revolves around what is (or is not) seen—men versus shadows—and the consequences of perception.
  • Numbers 13:28-33 (thematic): The Israelite spies report enemy inhabitants on the hills and provoke fear by exaggerated perception. Like Gaal’s alarm at figures on the heights, this passage shows panic/overestimation of a threat seen from the hills.
  • Judges 9:37-41 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in the same episode: Zebul's dismissal of Gaal's sighting is followed by actions that expose and rout Gaal. These verses show the same incident’s outcome and the role of perception and deception in the conflict.

Alternative generated candidates

  • When Gaal saw the company, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You mean the shadow of the mountains that you see as men.”
  • When 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 see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men."
37 Gaal continued and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the way of the oak.”

Jud.9.37 - Details

Translation

Gaal continued and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the way of the oak.”

Original Text

ויסף עוד געל לדבר ויאמר הנה־ עם יורדים מעם טבור הארץ וראש־ אחד בא מדרך אלון מעוננים׃

Morphology

  • ויסף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • עוד: ADV
  • געל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • לדבר: INF,qal
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • הנה: PART
  • עם: PREP
  • יורדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
  • מעם: PREP
  • טבור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • וראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
  • בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • מדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • אלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • מעוננים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl

Parallels

  • Judg.9.36 (verbal): The immediately preceding verse is part of the same scene and shares the same report of people and movements around Shechem—close verbal and narrative continuity.
  • Judg.9.38 (structural): Continues the same episode (Gaal’s speech and the rising tension); the sequence shows the approaching forces that 9:37 announces and sets up the coming confrontation.
  • Judg.9.41 (thematic): Describes Abimelech’s tactical response (setting an ambush and marching against the town); thematically linked as the military reaction to the movement of people described in 9:37.
  • Judg.9.43 (thematic): Relates to the attack on Shechem and the rout of its defenders—this passage shows the outcome that the approaching forces in 9:37 precipitate.
  • 1 Sam.11.11 (thematic): A parallel instance of sudden mass movement and pursuit in battle language (the people mustering and pursuing the enemy); thematically comparable as a report of troops descending and engaging in a swift encounter.

Alternative generated candidates

  • And he spoke again, and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company comes from the way of the terebinth trees.”
  • Gaal continued to speak, and said, "Behold, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the way of the Oak of the Meadows."
38 Zebul said to him, “Where now are your arrogant words, by which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Do you not see him? Go out now and fight with him.”

Jud.9.38 - Details

Translation

Zebul said to him, “Where now are your arrogant words, by which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Do you not see him? Go out now and fight with him.”

Original Text

ויאמר אליו זבל איה אפוא פיך אשר תאמר מי אבימלך כי נעבדנו הלא זה העם אשר מאסתה בו צא־ נא עתה והלחם בו׃

Morphology

  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • זבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • איה: ADV,interr
  • אפוא: PART
  • פיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
  • מי: PRON,interr,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • כי: CONJ
  • נעבדנו: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
  • הלא: PART
  • זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • מאסתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
  • בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • צא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
  • נא: PART
  • עתה: ADV
  • והלחם: VERB,piel,impv,2,m,sg
  • בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.28-29 (verbal): Gaal’s earlier challenge uses the identical taunt “Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?” — Zebul’s remark in 9:38 directly recalls and mocks that very speech.
  • Judg.9.6 (thematic): Background: the men of Shechem chose and made Abimelech king. Zebul’s “is not this the people whom you despised?” alludes to the role and attitude of the Shechemites in founding Abimelech’s rule.
  • Judg.9.33-36 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Zebul becomes angry, sends word to Abimelech, and maneuvers against Gaal. Verse 9:38 is part of this sequence of taunting and tactical provocation.
  • Judg.9.39-41 (structural): Direct aftermath: Gaal, urged to fight, confronts Abimelech’s forces and is routed. The taunt in 9:38 precipitates the military engagement and Gaal’s defeat.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Zebul said to him, “Where now is your mouth with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him’? Are these not the people you despised? Go out now and fight with them.”
  • Zebul said to him, "Where now is your mouth that said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Are not these the men whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!"
39 Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.

Jud.9.39 - Details

Translation

Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.

Original Text

ויצא געל לפני בעלי שכם וילחם באבימלך׃

Morphology

  • ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • געל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • לפני: PREP
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • וילחם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • באבימלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.26-29 (structural): Immediate narrative lead-up: Gaal rallies in Shechem and Abimelech prepares to march against the city, setting the scene for the clash described in 9:39.
  • Judg.9.41-42 (structural): Direct continuation: describes the actual engagement in which Abimelech pursues and routs Gaal after the battle mentioned in 9:39.
  • Judg.9.45 (structural): Later consequence in the same episode: Abimelech retaliates against Shechem (burning and punishment) after the defeat of Gaal and the city's leaders.
  • 2 Sam.15:1-12 (thematic): Absalom’s conspiracy: local leaders and popular supporters rally behind a charismatic rebel to challenge central authority, paralleling Gaal’s mobilization of Shechemites against Abimelech.
  • Gen.34:7-13 (thematic): Shechemite civic leadership and collective action: the city's leaders negotiate and act on behalf of the town, reflecting the motif of communal leadership and city-based conflict seen in Shechem’s support of Gaal.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech.
  • Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech.
40 Abimelech pursued him, and he fled before him; many were struck down, even to the entrance of the gate.

Jud.9.40 - Details

Translation

Abimelech pursued him, and he fled before him; many were struck down, even to the entrance of the gate.

Original Text

וירדפהו אבימלך וינס מפניו ויפלו חללים רבים עד־ פתח השער׃

Morphology

  • וירדפהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וינס: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • מפניו: PREP+3ms
  • ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • חללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
  • עד: PREP
  • פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • השער: NOUN,m,sg,def

Parallels

  • Judges 9:45 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Abimelech attacks the city after the rout, showing the same sequence—pursuit, many slain, and subsequent assault on the city.
  • Joshua 8:24-26 (verbal): Describes a rout of a city in which the defenders are put to the sword and the king’s body is dealt with at the entrance/gate—parallel language and imagery of pursuit and slaughter up to the gate.
  • 1 Samuel 17:52 (verbal): After David’s defeat of the Philistines, Israel pursues and smites them 'until they came to the gate of Ekron,' echoing the motif of pursuit and killing extending to a city gate.
  • 2 Samuel 5:20 (thematic): David pursues the Philistines and slays many, leading to a named victory at the place of pursuit (Baal-perazim) — similar theme of pursuit producing a decisive slaughter and divine vindication.
  • Judges 4:15-22 (thematic): The LORD routs Sisera’s host, Sisera flees, and is killed—parallel theme of enemy flight after a rout and death resulting from the pursuit, highlighting divine action in battle.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech pursued him, and they fled before him; many fell wounded and died, and the slaughter reached as far as the entrance of the gate.
  • Abimelech pursued him, and they fled before him; many fell wounded as far as the entrance of the gate.
41 Abimelech dwelt at Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Jud.9.41 - Details

Translation

Abimelech dwelt at Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

Original Text

וישב אבימלך בארומה ויגרש זבל את־ געל ואת־ אחיו משבת בשכם׃

Morphology

  • וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בארומה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויגרש: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
  • זבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • את: PRT,acc
  • געל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ואת: CONJ
  • אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
  • משבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • בשכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.22-25 (structural): Same episode: Gaal's challenge to Abimelech and Zebul's counter-maneuver set the stage for Gaal's ouster from Shechem, directly leading to 9:41.
  • Judg.9.42 (structural): Immediate sequel in the narrative—Abimelech's movements and military actions follow the expulsion of Gaal and frame the continuing conflict over Shechem and Arumah.
  • Judg.9.50-56 (thematic): Later climax of the Abimelech story: siege of Thebez and Abimelech's death—parallels the cycle of violent contest for cities and the motif of retributive downfall begun in the Shechem episode.
  • Judg.8.22-28 (thematic): Contrast and background: Gideon's rejection of kingship and the crime of fratricide that gives rise to Abimelech (Judg.9:1–6); thematically connects issues of leadership, violence, and family betrayal behind the struggle over Shechem.
  • Gen.34.25-30 (thematic): Another violent episode centered on Shechem—massacre and expulsion in response to local offense. Provides a thematic parallel of city-centered intra-Israelite violence and communal retribution.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then Abimelech returned to Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.
  • Abimelech returned and dwelt at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers from Shechem.
42 On the next day the people went out into the field, and told Abimelech.

Jud.9.42 - Details

Translation

On the next day the people went out into the field, and told Abimelech.

Original Text

ויהי ממחרת ויצא העם השדה ויגדו לאבימלך׃

Morphology

  • ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • ממחרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • השדה: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ויגדו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • לאבימלך: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Ruth 2:2 (verbal): Both verses use the simple movement 'went out into the field' (Heb. יצא/יצאה אל השדה); shared verbal motif of people leaving town/household activity to go into the fields.
  • 2 Samuel 18:19-20 (verbal): Ahimaaz runs 'by the way of the plain/field' to bring tidings to the king—verbal and functional parallel of messengers/people moving through the field to report to a leader.
  • Judges 7:19-22 (structural): Gideon’s surprise attack exploits enemy movements and vulnerability outside the city—structural/military parallel in which action depends on people being in the field rather than fortified places.
  • 2 Kings 7:3-4 (thematic): The lepers go out from the besieged city to the Syrian camp in the field and then report back, triggering decisive action—thematic parallel of leaving the city, encountering events in the field, and reporting with major consequences.

Alternative generated candidates

  • On the next day the people went out into the fields, and told Abimelech.
  • The next day the people went out into the field, and it was reported to Abimelech.
43 He took his men and divided them into three companies and laid an ambush in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and struck them.

Jud.9.43 - Details

Translation

He took his men and divided them into three companies and laid an ambush in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and struck them.

Original Text

ויקח את־ העם ויחצם לשלשה ראשים ויארב בשדה וירא והנה העם יצא מן־ העיר ויקם עליהם ויכם׃

Morphology

  • ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ויחצם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,suff:3,m,pl
  • לשלשה: PREP+NUM,card
  • ראשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • ויארב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • והנה: ADV
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • מן: PREP
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • ויכם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,suff:3,m,pl

Parallels

  • Judges 7:16 (verbal): Uses the same military phrasing—division of forces into three companies—when Gideon organizes his men, a close verbal parallel to the tactic in Judg. 9:43.
  • Joshua 8:3-9 (thematic): Describes a deliberate ambush laid in the field and a feigned retreat to draw out the enemy (the ambush tactic and sudden rising against the foe are structurally similar to Judg. 9:43).
  • Judges 9:21-24 (structural): Earlier episodes in the same chapter depict Abimelech’s assaults on the Shechemites and the use of force and stratagems against the city—providing immediate narrative context and repeated motifs of divided forces and sudden attacks.
  • Judges 9:44-45 (structural): The verses immediately following 9:43 continue the same engagement—rising against the people and striking them—showing the close continuity of the ambush and slaughter motif within the passage.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech took the men and divided them into three companies and lay in ambush in the field; and when he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and struck them down.
  • He took the people and divided them into three companies and lay in wait in the field; and when he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and struck them.
44 Abimelech and the companies that were with him rushed and stood at the entrance of the gate; the other two companies rushed upon all who were in the fields and destroyed them.

Jud.9.44 - Details

Translation

Abimelech and the companies that were with him rushed and stood at the entrance of the gate; the other two companies rushed upon all who were in the fields and destroyed them.

Original Text

ואבימלך והראשים אשר עמו פשטו ויעמדו פתח שער העיר ושני הראשים פשטו על־ כל־ אשר בשדה ויכום׃

Morphology

  • ואבימלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • והראשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • פשטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
  • הראשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • פשטו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • על: PREP
  • כל: DET
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • בשדה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויכום: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl+OBJSUFF,3,m,pl

Parallels

  • Judges 9:45 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after standing at the city gate Abimelech and his men destroy the city — same episode showing the purpose of their deployment at the gate.
  • Judges 9:50-54 (thematic): Later scene in the same chapter where Abimelech assaults Thebez, takes up position by a fortified place/tower and is struck down — parallel siege/tower/gate combat motif and outcome of close urban assault.
  • Joshua 8:16-22 (thematic): Account of the ambush at Ai: Israel positions men to lie in wait while others engage outside the city and then stand at the gate to complete the assault — similar tactic of forces arrayed at gates and in the field.
  • Nehemiah 4:16-22 (thematic): Defensive deployment at gates and along the walls with armed men standing guard while workers labored — parallels the military posture of men standing at gateways to control access and protect/attack the city.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate of the city, while the other two companies rushed upon the people in the field; so they were put to the sword.
  • Abimelech and the companies that were with him rushed forward and stood at the entrance of the gate; the two other companies rushed upon all who were in the field and put them to the sword.
45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he captured the city, killed the people who were in it, razed the city, and sowed it with salt.

Jud.9.45 - Details

Translation

Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he captured the city, killed the people who were in it, razed the city, and sowed it with salt.

Original Text

ואבימלך נלחם בעיר כל היום ההוא וילכד את־ העיר ואת־ העם אשר־ בה הרג ויתץ את־ העיר ויזרעה מלח׃

Morphology

  • ואבימלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • נלחם: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,sg
  • בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • כל: DET
  • היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
  • וילכד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ואת: CONJ
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
  • הרג: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • ויתץ: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ויזרעה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • מלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.46 (verbal): Immediate parallel/variant within the same episode: repeats the sequence of fighting all day, taking the city, killing the people, razing it and sowing it with salt (minor verbal/sequence differences in textual witnesses).
  • Joshua 8:28-29 (structural): Joshua captures Ai, kills its inhabitants and burns the city, then makes it a desolation — a comparable structure of siege, slaughter and utter destruction of a city.
  • Joshua 6:21 (thematic): The conquest of Jericho: 'they utterly destroyed all in the city, both man and woman,' reflecting the motif of total annihilation of a city and its people found in Judges 9:45.
  • 1 Samuel 15:3 (allusion): God's command to Saul to 'utterly destroy' Amalek and put everything to the sword shares the same lexical/thematic field of divinely or militarily mandated annihilation and killing of inhabitants.
  • 2 Kings 25:9 (thematic): The Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem—burning the house of the LORD, breaking down the city and slaying inhabitants—parallels the themes of siege, capture, burning and destruction described in Judges 9:45.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he took the city and killed the people who were in it and razed the city and sowed it with salt.
  • That day Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and took the city and killed the people who were therein; he razed the city and sowed it with salt.
46 When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they went and entered the stronghold of the house of their god.

Jud.9.46 - Details

Translation

When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they went and entered the stronghold of the house of their god.

Original Text

וישמעו כל־ בעלי מגדל־ שכם ויבאו אל־ צריח בית אל ברית׃

Morphology

  • וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • כל: DET
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • מגדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • אל: NEG
  • צריח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אל: NEG
  • ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.4 (verbal): The same locale and institutional name appear earlier in the episode (the leaders/inhabitants of Shechem and the house of El‑berith), repeating language and setting used in 9:46.
  • Judg.9.26 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Abimelech's mustering and movement against Shechem (mount Zalmon) sets the military context that prompts the men of the tower to withdraw to the house of El‑berith.
  • Judg.9.41 (structural): Continuation of the same episode—this verse describes the assault on Shechem and the fate of its inhabitants, showing the outcome for those who sought refuge in the town’s strongholds.
  • Judg.9.50 (thematic): A recurring motif in the Abimelech narrative: people taking refuge in a strong tower (here at Thebez) during a siege, with violent consequences—parallels the motif of seeking safety in a tower/stronghold seen in 9:46.

Alternative generated candidates

  • When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith.
  • When all the leaders of Mount Shechem heard of it, they gathered and went into the stronghold of the house of El-berith.
47 And it was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem had assembled.

Jud.9.47 - Details

Translation

And it was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem had assembled.

Original Text

ויגד לאבימלך כי התקבצו כל־ בעלי מגדל־ שכם׃

Morphology

  • ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • לאבימלך: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • כי: CONJ
  • התקבצו: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,pl
  • כל: DET
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • מגדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judges 9:6 (thematic): Abimelech's initial dealings with the leaders/people of Shechem — both verses highlight the city’s elite as a political constituency whose support or resistance shapes the conflict.
  • Judges 9:33 (thematic): Description of Gaal's mobilization and the threatened clash at Shechem; thematically parallels the report that the city's tower-lords have gathered in preparation for confrontation.
  • Judges 9:46 (verbal): Mentions the inhabitants taking refuge in 'the tower of Shechem' and the defensive gathering there — closely related language and situation to 9:47’s report of the tower-men assembling.
  • Genesis 34:8-12 (thematic): Hamor and the leaders of Shechem assemble to negotiate after Dinah’s violation; parallels the motif of Shechem’s civic leaders gathering to deliberate or respond to a crisis.

Alternative generated candidates

  • And it was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem had gathered together.
  • Abimelech was told that they had gathered together at the tower of Shechem.
48 Abimelech went up Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch, carried it on his shoulder, and said to the people who were with him, “See what I have done; do likewise.”

Jud.9.48 - Details

Translation

Abimelech went up Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch, carried it on his shoulder, and said to the people who were with him, “See what I have done; do likewise.”

Original Text

ויעל אבימלך הר־ צלמון הוא וכל־ העם אשר־ אתו ויקח אבימלך את־ הקרדמות בידו ויכרת שוכת עצים וישאה וישם על־ שכמו ויאמר אל־ העם אשר־ עמו מה ראיתם עשיתי מהרו עשו כמוני׃

Morphology

  • ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
  • צלמון: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
  • וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
  • ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • את: PRT,acc
  • הקרדמות: NOUN,f,pl,def
  • בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
  • ויכרת: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
  • שוכת: NOUN,f,pl,abs
  • עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • וישאה: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
  • וישם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • על: PREP
  • שכמו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אל: NEG
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • מה: PRON,int
  • ראיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
  • עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
  • מהרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • כמוני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.49 (verbal): Immediate continuation — the people with Abimelech 'did likewise' (וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כְּמֹו), echoing 9:48's call to copy his action and showing the tactic's immediate effect.
  • Judg.9.50–55 (structural): Narrative sequence describing the assault on Shechem (setting fire to towers, slaughtering the people) that follows the preparatory action in 9:48–49; shows the tactical purpose of cutting branches and mobilizing the men.
  • 1 Sam.17:40–51 (thematic): David's initiative in arming himself and engaging Goliath parallels Abimelech's leading-by-example preparation for combat — a leader acting first and others following into battle.
  • Exod.17:11–13 (thematic): Moses' visible action (holding up his hands) affects the battle's outcome and requires supporters to act (Aaron and Hur supporting him), paralleling the motif of a leader's demonstrative act prompting and enabling the people's success.

Alternative generated candidates

  • So Abimelech went up Mount Zalmon, he and all the people with him. Abimelech took an ax in his hand and cut down a branch of a tree and lifted it and put it on his shoulder and said to the people who were with him, “What you see me do, do quickly.”
  • Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him, and took an ax in his hand and cut down a bough and laid it on his shoulder and said to the people who were with him, "What you see I have done; do quickly as I have done."
49 All the people likewise cut down every man his branch and followed Abimelech; and they put them to the stronghold and set the stronghold on fire, and all the people who were in the stronghold died—about a thousand men and women.

Jud.9.49 - Details

Translation

All the people likewise cut down every man his branch and followed Abimelech; and they put them to the stronghold and set the stronghold on fire, and all the people who were in the stronghold died—about a thousand men and women.

Original Text

ויכרתו גם־ כל־ העם איש שוכה וילכו אחרי אבימלך וישימו על־ הצריח ויציתו עליהם את־ הצריח באש וימתו גם כל־ אנשי מגדל־ שכם כאלף איש ואשה׃

Morphology

  • ויכרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • גם: ADV
  • כל: DET
  • העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שוכה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • אחרי: PREP
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • על: PREP
  • הצריח: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • ויציתו: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,pl
  • עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • את: PRT,acc
  • הצריח: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • וימתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • גם: ADV
  • כל: DET
  • אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
  • מגדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • כאלף: NUM,card,sg
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ואשה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judges 9:45 (structural): Immediate narrative lead-in: earlier actions by Abimelech against Shechem (capture and slaughter) form part of the same siege sequence that culminates in the burning of the tower in v.49.
  • Judges 9:53-54 (structural): Immediate narrative aftermath: continues the episode of assaults on fortified refuges (another tower at Thebez) and records Abimelech’s fate—both scenes frame the pattern of siege, refuge in towers, and violent death.
  • 2 Kings 10:18-28 (thematic): Jehu’s purge of Baal worshippers: mass slaughter and the burning/clearing of a rival center to secure political/religious control—parallels Abimelech’s violent elimination of a city’s populace to consolidate power.
  • 2 Kings 25:8-9 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar’s burning and destruction of Jerusalem in the context of siege warfare: use of fire in siege operations to destroy defenders and the urban center, comparable to the burning of the tower at Shechem.

Alternative generated candidates

  • All the people likewise cut down branches and followed him, and they put them against the tower and set the tower on fire with the branches; thus all the men of the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, perished.
  • So each of the people cut down his bough and followed Abimelech, and they placed them against the tower and set the tower on fire with them; thus they died, about a thousand men and women.
50 Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.

Jud.9.50 - Details

Translation

Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.

Original Text

וילך אבימלך אל־ תבץ ויחן בתבץ וילכדה׃

Morphology

  • וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אל: NEG
  • תבץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ויחן: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
  • בתבץ: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וילכדה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9:53-54 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode at Thebez; describes the fall from the tower and Abimelech’s death, completing the narrative begun in 9:50 (encamping and taking the town).
  • Judg.9:45 (structural): Earlier episode in the Abimelech cycle where he attacks and takes Shechem; parallels 9:50 in motive and method—an ambitious leader besieging and capturing a city in order to secure power.
  • Judg.9:1-6 (thematic): Abimelech’s rise to power in Shechem and the political alliances that lead to his campaigns; provides context for his subsequent military actions such as the encampment and capture of Thebez.
  • Josh.8:1-29 (thematic): Joshua’s campaign against Ai (encamping, ruse, and capture of the city); similar language and military pattern of approaching a city, encamping, and seizing it.
  • 2 Sam.20:15-22 (thematic): Siege and capture of Abel-beth-maacah (flight to a tower, city taken); thematically parallels urban siege, tower refuge, and violent resolution found in the Thebez episode.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and took it.
  • Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.
51 There was a strong tower within the city; all the people and women and all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in, and went up to the top of the tower.

Jud.9.51 - Details

Translation

There was a strong tower within the city; all the people and women and all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in, and went up to the top of the tower.

Original Text

ומגדל־ עז היה בתוך־ העיר וינסו שמה כל־ האנשים והנשים וכל בעלי העיר ויסגרו בעדם ויעלו על־ גג המגדל׃

Morphology

  • ומגדל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • בתוך: PREP
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • וינסו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,pl
  • שמה: ADV
  • כל: DET
  • האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
  • והנשים: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,def
  • וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
  • בעלי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
  • העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
  • ויסגרו: CONJ+VERB,nifal,wayy,3,m,pl
  • בעדם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
  • ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
  • על: PREP
  • גג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • המגדל: NOUN,m,sg,def

Parallels

  • Judg.9.52-55 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Abimelech burns the tower and the people on its roof are killed — directly completes the scene of inhabitants fleeing to and going up on the tower.
  • Genesis 11:4 (thematic): City-centred tower motif — people building/using a tower in a city as a focal, communal structure; parallels the motif of a tower in an urban setting and ascent to it.
  • Nehemiah 4:16-20 (thematic): Community using walls/towers and placing defenders and noncombatants behind/upon them during an attack — similar idea of refuge, defense and occupation of elevated city structures.
  • Micah 4:8 (allusion): Mention of a named tower (Migdal‑eder) as a symbolic tower of the community; parallels the use of a named tower (Migdal‑oz) as a place tied to the city's fate and security.
  • 2 Samuel 11:2 (verbal): Uses the image of people going up onto a roof — the roof as a narrated setting for important, often vulnerable, scenes; echoes the rooftop refuge/location in Judges 9:51.

Alternative generated candidates

  • There was a strong tower within the city, and all the people and the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in and went up to the top of the tower.
  • There was a strong tower within the city; all the people fled there and shut themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower.
52 Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to set it on fire.

Jud.9.52 - Details

Translation

Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to set it on fire.

Original Text

ויבא אבימלך עד־ המגדל וילחם בו ויגש עד־ פתח המגדל לשרפו באש׃

Morphology

  • ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • עד: PREP
  • המגדל: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • וילחם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
  • ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
  • עד: PREP
  • פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • המגדל: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • לשרפו: VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
  • באש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judg.9.46 (structural): Immediate narrative context: earlier fighting in Thebez—part of the same assault sequence on the city and its stronghold.
  • Judg.9.53 (structural): Direct sequel: outcome of the assault on the tower (the woman drops a millstone that mortally wounds Abimelech).
  • Joshua 8:28 (thematic): The burning of a captured place after assault (Ai is burned), paralleling the tactic of setting an enemy stronghold on fire.
  • 2 Samuel 20:15-22 (thematic): Siege and assault on a fortified place (Abel‑beth‑maachah) where attackers undermine/assault walls and towers to capture a rebel—comparable military operations against fortified positions.
  • 2 Kings 25:9 (thematic): Destruction by fire of urban strongholds and houses during a siege (Babylonian burning of Jerusalem), reflecting the lethal and destructive consequences of siege warfare described in Judges 9:52.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
  • Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
53 A certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Jud.9.53 - Details

Translation

A certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Original Text

ותשלך אשה אחת פלח רכב על־ ראש אבימלך ותרץ את־ גלגלתו׃

Morphology

  • ותשלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • אחת: NUM,f,sg
  • פלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • על: PREP
  • ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ותרץ: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
  • את: PRT,acc
  • גלגלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.54 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Abimelech is mortally wounded and his armor-bearer finishes him off; explains aftermath and motive for concealing that a woman struck him.
  • 2 Kgs.9.33 (thematic): Jezebel is thrown from a window and her head is crushed/dashed — a parallel motif of a violent death in which the victim's head is smashed.
  • Matt.18.6 (verbal): Uses the image of a millstone to convey violent harm ('it would be better to have a millstone hung...') — echoes the lethal use of a millstone/stone imagery in Judges 9:53.
  • Rev.18.21 (allusion): A great millstone is thrown into the sea to signify decisive destruction; parallels the act of hurling a heavy stone as a means of violent overthrow or judgment.

Alternative generated candidates

  • But a certain woman cast an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull.
  • But a certain woman cast an upper millstone and dropped it on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.
54 Then he called quickly to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, that men may not say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So the young man thrust him through, and he died.

Jud.9.54 - Details

Translation

Then he called quickly to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, that men may not say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So the young man thrust him through, and he died.

Original Text

ויקרא מהרה אל־ הנער ׀ נשא כליו ויאמר לו שלף חרבך ומותתני פן־ יאמרו לי אשה הרגתהו וידקרהו נערו וימת׃

Morphology

  • ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
  • מהרה: ADV
  • אל: NEG
  • הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
  • נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • כליו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
  • ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • לו: PRON,3,m,sg
  • שלף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • חרבך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms_suff
  • ומותתני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
  • פן: CONJ
  • יאמרו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
  • לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
  • אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
  • הרגתהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg+obj:3,m,sg
  • וידקרהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+obj:3,m,sg
  • נערו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.53 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse describes the woman dropping an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, causing the wound that prompts his command to his young attendant to finish him off.
  • Judg.4.21-22 (thematic): Jael, a woman, kills the military commander Sisera with a tent peg—a parallel instance of a woman delivering the fatal blow to a leader; Judges 9:54 reacts with shame at such an outcome rather than the honor Jael receives.
  • 1 Sam.31.4-6 (thematic): Saul begs his armor-bearer to kill him to avoid capture and dishonor; the motif of a leader asking an attendant to end his life to prevent humiliation closely parallels Abimelech’s command.
  • Judg.16.28-30 (thematic): Samson’s deliberate death—pulling down the temple to die with his enemies—echoes the theme of preferring death over capture or disgrace and using death as a way to control the manner of one’s end.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Then he called quickly to his young man and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him,’ and thus bring reproach upon me.” So his young man thrust him through, and he died.
  • Then he called hastily to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, "Draw your sword and kill me, lest it be said of me, 'A woman killed him.'" So the young man thrust him through, and he died.
55 When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they each went to his own home.

Jud.9.55 - Details

Translation

When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they each went to his own home.

Original Text

ויראו איש־ ישראל כי מת אבימלך וילכו איש למקמו׃

Morphology

  • ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • כי: CONJ
  • מת: ADJ,m,sg
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
  • איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • למקמו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg

Parallels

  • Judg.9.56 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: explains the theological/ moral outcome of Abimelech’s death and functions as the closing judgment on his house—direct structural parallel within the same episode.
  • Judg.4.21-22 (allusion): A woman delivers the fatal blow to an enemy commander (Jael killing Sisera); both scenes feature an unexpected, domestic instrument of death that ends the pursuit of the enemy commander.
  • 1 Sam.31.4-7 (thematic): Death of a leader on the battlefield (Saul) and the ensuing cessation of immediate military action and attention to the corpse; parallels the end of hostilities and the communal response when a chief is found dead.
  • 2 Sam.4.8-12 (thematic): The killing of a rival leader (Ish‑bosheth) and the political aftermath: recognition of the leader’s death brings an end to a competing claim and triggers consequences for the perpetrators—similar dynamics to Abimelech’s death halting pursuit and closing the episode.

Alternative generated candidates

  • When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, each went to his own home.
  • When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they went each to his own place.
56 God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers.

Jud.9.56 - Details

Translation

God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers.

Original Text

וישב אלהים את רעת אבימלך אשר עשה לאביו להרג את־ שבעים אחיו׃

Morphology

  • וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • את: PRT,acc
  • רעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
  • אבימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • אשר: PRON,rel
  • עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
  • לאביו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
  • להרג: VERB,qal,inf
  • את: PRT,acc
  • שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
  • אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Judges 9:5 (structural): Same narrative episode: earlier report that Abimelech killed his seventy brothers—the crime to which God’s retribution in v.56 responds.
  • Psalm 7:15-16 (verbal): Image of a man's evil/plot returning on his own head (‘his mischief returns upon his own head’) parallels the wording and idea that God returned Abimelech’s wickedness to him.
  • Deuteronomy 32:35 (thematic): “Vengeance is mine, and recompense” asserts divine repayment of wrongs, thematically matching God’s punishment of Abimelech.
  • Romans 12:19 (quotation): New Testament citation of Deut 32:35—‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay’—used to affirm that God, not humans, repays evil, echoing the principle behind Judg 9:56.
  • Genesis 9:6 (thematic): Principle of bloodguilt—those who shed human blood deserve recompense—provides legal/theological background for divine retribution against a man who murdered his brothers.

Alternative generated candidates

  • Thus God repaid the evil of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his seventy brothers.
  • God repaid the evil of Abimelech that he had done to his father by killing his seventy brothers.
57 And all the wickedness of the leaders of Shechem God also returned upon their own heads, and the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.

Jud.9.57 - Details

Translation

And all the wickedness of the leaders of Shechem God also returned upon their own heads, and the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.

Original Text

ואת כל־ רעת אנשי שכם השיב אלהים בראשם ותבא אליהם קללת יותם בן־ ירבעל׃

Morphology

  • ואת: CONJ
  • כל: DET
  • רעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
  • אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
  • שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
  • השיב: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
  • אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
  • בראשם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,pl
  • ותבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
  • אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
  • קללת: NOUN,f,sg,const
  • יותם: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
  • בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
  • ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs

Parallels

  • Obadiah 1:15 (verbal): Uses the same idea and near-verbatim language — “as ye have done, it shall be done unto you; thy reward shall return upon thine own head,” echoing God’s returning evil on the heads of the men of Shechem.
  • Psalm 7:16 (Heb. 7:17) (verbal): Explicitly states that a wicked man’s mischief will ‘return upon his own head,’ a close verbal and conceptual parallel to God returning the men of Shechem’s evil to them.
  • Proverbs 26:27 (thematic): Proverbial image of retributive justice — one who digs a pit or rolls a stone brings the harm back upon himself — parallels the motif of perpetrators suffering their own devices.
  • Deuteronomy 32:35 (thematic): God’s declaration of divine retribution (“Vengeance is mine, and recompense... I will repay”) frames the same theological principle: God repays evil to evildoers.

Alternative generated candidates

  • And all the evil of the men of Shechem God returned upon their own heads; and the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.
  • And all the evil of the leaders of Shechem God returned upon their own heads; and the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.

Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother's brothers and spoke to them and to all his mother's kin, saying,

“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? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” And his mother's brothers spoke all these words in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the house of Baal-berith, and Abimelech hired reckless, worthless fellows, and they went with him.

He came to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men on one stone; and Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself.

All the leaders of Shechem and all the house of Millo gathered together and went and made Abimelech king by the pillar beside the oak that is at Shechem.

When it was told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and lifted up his voice and cried out and said to them, “Listen to me, you leaders of Shechem, that God may listen to you.”

The trees went forth to anoint a king over them; and they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ But the olive tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.’ And the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I cease my sweetness and my good fruit to go hold sway over the trees?’

Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.’ And the vine said to them, ‘Shall I cease my wine, which gladdens both gods and men, to go hold sway over the trees?’

Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come, you reign over us.’

The bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out from the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’

“Now therefore, if you have truly and sincerely acted and have made Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have repaid him according to the deeds of his hands,

—which my father fought for you and put his life in his hand and delivered you from the hand of Midian—

and you have risen up today against my father's house and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech son of his maidservant king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your kinsman,

if then you have acted truly and sincerely toward Jerubbaal and his house today, rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you;

but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and the house of Millo and devour Abimelech.”

Then Jotham escaped and fled and went to Beer, and lived there because of Abimelech his brother.

Abimelech reigned over Israel three years.

God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem betrayed Abimelech.

It was to repay the wickedness done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, whose blood Abimelech had shed, and to lay their blood upon Abimelech their brother, who killed them; and upon the leaders of Shechem who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers.

The leaders of Shechem set ambushes for him on the tops of the mountains; they robbed all who passed by them on the road, and it was told Abimelech.

Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers passed by Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem put their trust in him.

They went out into the field and gathered their grapes and trod them and made merry, and went into the house of their god, ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.

Gaal said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal? And indeed Zebul is his officer. Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem; why should we serve him?” And who will deliver this people into my hand, that I may put Abimelech in his place? Abimelech said, “Make your men great, and go out.”

Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, and his anger was kindled.

He sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah, saying, “Behold, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you. Now therefore, arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field. And it shall be at morning that, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to him whatever your hand finds to do.”

Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose by night and lay in wait against Shechem in four companies.

Gaal went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose from the ambush.

When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadow of the mountains as if it were men.”

Gaal continued and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the way of the oak.”

Zebul said to him, “Where now are your arrogant words, by which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Do you not see him? Go out now and fight with him.”

Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.

Abimelech pursued him, and he fled before him; many were struck down, even to the entrance of the gate.

Abimelech dwelt at Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

On the next day the people went out into the field, and told Abimelech.

He took his men and divided them into three companies and laid an ambush in the field. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and struck them.

Abimelech and the companies that were with him rushed and stood at the entrance of the gate; the other two companies rushed upon all who were in the fields and destroyed them.

Abimelech fought against the city all that day; he captured the city, killed the people who were in it, razed the city, and sowed it with salt.

When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they went and entered the stronghold of the house of their god. And it was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem had assembled.

Abimelech went up Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him. Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch, carried it on his shoulder, and said to the people who were with him, “See what I have done; do likewise.”

All the people likewise cut down every man his branch and followed Abimelech; and they put them to the stronghold and set the stronghold on fire, and all the people who were in the stronghold died—about a thousand men and women.

Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it.

There was a strong tower within the city; all the people and women and all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in, and went up to the top of the tower.

Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to set it on fire.

A certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Then he called quickly to the young man who carried his armor and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, that men may not say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So the young man thrust him through, and he died.

When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they each went to his own home.

God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. And all the wickedness of the leaders of Shechem God also returned upon their own heads, and the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal came upon them.