亞比米勒做王

耶路·巴力的兒子亞比米勒去示劍的舅舅家,對外祖父全家說: 「請你們去問示劍人,耶路·巴力的七十個兒子統治他們好呢,還是一個人統治他們好呢?別忘記我是你們的骨肉至親。」 他們便將他的話轉告示劍人。示劍人因為亞比米勒是他們的親戚,都擁護他, 從巴力·比利土的廟裡拿了七十塊銀子給他。他用這些錢收買了一班無賴做隨從。 他前往俄弗拉,來到他父親家,在一塊磐石上殺死了他七十個同父異母的兄弟,只有耶路·巴力的小兒子約坦躲了起來,倖免於難。 示劍和米羅的人都聚集到示劍石柱旁的橡樹下,擁立亞比米勒為王。

約坦聽見這消息,便上到基利心山頂,高喊:「示劍人啊,你們要聽我說,這樣上帝也會聽你們說。 從前,樹木要選一個王,它們對橄欖樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 橄欖樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖凌駕於眾樹之上而停止出產用來尊崇神與人的橄欖油呢?』 10 樹木對無花果樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 11 無花果樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖淩駕於眾樹之上而停止出產甜美的果子呢?』 12 於是,樹木對葡萄樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 13 葡萄樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖淩駕於眾樹之上而停止出產令神明和世人都快樂的美酒呢?』 14 最後,所有的樹木都對荊棘說,『你來做我們的王。』 15 荊棘回答說,『倘若你們誠心立我為你們的王,就投靠在我的蔭下吧;不然,願火從荊棘中冒出來吞噬黎巴嫩的香柏樹。』

16 「現在你們立亞比米勒為王,光明正大嗎?你們有沒有善待耶路·巴力和他一家?有沒有按他的功績對待他? 17 你們想想,從前我父親為你們出生入死,從米甸人手中拯救你們。 18 現在你們卻背叛我父親家,在一塊磐石上殺死他七十個兒子。因為他婢女的兒子亞比米勒是你們的親戚,你們就立亞比米勒為王。 19 倘若你們光明正大地對待了耶路·巴力一家,願你們給亞比米勒帶來快樂,也願亞比米勒給你們帶來快樂。 20 否則,願亞比米勒燒滅你們示劍人和米羅人,也願你們示劍人和米羅人燒滅亞比米勒。」 21 約坦因懼怕他的兄弟亞比米勒,就逃往比珥居住。

亞比米勒毀滅示劍

22 亞比米勒治理以色列三年後, 23 上帝派遣一個邪靈挑起亞比米勒和示劍人之間的爭端,示劍人用詭詐的手段對待亞比米勒。 24 這是要懲罰亞比米勒和幫他殘殺耶路·巴力七十個兒子的示劍人。 25 示劍人在山頂設下埋伏,等候亞比米勒,他們搶劫所有過路的行人。有人把這事告訴了亞比米勒。

26 以別的兒子迦勒和他的弟兄來到示劍,示劍人都信任他們。 27 示劍人出城到田間採摘葡萄,踩榨葡萄汁,然後在他們的神廟中歡宴,盡情吃喝,咒詛亞比米勒。 28 以別的兒子迦勒說:「亞比米勒是誰?我們示劍人是誰,竟要服侍他?他不就是耶路·巴力的兒子嗎?他的幫手不就是西布勒嗎?我們為什麼要服侍他?你們要服侍示劍人祖先哈抹的後代。 29 要是這百姓歸我領導就好了!我會除掉亞比米勒,我會挑戰他召集全軍來戰[a]。」

30 示劍城的官長西布勒聽見以別的兒子迦勒的話,勃然大怒, 31 暗中派人對亞比米勒說:「以別的兒子迦勒和他的弟兄已經到了示劍,正在煽動全城反對你。 32 請你晚上帶著部下埋伏在田間, 33 清晨日出時攻城。迦勒帶著部下出來應戰時,你便可以見機行事。」

34 於是,亞比米勒帶領軍隊夜間出發,兵分四路埋伏在示劍城外。 35 早晨,以別的兒子迦勒出來站在城門口時,亞比米勒帶領部下從埋伏的地方衝了出來。 36 迦勒看見他們,便對西布勒說:「看!有人正從山頂下來。」西布勒說:「你把山影看成人了吧。」 37 迦勒說:「看!有人正從山上下來,還有一隊人正從占卜橡樹那邊的路上奔來。」 38 西布勒說:「你的豪氣哪裡去了?你曾說,『亞比米勒是誰,我們竟要服侍他?』這些不就是你譏笑的人嗎?出去迎戰吧!」 39 於是,迦勒率領示劍人出城迎戰亞比米勒。 40 迦勒敗逃,亞比米勒緊追不捨,沿途有許多人受傷倒在地上,一直到城門口。 41 之後,亞比米勒住在亞魯瑪,西布勒把迦勒和他的弟兄逐出示劍。

42 第二天,示劍人出城來到田間。亞比米勒得知後, 43 把部下兵分三隊,埋伏在田間,等城裡的人出來時,伏擊他們。 44 亞比米勒率領一隊人衝到示劍的城門口,截斷示劍人的退路,其他兩隊擊殺田間的示劍人。 45 亞比米勒鏖戰一天,攻陷了示劍城,殺了城內的居民,把整座城夷為平地,還撒上了鹽。

46 示劍樓的人聽到風聲,躲進了巴力·比利土神廟的內堂。 47 亞比米勒得知後, 48 便領兵上撒門山用斧頭砍下樹枝,扛在肩上,並命令部下趕緊照做。 49 他們都砍下一根樹枝,跟著亞比米勒把樹枝堆在神廟內堂的四周,放火燒死了裡面所有的人,男女約一千人。

50 隨後,亞比米勒去圍攻提備斯,佔領了該城。 51 全城的人都逃進城中一座堅固的城樓內,鎖上大門,爬上樓頂。 52 亞比米勒攻打城樓,走到城樓門口正準備放火時, 53 有個婦人扔下一塊磨石,砸爛了他的頭。 54 亞比米勒連忙對為他拿兵器的年輕人說:「拔刀殺了我吧,免得人們說,『一位婦人殺了他。』」於是,那年輕人刺死了他。 55 以色列人見亞比米勒已死,便各自回家了。 56 上帝就這樣使亞比米勒得到了報應,因為他殘殺了自己的七十個兄弟, 57 也讓示劍人因自己的一切惡行而得到了報應。耶路·巴力的兒子約坦的咒詛臨到了他們。

Footnotes

  1. 9·29 我會挑戰他召集全軍來戰」參考七十士譯本;希伯來文為「他對亞比米勒說:『召集你的全軍來戰吧!』」

亚比米勒做王

耶路·巴力的儿子亚比米勒去示剑的舅舅家,对外祖父全家说: “请你们去问示剑人,耶路·巴力的七十个儿子统治他们好呢,还是一个人统治他们好呢?别忘记我是你们的骨肉至亲。” 他们便将他的话转告示剑人。示剑人因为亚比米勒是他们的亲戚,都拥护他, 从巴力·比利土的庙里拿了七十块银子给他。他用这些钱收买了一班无赖做随从。 他前往俄弗拉,来到他父亲家,在一块磐石上杀死了他七十个同父异母的兄弟,只有耶路·巴力的小儿子约坦躲了起来,幸免于难。 示剑和米罗的人都聚集到示剑石柱旁的橡树下,拥立亚比米勒为王。

约坦听见这消息,便上到基利心山顶,高喊:“示剑人啊,你们要听我说,这样上帝也会听你们说。 从前,树木要选一个王,它们对橄榄树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 橄榄树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产用来尊崇神与人的橄榄油呢?’ 10 树木对无花果树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 11 无花果树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产甜美的果子呢?’ 12 于是,树木对葡萄树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 13 葡萄树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产令神明和世人都快乐的美酒呢?’ 14 最后,所有的树木都对荆棘说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 15 荆棘回答说,‘倘若你们诚心立我为你们的王,就投靠在我的荫下吧;不然,愿火从荆棘中冒出来吞噬黎巴嫩的香柏树。’

16 “现在你们立亚比米勒为王,光明正大吗?你们有没有善待耶路·巴力和他一家?有没有按他的功绩对待他? 17 你们想想,从前我父亲为你们出生入死,从米甸人手中拯救你们。 18 现在你们却背叛我父亲家,在一块磐石上杀死他七十个儿子。因为他婢女的儿子亚比米勒是你们的亲戚,你们就立亚比米勒为王。 19 倘若你们光明正大地对待了耶路·巴力一家,愿你们给亚比米勒带来快乐,也愿亚比米勒给你们带来快乐。 20 否则,愿亚比米勒烧灭你们示剑人和米罗人,也愿你们示剑人和米罗人烧灭亚比米勒。” 21 约坦因惧怕他的兄弟亚比米勒,就逃往比珥居住。

亚比米勒毁灭示剑

22 亚比米勒治理以色列三年后, 23 上帝派遣一个邪灵挑起亚比米勒和示剑人之间的争端,示剑人用诡诈的手段对待亚比米勒。 24 这是要惩罚亚比米勒和帮他残杀耶路·巴力七十个儿子的示剑人。 25 示剑人在山顶设下埋伏,等候亚比米勒,他们抢劫所有过路的行人。有人把这事告诉了亚比米勒。

26 以别的儿子迦勒和他的弟兄来到示剑,示剑人都信任他们。 27 示剑人出城到田间采摘葡萄,踩榨葡萄汁,然后在他们的神庙中欢宴,尽情吃喝,咒诅亚比米勒。 28 以别的儿子迦勒说:“亚比米勒是谁?我们示剑人是谁,竟要服侍他?他不就是耶路·巴力的儿子吗?他的帮手不就是西布勒吗?我们为什么要服侍他?你们要服侍示剑人祖先哈抹的后代。 29 要是这百姓归我领导就好了!我会除掉亚比米勒,我会挑战他召集全军来战[a]。”

30 示剑城的官长西布勒听见以别的儿子迦勒的话,勃然大怒, 31 暗中派人对亚比米勒说:“以别的儿子迦勒和他的弟兄已经到了示剑,正在煽动全城反对你。 32 请你晚上带着部下埋伏在田间, 33 清晨日出时攻城。迦勒带着部下出来应战时,你便可以见机行事。”

34 于是,亚比米勒带领军队夜间出发,兵分四路埋伏在示剑城外。 35 早晨,以别的儿子迦勒出来站在城门口时,亚比米勒带领部下从埋伏的地方冲了出来。 36 迦勒看见他们,便对西布勒说:“看!有人正从山顶下来。”西布勒说:“你把山影看成人了吧。” 37 迦勒说:“看!有人正从山上下来,还有一队人正从占卜橡树那边的路上奔来。” 38 西布勒说:“你的豪气哪里去了?你曾说,‘亚比米勒是谁,我们竟要服侍他?’这些不就是你讥笑的人吗?出去迎战吧!” 39 于是,迦勒率领示剑人出城迎战亚比米勒。 40 迦勒败逃,亚比米勒紧追不舍,沿途有许多人受伤倒在地上,一直到城门口。 41 之后,亚比米勒住在亚鲁玛,西布勒把迦勒和他的弟兄逐出示剑。

42 第二天,示剑人出城来到田间。亚比米勒得知后, 43 把部下兵分三队,埋伏在田间,等城里的人出来时,伏击他们。 44 亚比米勒率领一队人冲到示剑的城门口,截断示剑人的退路,其他两队击杀田间的示剑人。 45 亚比米勒鏖战一天,攻陷了示剑城,杀了城内的居民,把整座城夷为平地,还撒上了盐。

46 示剑楼的人听到风声,躲进了巴力·比利土神庙的内堂。 47 亚比米勒得知后, 48 便领兵上撒门山用斧头砍下树枝,扛在肩上,并命令部下赶紧照做。 49 他们都砍下一根树枝,跟着亚比米勒把树枝堆在神庙内堂的四周,放火烧死了里面所有的人,男女约一千人。

50 随后,亚比米勒去围攻提备斯,占领了该城。 51 全城的人都逃进城中一座坚固的城楼内,锁上大门,爬上楼顶。 52 亚比米勒攻打城楼,走到城楼门口正准备放火时, 53 有个妇人扔下一块磨石,砸烂了他的头。 54 亚比米勒连忙对为他拿兵器的年轻人说:“拔刀杀了我吧,免得人们说,‘一位妇人杀了他。’”于是,那年轻人刺死了他。 55 以色列人见亚比米勒已死,便各自回家了。 56 上帝就这样使亚比米勒得到了报应,因为他残杀了自己的七十个兄弟, 57 也让示剑人因自己的一切恶行而得到了报应。耶路·巴力的儿子约坦的咒诅临到了他们。

Footnotes

  1. 9:29 我会挑战他召集全军来战”参考七十士译本;希伯来文为“他对亚比米勒说:‘召集你的全军来战吧!’”

亚比米勒杀基甸的众子

耶路.巴力的儿子亚比米勒,到示剑去见他的众母舅,对他们和他母亲的全体族人说: “请你们给示剑的众人说:‘是耶路.巴力的众子七十人都统治你们好呢?还是一个人统治你们好呢?’你们也要记得我是你们的骨肉。” 他的众母舅就把这一切话为他说给示剑的众人听;他们的心都倾向亚比米勒,因为他们说:“他本是我们的亲族。” 他们就从巴力.比利土的庙里,取了八百克银子给亚比米勒,亚比米勒用这些银子雇了一些无赖流氓,那些人就跟随了他。 他回到俄弗拉他父亲的家,把自己的兄弟,耶路.巴力的众子七十人,都杀在一块石头上;只剩下耶路.巴力的小儿子约坦,因为他藏了起来。 示剑的众人和伯特米罗人都聚集起来,到示剑橡树旁的望楼那里,立亚比米勒为王。

约坦的寓言

有人把这事告诉了约坦,约坦就去,站在基利心山顶上,高声向他们呼喊,说:“示剑人哪,你们要听我的话, 神也就听你们的话。 有一次,众树要去膏立一个王统治它们,就对橄榄树说:‘请你作王统治我们吧。’ 橄榄树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃生产人用来荣耀 神和尊崇人的油,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 10 众树对无花果树说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 11 无花果树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃结出我的甜美果子,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 12 众树对葡萄树说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 13 葡萄树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃生产那使 神和世人都喜乐的新酒,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 14 于是众树都对荆棘说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 15 荆棘对众树说:‘如果你们真诚地膏立我作王统治你们,就要来,投靠在我的荫下;否则,火必从荆棘里出来,吞灭黎巴嫩的香柏树。’

16 “现在你们立亚比米勒为王,你们若是诚实和正直,如果你们善待耶路.巴力和他的家,照着他手所作的待他; 17 我父亲从前冒死为你们争战,把你们从米甸人手中救了出来; 18 今日你们竟起来攻击我的父家,在一块石头上杀了他七十个儿子,又立了他的婢女所生的儿子亚比米勒作示剑人的王,因为他原是你们的亲族。 19 今日你们若是按着诚实和正直待耶路.巴力和他的家,你们就可以因亚比米勒得喜乐,亚比米勒也可以因你们得喜乐。 20 若不是这样,愿火从亚比米勒出来,吞灭示剑人和伯特米罗人;又愿火从示剑人和伯特米罗人出来,吞灭亚比米勒。” 21 接着约坦就逃跑了;他逃到比珥去,住在那里,躲避他的兄弟亚比米勒。

示剑人背叛亚比米勒王

22 亚比米勒治理以色列人三年。 23  神差派邪恶的灵来到亚比米勒与示剑人中间,示剑人就背弃了亚比米勒。 24 这是要报复对耶路.巴力七十个儿子的暴行,把流他们血的罪归到他们的兄弟亚比米勒身上,就是那杀害他们的;也归到示剑人身上,就是那些帮助亚比米勒去杀他自己的兄弟的。 25 示剑人在山顶上设下埋伏,路过他们那里的,他们都劫掠;有人把这事告诉亚比米勒。

26 那时,以别的儿子迦勒与他的兄弟都来了,到示剑去,示剑人竟信任他。 27 他们出到田间去,收取葡萄,榨酒,举行庆祝会,进入他们的神庙吃喝,并且咒诅亚比米勒。 28 以别的儿子迦勒说:“亚比米勒是谁?示剑是谁?竟要我们服事他呢?他不是耶路.巴力的儿子吗?他的副官不是西布勒吗?你们要服事示剑的始祖哈抹的后人啊;我们为甚么要服事亚比米勒呢? 29 但愿这些人民都归在我手下,我好把亚比米勒除掉。”迦勒又对亚比米勒说:“增添你的军队出来吧!”

30 那城的首长西布勒听了以别的儿子迦勒的话,他的怒气就发作, 31 秘密差派使者去见亚比米勒,说:“以别的儿子迦勒和他的兄弟已经到了示剑,他们正在煽动(“煽动”意思不明确,或译:“围困”)那城的人反叛你。 32 现在,你和与你在一起的人,要在夜间起来,在野地埋伏。 33 到了早晨,太阳出来的时候,你就要起来攻城;你要注意,迦勒和与他在一起的人出来对抗你的时候,你就把握机会对付他们。”

34 于是亚比米勒和与他在一起的人,都在夜间起来,分作四队,埋伏着等候示剑人。 35 以别的儿子迦勒出去,站在城门口;亚比米勒和与他在一起的人,从埋伏的地方起来。 36 迦勒看见了那些人,就对西布勒说:“你看,有人从山顶上下来。”西布勒说:“你看见山的影子以为是人。” 37 迦勒又说:“看哪,有人从高地下来,又有一队从米恶尼尼橡树的路径而来。” 38 西布勒对他说:“你曾经说过:‘亚比米勒是谁,竟要我们服事他呢?’现在你说这话的嘴在哪里呢?这不是你轻视的人吗?现在请你出去与他们交战吧。” 39 于是迦勒在示剑人面前出去,与亚比米勒争战。 40 亚比米勒追赶迦勒,迦勒在他面前逃跑,直到城门口,有很多受伤的人仆倒。 41 亚比米勒住在亚鲁玛;西布勒把迦勒和他的兄弟赶走,不许他们住在示剑。

亚比米勒的反击

42 次日,城中众人出到田间去,有人把这事告诉亚比米勒。 43 亚比米勒就把他的人分作三队,埋伏在田间;他在那里观看,见有人从城里出来,就起来攻击他们,把他们击杀了。 44 亚比米勒和与他在一起的一队人忽然冲过去,站在城门口;其他两队人也冲出来攻打所有在田间的人,把他们击杀了。 45 那一天,亚比米勒整天攻打那城,把城攻下了,杀了城中的众人;把城拆毁,又撒上盐。

46 示剑楼的众人听见了这事,就逃入伊勒.比利土庙的地穴里。 47 有人告诉亚比米勒,说:“示剑楼所有的人都聚集在一起。” 48 亚比米勒和与他在一起的人都上了撒们山;亚比米勒手里拿着斧子,砍下一根树枝,拿起来放在自己的肩头上,然后对与他在一起的人说:“你们看我作甚么,你们也要赶快照样作。” 49 于是众人也各自砍下一根树枝,跟随着亚比米勒,把树枝放在地穴上,放火烧了地穴,以致示剑楼的人都死了,男女约有一千人。

亚比米勒的结局

50 后来亚比米勒到提备斯去,安营攻打提备斯,攻取了那城。 51 城中有一座坚固的城楼;那城所有的人,无论男女,都逃到那里去,关上门,上了楼顶。 52 亚比米勒到了城楼前,攻打城楼;他走近城楼门口,要用火焚烧。 53 有一个妇人把一块上磨石拋在亚比米勒的头上,打破了他的头盖骨。 54 他急忙呼喊替他拿兵器的少年人,对他说:“拔出你的刀来,把我杀死吧。免得人讲论我说:‘他被一个妇人所杀。’”于是那少年人把他刺透,他就死了。 55 以色列人看见亚比米勒死了,就各回自己的地方去了。 56 这样, 神报应了亚比米勒向他父亲所行的恶事,就是他杀了自己的兄弟七十个人。 57  神也把示剑人的一切恶事,都报应在他们的头上;耶路.巴力的儿子约坦的咒诅,也归到他们身上。

Abimelek

Abimelek(A) son of Jerub-Baal(B) went to his mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother’s clan, “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.(C)

When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelek, for they said, “He is related to us.” They gave him seventy shekels[a] of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith,(D) and Abimelek used it to hire reckless scoundrels,(E) who became his followers. He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers,(F) the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham,(G) the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding.(H) Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo(I) gathered beside the great tree(J) at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelek king.

When Jotham(K) was told about this, he climbed up on the top of Mount Gerizim(L) and shouted to them, “Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king.’

“But the olive tree answered, ‘Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and humans are honored, to hold sway over the trees?’

10 “Next, the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and be our king.’

11 “But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?’

12 “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘Come and be our king.’

13 “But the vine answered, ‘Should I give up my wine,(M) which cheers both gods and humans, to hold sway over the trees?’

14 “Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and be our king.’

15 “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade;(N) but if not, then let fire come out(O) of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’(P)

16 “Have you acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelek king? Have you been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family? Have you treated him as he deserves? 17 Remember that my father fought for you and risked(Q) his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian. 18 But today you have revolted against my father’s family. You have murdered his seventy sons(R) on a single stone and have made Abimelek, the son of his female slave, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you. 19 So have you acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today?(S) If you have, may Abimelek be your joy, and may you be his, too! 20 But if you have not, let fire come out(T) from Abimelek and consume you, the citizens of Shechem(U) and Beth Millo,(V) and let fire come out from you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelek!”

21 Then Jotham(W) fled, escaping to Beer,(X) and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelek.

22 After Abimelek had governed Israel three years, 23 God stirred up animosity(Y) between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons,(Z) the shedding(AA) of their blood, might be avenged(AB) on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him(AC) murder his brothers. 25 In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek.

26 Now Gaal son of Ebed(AD) moved with his clan into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him. 27 After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden(AE) them, they held a festival in the temple of their god.(AF) While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelek. 28 Then Gaal son of Ebed(AG) said, “Who(AH) is Abimelek, and why should we Shechemites be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor,(AI) Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abimelek? 29 If only this people were under my command!(AJ) Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, ‘Call out your whole army!’”[b](AK)

30 When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry. 31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, “Gaal son of Ebed and his clan have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 32 Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait(AL) in the fields. 33 In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, seize the opportunity to attack them.(AM)

34 So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies. 35 Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance of the city gate(AN) just as Abimelek and his troops came out from their hiding place.(AO)

36 When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!”

Zebul replied, “You mistake the shadows of the mountains for men.”

37 But Gaal spoke up again: “Look, people are coming down from the central hill,[c] and a company is coming from the direction of the diviners’ tree.”

38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your big talk now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelek that we should be subject to him?’ Aren’t these the men you ridiculed?(AP) Go out and fight them!”

39 So Gaal led out[d] the citizens of Shechem and fought Abimelek. 40 Abimelek chased him all the way to the entrance of the gate, and many were killed as they fled. 41 Then Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his clan out of Shechem.

42 The next day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and this was reported to Abimelek. 43 So he took his men, divided them into three companies(AQ) and set an ambush(AR) in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose to attack them. 44 Abimelek and the companies with him rushed forward to a position at the entrance of the city gate. Then two companies attacked those in the fields and struck them down. 45 All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city(AS) and scattered salt(AT) over it.

46 On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple(AU) of El-Berith. 47 When Abimelek heard that they had assembled there, 48 he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon.(AV) He took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, “Quick! Do what you have seen me do!” 49 So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelek. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire with the people still inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died.

50 Next Abimelek went to Thebez(AW) and besieged it and captured it. 51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women—all the people of the city—had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.(AX)

54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me,(AY) so that they can’t say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelek was dead, they went home.

56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. 57 God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.(AZ) The curse of Jotham(BA) son of Jerub-Baal came on them.

Footnotes

  1. Judges 9:4 That is, about 1 3/4 pounds or about 800 grams
  2. Judges 9:29 Septuagint; Hebrew him.” Then he said to Abimelek, “Call out your whole army!”
  3. Judges 9:37 The Hebrew for this phrase means the navel of the earth.
  4. Judges 9:39 Or Gaal went out in the sight of

亞比米勒做王

耶路·巴力的兒子亞比米勒去示劍的舅舅家,對外祖父全家說: 「請你們去問示劍人,耶路·巴力的七十個兒子統治他們好呢,還是一個人統治他們好呢?別忘記我是你們的骨肉至親。」 他們便將他的話轉告示劍人。示劍人因為亞比米勒是他們的親戚,都擁護他, 從巴力·比利土的廟裡拿了七十塊銀子給他。他用這些錢收買了一班無賴做隨從。 他前往俄弗拉,來到他父親家,在一塊磐石上殺死了他七十個同父異母的兄弟,只有耶路·巴力的小兒子約坦躲了起來,倖免於難。 示劍和米羅的人都聚集到示劍石柱旁的橡樹下,擁立亞比米勒為王。

約坦聽見這消息,便上到基利心山頂,高喊:「示劍人啊,你們要聽我說,這樣上帝也會聽你們說。 從前,樹木要選一個王,它們對橄欖樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 橄欖樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖凌駕於眾樹之上而停止出產用來尊崇神與人的橄欖油呢?』 10 樹木對無花果樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 11 無花果樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖淩駕於眾樹之上而停止出產甜美的果子呢?』 12 於是,樹木對葡萄樹說,『你來做我們的王。』 13 葡萄樹說,『我怎能因為貪圖淩駕於眾樹之上而停止出產令神明和世人都快樂的美酒呢?』 14 最後,所有的樹木都對荊棘說,『你來做我們的王。』 15 荊棘回答說,『倘若你們誠心立我為你們的王,就投靠在我的蔭下吧;不然,願火從荊棘中冒出來吞噬黎巴嫩的香柏樹。』

16 「現在你們立亞比米勒為王,光明正大嗎?你們有沒有善待耶路·巴力和他一家?有沒有按他的功績對待他? 17 你們想想,從前我父親為你們出生入死,從米甸人手中拯救你們。 18 現在你們卻背叛我父親家,在一塊磐石上殺死他七十個兒子。因為他婢女的兒子亞比米勒是你們的親戚,你們就立亞比米勒為王。 19 倘若你們光明正大地對待了耶路·巴力一家,願你們給亞比米勒帶來快樂,也願亞比米勒給你們帶來快樂。 20 否則,願亞比米勒燒滅你們示劍人和米羅人,也願你們示劍人和米羅人燒滅亞比米勒。」 21 約坦因懼怕他的兄弟亞比米勒,就逃往比珥居住。

亞比米勒毀滅示劍

22 亞比米勒治理以色列三年後, 23 上帝派遣一個邪靈挑起亞比米勒和示劍人之間的爭端,示劍人用詭詐的手段對待亞比米勒。 24 這是要懲罰亞比米勒和幫他殘殺耶路·巴力七十個兒子的示劍人。 25 示劍人在山頂設下埋伏,等候亞比米勒,他們搶劫所有過路的行人。有人把這事告訴了亞比米勒。

26 以別的兒子迦勒和他的弟兄來到示劍,示劍人都信任他們。 27 示劍人出城到田間採摘葡萄,踩榨葡萄汁,然後在他們的神廟中歡宴,盡情吃喝,咒詛亞比米勒。 28 以別的兒子迦勒說:「亞比米勒是誰?我們示劍人是誰,竟要服侍他?他不就是耶路·巴力的兒子嗎?他的幫手不就是西布勒嗎?我們為什麼要服侍他?你們要服侍示劍人祖先哈抹的後代。 29 要是這百姓歸我領導就好了!我會除掉亞比米勒,我會挑戰他召集全軍來戰[a]。」

30 示劍城的官長西布勒聽見以別的兒子迦勒的話,勃然大怒, 31 暗中派人對亞比米勒說:「以別的兒子迦勒和他的弟兄已經到了示劍,正在煽動全城反對你。 32 請你晚上帶著部下埋伏在田間, 33 清晨日出時攻城。迦勒帶著部下出來應戰時,你便可以見機行事。」

34 於是,亞比米勒帶領軍隊夜間出發,兵分四路埋伏在示劍城外。 35 早晨,以別的兒子迦勒出來站在城門口時,亞比米勒帶領部下從埋伏的地方衝了出來。 36 迦勒看見他們,便對西布勒說:「看!有人正從山頂下來。」西布勒說:「你把山影看成人了吧。」 37 迦勒說:「看!有人正從山上下來,還有一隊人正從占卜橡樹那邊的路上奔來。」 38 西布勒說:「你的豪氣哪裡去了?你曾說,『亞比米勒是誰,我們竟要服侍他?』這些不就是你譏笑的人嗎?出去迎戰吧!」 39 於是,迦勒率領示劍人出城迎戰亞比米勒。 40 迦勒敗逃,亞比米勒緊追不捨,沿途有許多人受傷倒在地上,一直到城門口。 41 之後,亞比米勒住在亞魯瑪,西布勒把迦勒和他的弟兄逐出示劍。

42 第二天,示劍人出城來到田間。亞比米勒得知後, 43 把部下兵分三隊,埋伏在田間,等城裡的人出來時,伏擊他們。 44 亞比米勒率領一隊人衝到示劍的城門口,截斷示劍人的退路,其他兩隊擊殺田間的示劍人。 45 亞比米勒鏖戰一天,攻陷了示劍城,殺了城內的居民,把整座城夷為平地,還撒上了鹽。

46 示劍樓的人聽到風聲,躲進了巴力·比利土神廟的內堂。 47 亞比米勒得知後, 48 便領兵上撒門山用斧頭砍下樹枝,扛在肩上,並命令部下趕緊照做。 49 他們都砍下一根樹枝,跟著亞比米勒把樹枝堆在神廟內堂的四周,放火燒死了裡面所有的人,男女約一千人。

50 隨後,亞比米勒去圍攻提備斯,佔領了該城。 51 全城的人都逃進城中一座堅固的城樓內,鎖上大門,爬上樓頂。 52 亞比米勒攻打城樓,走到城樓門口正準備放火時, 53 有個婦人扔下一塊磨石,砸爛了他的頭。 54 亞比米勒連忙對為他拿兵器的年輕人說:「拔刀殺了我吧,免得人們說,『一位婦人殺了他。』」於是,那年輕人刺死了他。 55 以色列人見亞比米勒已死,便各自回家了。 56 上帝就這樣使亞比米勒得到了報應,因為他殘殺了自己的七十個兄弟, 57 也讓示劍人因自己的一切惡行而得到了報應。耶路·巴力的兒子約坦的咒詛臨到了他們。

Footnotes

  1. 9·29 我會挑戰他召集全軍來戰」參考七十士譯本;希伯來文為「他對亞比米勒說:『召集你的全軍來戰吧!』」

亚比米勒做王

耶路·巴力的儿子亚比米勒去示剑的舅舅家,对外祖父全家说: “请你们去问示剑人,耶路·巴力的七十个儿子统治他们好呢,还是一个人统治他们好呢?别忘记我是你们的骨肉至亲。” 他们便将他的话转告示剑人。示剑人因为亚比米勒是他们的亲戚,都拥护他, 从巴力·比利土的庙里拿了七十块银子给他。他用这些钱收买了一班无赖做随从。 他前往俄弗拉,来到他父亲家,在一块磐石上杀死了他七十个同父异母的兄弟,只有耶路·巴力的小儿子约坦躲了起来,幸免于难。 示剑和米罗的人都聚集到示剑石柱旁的橡树下,拥立亚比米勒为王。

约坦听见这消息,便上到基利心山顶,高喊:“示剑人啊,你们要听我说,这样上帝也会听你们说。 从前,树木要选一个王,它们对橄榄树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 橄榄树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产用来尊崇神与人的橄榄油呢?’ 10 树木对无花果树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 11 无花果树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产甜美的果子呢?’ 12 于是,树木对葡萄树说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 13 葡萄树说,‘我怎能因为贪图凌驾于众树之上而停止出产令神明和世人都快乐的美酒呢?’ 14 最后,所有的树木都对荆棘说,‘你来做我们的王。’ 15 荆棘回答说,‘倘若你们诚心立我为你们的王,就投靠在我的荫下吧;不然,愿火从荆棘中冒出来吞噬黎巴嫩的香柏树。’

16 “现在你们立亚比米勒为王,光明正大吗?你们有没有善待耶路·巴力和他一家?有没有按他的功绩对待他? 17 你们想想,从前我父亲为你们出生入死,从米甸人手中拯救你们。 18 现在你们却背叛我父亲家,在一块磐石上杀死他七十个儿子。因为他婢女的儿子亚比米勒是你们的亲戚,你们就立亚比米勒为王。 19 倘若你们光明正大地对待了耶路·巴力一家,愿你们给亚比米勒带来快乐,也愿亚比米勒给你们带来快乐。 20 否则,愿亚比米勒烧灭你们示剑人和米罗人,也愿你们示剑人和米罗人烧灭亚比米勒。” 21 约坦因惧怕他的兄弟亚比米勒,就逃往比珥居住。

亚比米勒毁灭示剑

22 亚比米勒治理以色列三年后, 23 上帝派遣一个邪灵挑起亚比米勒和示剑人之间的争端,示剑人用诡诈的手段对待亚比米勒。 24 这是要惩罚亚比米勒和帮他残杀耶路·巴力七十个儿子的示剑人。 25 示剑人在山顶设下埋伏,等候亚比米勒,他们抢劫所有过路的行人。有人把这事告诉了亚比米勒。

26 以别的儿子迦勒和他的弟兄来到示剑,示剑人都信任他们。 27 示剑人出城到田间采摘葡萄,踩榨葡萄汁,然后在他们的神庙中欢宴,尽情吃喝,咒诅亚比米勒。 28 以别的儿子迦勒说:“亚比米勒是谁?我们示剑人是谁,竟要服侍他?他不就是耶路·巴力的儿子吗?他的帮手不就是西布勒吗?我们为什么要服侍他?你们要服侍示剑人祖先哈抹的后代。 29 要是这百姓归我领导就好了!我会除掉亚比米勒,我会挑战他召集全军来战[a]。”

30 示剑城的官长西布勒听见以别的儿子迦勒的话,勃然大怒, 31 暗中派人对亚比米勒说:“以别的儿子迦勒和他的弟兄已经到了示剑,正在煽动全城反对你。 32 请你晚上带着部下埋伏在田间, 33 清晨日出时攻城。迦勒带着部下出来应战时,你便可以见机行事。”

34 于是,亚比米勒带领军队夜间出发,兵分四路埋伏在示剑城外。 35 早晨,以别的儿子迦勒出来站在城门口时,亚比米勒带领部下从埋伏的地方冲了出来。 36 迦勒看见他们,便对西布勒说:“看!有人正从山顶下来。”西布勒说:“你把山影看成人了吧。” 37 迦勒说:“看!有人正从山上下来,还有一队人正从占卜橡树那边的路上奔来。” 38 西布勒说:“你的豪气哪里去了?你曾说,‘亚比米勒是谁,我们竟要服侍他?’这些不就是你讥笑的人吗?出去迎战吧!” 39 于是,迦勒率领示剑人出城迎战亚比米勒。 40 迦勒败逃,亚比米勒紧追不舍,沿途有许多人受伤倒在地上,一直到城门口。 41 之后,亚比米勒住在亚鲁玛,西布勒把迦勒和他的弟兄逐出示剑。

42 第二天,示剑人出城来到田间。亚比米勒得知后, 43 把部下兵分三队,埋伏在田间,等城里的人出来时,伏击他们。 44 亚比米勒率领一队人冲到示剑的城门口,截断示剑人的退路,其他两队击杀田间的示剑人。 45 亚比米勒鏖战一天,攻陷了示剑城,杀了城内的居民,把整座城夷为平地,还撒上了盐。

46 示剑楼的人听到风声,躲进了巴力·比利土神庙的内堂。 47 亚比米勒得知后, 48 便领兵上撒门山用斧头砍下树枝,扛在肩上,并命令部下赶紧照做。 49 他们都砍下一根树枝,跟着亚比米勒把树枝堆在神庙内堂的四周,放火烧死了里面所有的人,男女约一千人。

50 随后,亚比米勒去围攻提备斯,占领了该城。 51 全城的人都逃进城中一座坚固的城楼内,锁上大门,爬上楼顶。 52 亚比米勒攻打城楼,走到城楼门口正准备放火时, 53 有个妇人扔下一块磨石,砸烂了他的头。 54 亚比米勒连忙对为他拿兵器的年轻人说:“拔刀杀了我吧,免得人们说,‘一位妇人杀了他。’”于是,那年轻人刺死了他。 55 以色列人见亚比米勒已死,便各自回家了。 56 上帝就这样使亚比米勒得到了报应,因为他残杀了自己的七十个兄弟, 57 也让示剑人因自己的一切恶行而得到了报应。耶路·巴力的儿子约坦的咒诅临到了他们。

Footnotes

  1. 9:29 我会挑战他召集全军来战”参考七十士译本;希伯来文为“他对亚比米勒说:‘召集你的全军来战吧!’”

亚比米勒杀基甸的众子

耶路.巴力的儿子亚比米勒,到示剑去见他的众母舅,对他们和他母亲的全体族人说: “请你们给示剑的众人说:‘是耶路.巴力的众子七十人都统治你们好呢?还是一个人统治你们好呢?’你们也要记得我是你们的骨肉。” 他的众母舅就把这一切话为他说给示剑的众人听;他们的心都倾向亚比米勒,因为他们说:“他本是我们的亲族。” 他们就从巴力.比利土的庙里,取了八百克银子给亚比米勒,亚比米勒用这些银子雇了一些无赖流氓,那些人就跟随了他。 他回到俄弗拉他父亲的家,把自己的兄弟,耶路.巴力的众子七十人,都杀在一块石头上;只剩下耶路.巴力的小儿子约坦,因为他藏了起来。 示剑的众人和伯特米罗人都聚集起来,到示剑橡树旁的望楼那里,立亚比米勒为王。

约坦的寓言

有人把这事告诉了约坦,约坦就去,站在基利心山顶上,高声向他们呼喊,说:“示剑人哪,你们要听我的话, 神也就听你们的话。 有一次,众树要去膏立一个王统治它们,就对橄榄树说:‘请你作王统治我们吧。’ 橄榄树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃生产人用来荣耀 神和尊崇人的油,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 10 众树对无花果树说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 11 无花果树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃结出我的甜美果子,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 12 众树对葡萄树说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 13 葡萄树对它们说:‘我怎可以放弃生产那使 神和世人都喜乐的新酒,飘摇在众树之上呢?’ 14 于是众树都对荆棘说:‘请你来作王统治我们吧。’ 15 荆棘对众树说:‘如果你们真诚地膏立我作王统治你们,就要来,投靠在我的荫下;否则,火必从荆棘里出来,吞灭黎巴嫩的香柏树。’

16 “现在你们立亚比米勒为王,你们若是诚实和正直,如果你们善待耶路.巴力和他的家,照着他手所作的待他; 17 我父亲从前冒死为你们争战,把你们从米甸人手中救了出来; 18 今日你们竟起来攻击我的父家,在一块石头上杀了他七十个儿子,又立了他的婢女所生的儿子亚比米勒作示剑人的王,因为他原是你们的亲族。 19 今日你们若是按着诚实和正直待耶路.巴力和他的家,你们就可以因亚比米勒得喜乐,亚比米勒也可以因你们得喜乐。 20 若不是这样,愿火从亚比米勒出来,吞灭示剑人和伯特米罗人;又愿火从示剑人和伯特米罗人出来,吞灭亚比米勒。” 21 接着约坦就逃跑了;他逃到比珥去,住在那里,躲避他的兄弟亚比米勒。

示剑人背叛亚比米勒王

22 亚比米勒治理以色列人三年。 23  神差派邪恶的灵来到亚比米勒与示剑人中间,示剑人就背弃了亚比米勒。 24 这是要报复对耶路.巴力七十个儿子的暴行,把流他们血的罪归到他们的兄弟亚比米勒身上,就是那杀害他们的;也归到示剑人身上,就是那些帮助亚比米勒去杀他自己的兄弟的。 25 示剑人在山顶上设下埋伏,路过他们那里的,他们都劫掠;有人把这事告诉亚比米勒。

26 那时,以别的儿子迦勒与他的兄弟都来了,到示剑去,示剑人竟信任他。 27 他们出到田间去,收取葡萄,榨酒,举行庆祝会,进入他们的神庙吃喝,并且咒诅亚比米勒。 28 以别的儿子迦勒说:“亚比米勒是谁?示剑是谁?竟要我们服事他呢?他不是耶路.巴力的儿子吗?他的副官不是西布勒吗?你们要服事示剑的始祖哈抹的后人啊;我们为甚么要服事亚比米勒呢? 29 但愿这些人民都归在我手下,我好把亚比米勒除掉。”迦勒又对亚比米勒说:“增添你的军队出来吧!”

30 那城的首长西布勒听了以别的儿子迦勒的话,他的怒气就发作, 31 秘密差派使者去见亚比米勒,说:“以别的儿子迦勒和他的兄弟已经到了示剑,他们正在煽动(“煽动”意思不明确,或译:“围困”)那城的人反叛你。 32 现在,你和与你在一起的人,要在夜间起来,在野地埋伏。 33 到了早晨,太阳出来的时候,你就要起来攻城;你要注意,迦勒和与他在一起的人出来对抗你的时候,你就把握机会对付他们。”

34 于是亚比米勒和与他在一起的人,都在夜间起来,分作四队,埋伏着等候示剑人。 35 以别的儿子迦勒出去,站在城门口;亚比米勒和与他在一起的人,从埋伏的地方起来。 36 迦勒看见了那些人,就对西布勒说:“你看,有人从山顶上下来。”西布勒说:“你看见山的影子以为是人。” 37 迦勒又说:“看哪,有人从高地下来,又有一队从米恶尼尼橡树的路径而来。” 38 西布勒对他说:“你曾经说过:‘亚比米勒是谁,竟要我们服事他呢?’现在你说这话的嘴在哪里呢?这不是你轻视的人吗?现在请你出去与他们交战吧。” 39 于是迦勒在示剑人面前出去,与亚比米勒争战。 40 亚比米勒追赶迦勒,迦勒在他面前逃跑,直到城门口,有很多受伤的人仆倒。 41 亚比米勒住在亚鲁玛;西布勒把迦勒和他的兄弟赶走,不许他们住在示剑。

亚比米勒的反击

42 次日,城中众人出到田间去,有人把这事告诉亚比米勒。 43 亚比米勒就把他的人分作三队,埋伏在田间;他在那里观看,见有人从城里出来,就起来攻击他们,把他们击杀了。 44 亚比米勒和与他在一起的一队人忽然冲过去,站在城门口;其他两队人也冲出来攻打所有在田间的人,把他们击杀了。 45 那一天,亚比米勒整天攻打那城,把城攻下了,杀了城中的众人;把城拆毁,又撒上盐。

46 示剑楼的众人听见了这事,就逃入伊勒.比利土庙的地穴里。 47 有人告诉亚比米勒,说:“示剑楼所有的人都聚集在一起。” 48 亚比米勒和与他在一起的人都上了撒们山;亚比米勒手里拿着斧子,砍下一根树枝,拿起来放在自己的肩头上,然后对与他在一起的人说:“你们看我作甚么,你们也要赶快照样作。” 49 于是众人也各自砍下一根树枝,跟随着亚比米勒,把树枝放在地穴上,放火烧了地穴,以致示剑楼的人都死了,男女约有一千人。

亚比米勒的结局

50 后来亚比米勒到提备斯去,安营攻打提备斯,攻取了那城。 51 城中有一座坚固的城楼;那城所有的人,无论男女,都逃到那里去,关上门,上了楼顶。 52 亚比米勒到了城楼前,攻打城楼;他走近城楼门口,要用火焚烧。 53 有一个妇人把一块上磨石拋在亚比米勒的头上,打破了他的头盖骨。 54 他急忙呼喊替他拿兵器的少年人,对他说:“拔出你的刀来,把我杀死吧。免得人讲论我说:‘他被一个妇人所杀。’”于是那少年人把他刺透,他就死了。 55 以色列人看见亚比米勒死了,就各回自己的地方去了。 56 这样, 神报应了亚比米勒向他父亲所行的恶事,就是他杀了自己的兄弟七十个人。 57  神也把示剑人的一切恶事,都报应在他们的头上;耶路.巴力的儿子约坦的咒诅,也归到他们身上。

Abimelek

Abimelek(A) son of Jerub-Baal(B) went to his mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother’s clan, “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.(C)

When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelek, for they said, “He is related to us.” They gave him seventy shekels[a] of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith,(D) and Abimelek used it to hire reckless scoundrels,(E) who became his followers. He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers,(F) the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham,(G) the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding.(H) Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo(I) gathered beside the great tree(J) at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelek king.

When Jotham(K) was told about this, he climbed up on the top of Mount Gerizim(L) and shouted to them, “Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you. One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king.’

“But the olive tree answered, ‘Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and humans are honored, to hold sway over the trees?’

10 “Next, the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and be our king.’

11 “But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?’

12 “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘Come and be our king.’

13 “But the vine answered, ‘Should I give up my wine,(M) which cheers both gods and humans, to hold sway over the trees?’

14 “Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and be our king.’

15 “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade;(N) but if not, then let fire come out(O) of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’(P)

16 “Have you acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelek king? Have you been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family? Have you treated him as he deserves? 17 Remember that my father fought for you and risked(Q) his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian. 18 But today you have revolted against my father’s family. You have murdered his seventy sons(R) on a single stone and have made Abimelek, the son of his female slave, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you. 19 So have you acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today?(S) If you have, may Abimelek be your joy, and may you be his, too! 20 But if you have not, let fire come out(T) from Abimelek and consume you, the citizens of Shechem(U) and Beth Millo,(V) and let fire come out from you, the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelek!”

21 Then Jotham(W) fled, escaping to Beer,(X) and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelek.

22 After Abimelek had governed Israel three years, 23 God stirred up animosity(Y) between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek. 24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons,(Z) the shedding(AA) of their blood, might be avenged(AB) on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him(AC) murder his brothers. 25 In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek.

26 Now Gaal son of Ebed(AD) moved with his clan into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him. 27 After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden(AE) them, they held a festival in the temple of their god.(AF) While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelek. 28 Then Gaal son of Ebed(AG) said, “Who(AH) is Abimelek, and why should we Shechemites be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor,(AI) Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abimelek? 29 If only this people were under my command!(AJ) Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, ‘Call out your whole army!’”[b](AK)

30 When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry. 31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, “Gaal son of Ebed and his clan have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. 32 Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait(AL) in the fields. 33 In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, seize the opportunity to attack them.(AM)

34 So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies. 35 Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance of the city gate(AN) just as Abimelek and his troops came out from their hiding place.(AO)

36 When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!”

Zebul replied, “You mistake the shadows of the mountains for men.”

37 But Gaal spoke up again: “Look, people are coming down from the central hill,[c] and a company is coming from the direction of the diviners’ tree.”

38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your big talk now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelek that we should be subject to him?’ Aren’t these the men you ridiculed?(AP) Go out and fight them!”

39 So Gaal led out[d] the citizens of Shechem and fought Abimelek. 40 Abimelek chased him all the way to the entrance of the gate, and many were killed as they fled. 41 Then Abimelek stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his clan out of Shechem.

42 The next day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and this was reported to Abimelek. 43 So he took his men, divided them into three companies(AQ) and set an ambush(AR) in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose to attack them. 44 Abimelek and the companies with him rushed forward to a position at the entrance of the city gate. Then two companies attacked those in the fields and struck them down. 45 All that day Abimelek pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city(AS) and scattered salt(AT) over it.

46 On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple(AU) of El-Berith. 47 When Abimelek heard that they had assembled there, 48 he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon.(AV) He took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, “Quick! Do what you have seen me do!” 49 So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelek. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire with the people still inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died.

50 Next Abimelek went to Thebez(AW) and besieged it and captured it. 51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women—all the people of the city—had fled. They had locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.(AX)

54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me,(AY) so that they can’t say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his servant ran him through, and he died. 55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelek was dead, they went home.

56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. 57 God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.(AZ) The curse of Jotham(BA) son of Jerub-Baal came on them.

Footnotes

  1. Judges 9:4 That is, about 1 3/4 pounds or about 800 grams
  2. Judges 9:29 Septuagint; Hebrew him.” Then he said to Abimelek, “Call out your whole army!”
  3. Judges 9:37 The Hebrew for this phrase means the navel of the earth.
  4. Judges 9:39 Or Gaal went out in the sight of