Judges 9:33
*“In the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and rush upon the city; and behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to them whatever you can.”* (v.33) This directive was given during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, after Gideon (often referred to by his alternate name, Jerubbaal) had passed away. Gideon was a judge who delivered Israel around the early to mid-12th century BC, and his son Abimelech sought to capitalize on his father’s legacy by establishing his own rule. The verse sets the stage for a strategic attack at dawn—an ancient practice frequently employed for surprise warfare due to the enemy’s unpreparedness at first light.
In this passage, the city under siege is Shechem, a significant location in the central hill country of Ephraim, approximately 40 miles north of Jerusalem. Shechem held a prominent position in biblical history; it was the first place where Abraham built an altar to the LORD and received the promise of the land (Genesis 12:6–7 NASB-95). By the time of Abimelech, Shechem had grown into a hub of political influence, making it a fitting base for his ambition to seize power. The command to rise early and rush upon the city underscores the tension and underlying spiritual conflict, echoing the recurring theme that when spiritual loyalties wavered in Israel, political and social distress quickly followed.
*“When he and the people who are with him come out against you, you shall do to them whatever you can.”* (v.33) highlights the ruthlessness and determination behind Abimelech’s plan. This harsh instruction can be contrasted with other parts of the Old Testament that call for righteous leadership and covenant faithfulness, foreshadowing how leadership exercised through violence often leads to division and calamity (see Matthew 26:52 NASB-95 for the warning that those who take up the sword may perish by it). Abimelech’s aggression ultimately brought turmoil upon himself and the people under his influence, reminding readers that human schemes absent of divine guidance fail to secure lasting peace.
Abimelech orchestrates a swift morning attack to dominate Shechem, demonstrating how unchecked ambition can disrupt both personal and communal well-being.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 4:4-10 meaning. This passage introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, who calls upon Barak to lead an army against Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s forces. Deborah delivers a divine command to Barak, instructing him to gather ten thousand men and promising victory over Sisera. Barak agrees to go but insists that Deborah accompany him. Deborah agrees, but because of Barak’s fear, Deborah predicts that the honor of victory will ultimately go to a woman. Together, Barak and Deborah lead the forces of Zebulun and Naphtali to battle.
- Judges 5:1-5 meaning. The song of Deborah and Barak is a victory hymn celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. This song praises the leadership of Israel’s volunteers, glorifies the Lord’s mighty acts in battle, and recalls God’s past interventions in Israel’s history, worshiping His sovereignty and power over creation.
- Genesis 2:7-9 meaning. God makes man from the dust of the ground and he becomes a living being. Man is placed in a beautiful garden with food, the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.