Judges 9:46

The verse states, *“When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith.”* (v.46) Shechem was located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, near Mount Gerizim, and it held significant historical and religious importance. By this point in the Book of Judges, Abimelech—who was one of the many sons of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal)—had seized power over Shechem, orchestrating the deaths of his half-brothers sometime around the 12th century BC. The people of Shechem who opposed his rule hoped to find safety in the protected area associated with their deity, El-berith, indicating how they relied on pagan worship rather than placing their trust in the God of Israel. Their movement into the “inner chamber” brings to mind a fortress-like stronghold intended to guard them from Abimelech’s ongoing aggression.

The mention of “the temple of El-berith” hints at the syncretism present during that period, when people blended worship of the true God with local Canaanite deities. El-berith was possibly a manifestation of Baal-berith, whom the Israelites began to worship after Gideon passed, falling away yet again from their covenant with the Lord (Judges 8:33 NASB-95). Their actions demonstrate how quickly the Israelites could forfeit God’s protection, a theme echoed throughout the Book of Judges. Finding refuge in the temple of a false deity rather than depending on the One who had delivered them time and again underscores the tragic pattern of Israel’s repeated disobedience. Foreshadowing what is about to happen, we see that man-made sanctuaries cannot offer lasting security when dealing with an adversary as determined as Abimelech.

These leaders gather together in their last desperate act of resistance, highlighting a community’s attempt to withstand an oppressive tyrant. Yet, they seek strength in the wrong place, revealing the spiritual confusion of that generation. Their plight stands as a warning of how misplaced trust can hasten destruction, pointing forward to the New Testament theme of how Jesus alone provides everlasting refuge (Matthew 7:24-25 NASB-95).

They sought safety in a false sanctuary and found none.