Judges 9:51
The account describes a dramatic scenario: *“But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower.” (v.51)* This city is identified as Thebez, located near Shechem in the northern region of ancient Israel. Thebez served as a strategic stronghold during the era of the Judges, which is generally dated to around the 12th or 11th century BC. In this moment of crisis, everyone in the city—leaders, men, and women—crowded into a central tower, seeking both physical and psychological refuge. Their flight to the tower suggests a last resort, an urgent attempt to protect themselves from the approaching threat.
This threat came from Abimelech, an important figure in the Book of Judges, who was the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). Gideon’s leadership preceded Abimelech in Israel’s timeline, and Gideon’s life is recorded around the same 12th or 11th century BC. Abimelech’s ambitions drove him to seize control violently, first in Shechem and then turning his sights on surrounding areas, including Thebez. His campaign of aggression forced the residents to take desperate measures—retreating to their fortified tower. The tower in Thebez served as a temporary bastion of protection, mirroring the biblical symbolism of towers as places of security, echoing the sentiment in Proverbs 18:10 that the name of the LORD is likened to a strong tower for protection.
Spiritually, the decision to gather in *“the strong tower” (v.51)* can be seen as a representation of humanity’s longing for safety in times of destruction and fear. In the broader biblical narrative, this sense of refuge foreshadows the ultimate protection found in God’s steadfast care (Psalm 46:1). While the people of Thebez relied on bricks and mortar to defend themselves against Abimelech’s onslaught, believers can reflect on the unshakeable refuge found in Jesus Christ, who offers security beyond any earthly fortress (Matthew 11:28). The tower here at Thebez stands as a historical reminder that even in the midst of a vicious assault, people will instinctively seek shelter, pointing us to a deeper truth that lasting security comes from the Lord.
They sought refuge in a tower as their last defense during Abimelech’s siege.
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:
- Psalm 51:4-6 meaning. David acknowledges the reality that all sin is ultimately an affront to God. God is the perfect judge. His ways are good and right. David asks for wisdom and truth to be implanted into his heart so that he may live as God desires him to.
- Isaiah 53:8b-9 meaning. Isaiah predicts that no one will complain when the Messiah is killed. He also predicts that even though the Messiah is innocent, He will be regarded as a wicked man. But even though He will be perceived as a criminal, the Messiah will be buried as if He were a rich man. This Messianic prophecy is commonly known as the Suffering Servant prophecy.
- Haggai 2:3-9 meaning. The prophet Haggai continues with the second message. He urges the returning exiles of Judah to remain strong to rebuild the temple of the LORD. He tells them He will be with them and protect them. Ultimately, the LORD will fill the temple with glory and grant peace.