What does Judges 9:46 mean?
"¶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith." - Judges 9:46
Judges 9:46 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith."
This verse comes from the Book of Judges, which documents the time of the judges in Israel before the monarchy was established. In this particular chapter, the narrative focuses on Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who took power in Shechem after his father's death. Abimelech was a ruthless leader who sought to consolidate his power through violent and deceitful means. This verse occurs within the context of Abimelech's retaliation against the people of Shechem who had rebelled against him.
The tower of Shechem mentioned in this verse was a stronghold within the city, likely a place of refuge and defense for the people. When the men of the tower heard of Abimelech's advance and his intent to attack the city, they sought refuge in the hold of the house of the god Berith. However, despite their efforts to protect themselves, Abimelech ultimately captures and destroys the tower of Shechem, inflicting severe casualties on its inhabitants.
One of the key themes in this verse is the consequences of rebellion and the abuse of power. Abimelech's rise to power was marked by violence and treachery, and his rule was characterized by cruelty and oppression. The people of Shechem, who had initially supported him, eventually turned against him, leading to a violent conflict. The verse serves as a reminder of the destructive outcomes that can result from the pursuit of power at any cost.
The reference to the house of the god Berith also carries symbolic significance. Berith was a Canaanite deity associated with covenants and agreements. By seeking refuge in the house of this god, the men of the tower of Shechem were putting their trust in a false deity, a powerless entity that could not save them from the wrath of Abimelech. This serves as a cautionary tale about the folly of placing one's trust in anything other than the one true God.
Furthermore, the destruction of the tower of Shechem and the fate of its inhabitants also serve as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are repeatedly urged to remain faithful to God and to reject the worship of false gods. The tragic events in this verse demonstrate the futility of seeking refuge in anything other than God, as well as the dire consequences of rebellion and disobedience.
In summary, Judges 9:46 from the King James Version of the Bible sheds light on the destructive consequences of rebellion, the abuse of power, and the folly of trusting in false gods. The verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as the repercussions of pursuing power at any cost. It also underscores the ultimate futility of seeking refuge in anything other than the one true God.
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Judges 9:46 - "¶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith."
"¶ And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith." - Judges 9:46
Genesis 46:9 - "And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi."
Mark 9:46 - "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Judges 20:46 - "So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour."
Luke 9:46 - "¶ Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest."
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." - Mark 9:46
Judges 9:8-15
Psalms 46:9 - "He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire."
"And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi." - Genesis 46:9
Isaiah 46:9 - "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,"
"¶ Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest." - Luke 9:46
Judges 9:50 - "¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it."
Judges 9:22 - "¶ When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,"
Judges 15:9 - "¶ Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi."
Judges 9:39 - "And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech."
Judges 21:9 - "For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there."
Judges 9:42 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech."
Judges 9:10 - "And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us."
Judges 9:12 - "Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us."
Judges 9:47 - "And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together."
Psalms 98:9 - "Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."
Judges 9:9 - "But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?"
Judges 9:32 - "Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:"
Judges 9:14 - "Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us."
Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
Jeremiah 46:9 - "Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; and let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shield; and the Lydians, that handle and bend the bow."
Judges 9:21 - "And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother."
Acts 13:46 - "Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles."
Judges 9:30 - "¶ And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled."