What does Judges 9:32 mean?
"Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:" - Judges 9:32
Judges 9:32 - "Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:"
The book of Judges in the Bible is a historical and turbulent account of the early Israelite people and their struggle to establish a kingdom and serve God faithfully. Within this context, the verse in question comes from the story of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who attempts to seize power as a king in the city of Shechem.
The verse Judges 9:32 from the King James Version (KJV) reads: "Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field." This verse comes from a larger narrative in which the people of Shechem, led by Gaal, are planning to rebel against Abimelech's rule. Abimelech is warned of this rebellion by a servant, and this verse captures his response to the imminent threat.
In the broader context of the chapter, this verse is part of a narrative that highlights themes of power struggles, deceit, and the consequences of ungodly leadership. Abimelech's actions reflect the sinful nature of humanity and the destructive effects of seeking power and control at the expense of God's will.
One of the central themes in this passage is the nature of leadership and the importance of righteous and godly rule. Throughout the book of Judges, there is a recurring pattern of godly leaders who lead Israel into periods of peace and prosperity, followed by ungodly leaders who lead the people into sin and suffering. Abimelech's attempt to seize power and rule over the people of Shechem reflects the dangers of ungodly leadership and the havoc it can wreak on a community.
Additionally, the verse captures the theme of divine justice and the consequences of disobedience. Abimelech's quest for power is met with resistance and rebellion, ultimately leading to his downfall. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of seeking power and control outside of God's will.
Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. The concept of lying in wait in the field can be interpreted as a metaphor for the deceit and treachery that characterizes Abimelech's reign. The field can be seen as a symbol of the broader societal landscape, where hidden dangers and enemies lurk, waiting to undermine God's authority and the harmony of the community.
Furthermore, the night setting in the verse highlights the darkness and secrecy of Abimelech's schemes. This darkness can be seen as a symbol of the moral and spiritual darkness that accompanies unrighteous leadership and the fall from God's grace.
In conclusion, Judges 9:32 from the King James Version (KJV) is a verse that captures the themes of power struggles, ungodly leadership, divine justice, and symbolism in the context of the broader narrative of Abimelech's reign. The verse serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences that arise from seeking power and control outside of God's will, and highlights the importance of righteous and godly leadership for the well-being of society.
Judges 9:32 Artwork
Judges 9:32 - "Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:"
Deuteronomy 32:31 - "For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges."
Judges 1:32 - "But the Asherites dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: for they did not drive them out."
Mark 9:32 - "But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him."
Judges 8:32 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
Judges 9:50 - "¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it."
Exodus 9:32 - "But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up."
Esther 9:32 - "And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book."
Judges 11:32 - "¶ So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands."
1 Corinthians 11:32 - "But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
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."
Deuteronomy 32:9 - "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."
Judges 21:9 - "For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there."
Judges 9:10 - "And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us."
Judges 9:42 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech."
Judges 9:12 - "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."
Romans 9:32 - "Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;"
Job 32:9 - "Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment."
Matthew 9:32 - "¶ As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil."
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 20:32 - "And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways."
Judges 9:14 - "Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us."
Judges 6:32 - "Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar."
Exodus 22:9 - "For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour."
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."
Judges 9:21 - "And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother."
1 Chronicles 9:32 - "And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath."