What does Judges 9:42 mean?
"And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech." - Judges 9:42
Judges 9:42 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech."
In Judges 9:42 of the King James Version of the Bible, it reads, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech." This verse is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which tells the story of the Israelites in the period between Joshua and the kings.
To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to look at the surrounding passages and the overall themes of the book of Judges. In the preceding verses, we see that Abimelech is engaged in a power struggle with the people of Shechem. Abimelech had convinced the people of Shechem to make him king, and then he turned against them, causing a rebellion. In the verse, "the people went out into the field" can be seen as a symbol of the people's revolt against Abimelech's rule and their attempt to regain control of their land.
The book of Judges as a whole is a complex and often disturbing account of the Israelites' history. It is characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The period of the Judges was marked by moral and spiritual decadence, as the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God and fell into idolatry and sin. This led to a lack of leadership and unity, which made them vulnerable to attacks from their enemies, leading to suffering and oppression. In the case of Abimelech, the lack of a strong, righteous leader led to his unlawful rise to power and the subsequent chaos and conflict.
The verse can also be seen as a warning against the dangers of putting one's trust in earthly rulers rather than in God. In the case of the people of Shechem, their decision to crown Abimelech as king was driven by self-interest and a desire for power and security. However, this decision ultimately led to division, discord, and violence. This can serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of placing our faith in human leaders or seeking security in the things of the world, rather than in God.
Symbolism plays a significant role in this verse. The "field" mentioned in the verse can be symbolic of the land and the people's livelihood. The fact that the people "went out into the field" may symbolize their effort to reclaim their land and freedom from Abimelech's oppressive rule. It can also be interpreted as a symbol of the labor and struggle required to maintain independence and righteousness in the face of tyranny and corruption.
Overall, Judges 9:42 serves as a reminder of the consequences of moral and spiritual decay, the dangers of seeking power and security through human means, and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It also highlights the negative impact of leadership that is driven by selfish ambition and lacks divine guidance. The verse can prompt readers to reflect on their own choices, values, and trust, and serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences of turning away from God. Ultimately, it encourages readers to seek righteousness, trust in God, and strive for moral and spiritual integrity.
Judges 9:42 Artwork
Judges 9:42 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech."
Acts 9:42 - "And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord."
Acts 10:42 - "And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead."
Judges 9:50 - "¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it."
Judges 20:42 - "Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them."
Ezekiel 42:9 - "And from under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court."
1 Chronicles 9:42 - "And Ahaz begat Jarah; and Jarah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza;"
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 9:10 - "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 9:32 - "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."
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."
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?"
Job 42:9 - "So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job."
Isaiah 42:9 - "Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them."
Genesis 42:9 - "And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them, and said unto them, Ye are spies; to see the nakedness of the land ye are come."
Job 9:24 - "The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?"
Judges 9:53 - "And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull."
Judges 1:9 - "¶ And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites, that dwelt in the mountain, and in the south, and in the valley."
Judges 9:30 - "¶ And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled."
Judges 9:41 - "And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem."
Psalms 42:9 - "I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"