What does Judges 9:43 mean?

"And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them." - Judges 9:43

Judges 9:43 - "And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them."

Judges 9:43 reads in the King James Version:

"And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them."

This verse is part of the story of Abimelech in the book of Judges. Abimelech was the son of Gideon and a concubine from Shechem. After Gideon's death, Abimelech convinced the leaders of Shechem to support him as their ruler. Despite having been rebuked by his father, Abimelech murders all of his brothers, except for one, so as to eliminate any opposition to his rule.

In this specific verse, we see Abimelech's violent tendencies and his ambition for power. He divides his men into three companies and lays in wait in the field, and when the people come out of the city, he rises up against them and attacks.

This verse is a troubling portrayal of the lengths to which people will go to obtain and maintain power. Abimelech's actions are ruthless and devoid of any sense of morality or justice. His desire for power drives him to commit heinous acts of violence, revealing the corrupting nature of power.

The themes present in this verse include the consequences of seeking power at any cost, the destructiveness of ambition, and the recurring cycle of violence and betrayal seen throughout the book of Judges. Abimelech's actions lead to further unrest and bloodshed as he seeks to solidify his power, ultimately leading to his downfall.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The book of Judges is a narrative of the period between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. During this time, the Israelites were ruled by a series of judges who were tasked with leading the people and delivering them from oppression.

However, the book of Judges also serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God and the moral decay that results from a lack of strong leadership. Abimelech's reign is an example of the chaos and violence that ensues when a leader is driven by personal ambition rather than a commitment to justice and righteousness.

Symbolically, Abimelech represents the corrupt and oppressive nature of earthly rulers who seek power for their own benefit. His actions serve as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Judges 9:43 is a powerful reminder of the corrupting influence of power and the destructive consequences of ambition pursued at any cost. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to seek leaders who are committed to justice and righteousness rather than personal gain. The verse also highlights the recurring cycle of violence and betrayal that plagues the book of Judges, ultimately leading to the need for a true and just ruler, which is found in God alone.

Judges 9:43 Artwork

Judges 20:43 - "Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising."

Acts 9:43 - "And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner."

Judges 9:50 - "¶ Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it."

1 Chronicles 9:43 - "And Moza begat Binea; and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son."

Luke 7:43 - "Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

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."

Psalms 43:1 - "Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man."

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."

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."

Ezekiel 43:9 - "Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever."

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."

Jeremiah 43:9 - "Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the clay in the brickkiln, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah;"

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 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."

Judges 9:55 - "And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man unto his place."