What does Judges 9:48 mean?

"And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done." - Judges 9:48

Judges 9:48 - "And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done."

Judges 9:48 (KJV) reads: "And Abimelech got him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done."

This verse comes from the book of Judges in the Old Testament and is part of the story of Abimelech, the son of Gideon. Abimelech was a power-hungry ruler who sought to establish himself as the king of Israel, even though God had not appointed him to this position. This verse occurs at a significant moment in the narrative, as Abimelech prepares to attack the city of Shechem, which had rebelled against his rule.

The context of this verse is important for understanding its meaning and significance. Abimelech's rise to power was marked by violence and treachery. After killing his brothers to eliminate potential rivals, he established himself as the ruler of Shechem through deceit and manipulation. Despite lacking divine authority, Abimelech went to great lengths to maintain his position, even resorting to brutal tactics.

In this specific verse, Abimelech is depicted as preparing for battle by cutting down a bough from a tree and placing it on his shoulder. This action can be seen as symbolic of his determination to assert his authority through force. By instructing his followers to imitate his actions, he is demonstrating his willingness to lead them into battle and his expectation of their unquestioning obedience.

The symbolism in this verse is multi-layered and rich with meaning. The image of Abimelech wielding an axe and cutting down a bough represents his use of violence and coercion to achieve his ends. The act of carrying the bough on his shoulder can be interpreted as a visual declaration of his readiness for war and his imposition of his will on others.

Moreover, the verse underscores Abimelech's arrogance and pride. His command for the people to imitate his actions reflects his desire for total control and his expectation of blind loyalty from his followers. This arrogance ultimately leads to his downfall, as his oppressive rule leads to rebellion and ultimately his death.

In a broader sense, this verse speaks to the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Abimelech's ruthless pursuit of kingship and his disregard for divine authority serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of selfishness and pride.

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the importance of God-appointed leadership and the dangers of human ambition. It serves as a reminder that true authority comes from God and that those who seek to impose their will through force and manipulation will ultimately face judgment.

In conclusion, Judges 9:48 in the King James Version offers a poignant and cautionary portrait of Abimelech's violent and arrogant rule. The symbolism and context of this verse amplify its message about the perils of unchecked ambition and the importance of divine authority. It stands as a powerful reminder of the consequences of pride and the need for humility and obedience to God's will.

Judges 9:48 Artwork

Mark 9:48 - "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."

Psalms 48:9 - "We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple."

Ezekiel 48:9 - "The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth."

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 20:48 - "And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to."

Isaiah 48:9 - "¶ For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off."

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."

Jeremiah 48:9 - "Give wings unto Moab, that it may flee and get away: for the cities thereof shall be desolate, without any to dwell therein."

John 12:48 - "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."

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 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."