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He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem; and, behold, they constrain the city [to take part] against you.

Verse Takeaways

1

Deception in the Ranks

Zebul, Abimelech's officer in Shechem, found himself in a weak position and unable to openly oppose the popular usurper, Gaal. Commentators explain that Zebul had to act with deceit, sending a secret message to Abimelech while pretending to be friendly with Gaal. This highlights the theme of political intrigue and the use of calculated deception when direct confrontation is too risky.

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Judges

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Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Judges 9:31

18th Century

Theologian

Secretly - See the margin. The word is probably the name of a place in “Tormah”; some think the same as “Arumah” (Judges 9:41). …

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Judges 9:31

19th Century

Bishop

Secretly. —The Hebrew is betormah, which may mean “to Tormah,” or Arumah, where Abimelech was living ([Reference Judges 9…

John Gill

John Gill

On Judges 9:31

17th Century

Pastor

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily
In a secret manner, unknown to Gaal and the men of Shechem; or "crafti…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Judges 9:30–49

17th Century

Minister

Abimelech intended to punish the Schechemites for slighting him now, but God punished them for their serving him formerly in the murder of Gideon's…