52 Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire,
52 And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
52 And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
52 Abimelech got as far as the tower and assaulted it. He came up to the tower door to set it on fire.
52 So Abimelech came as far as the tower and fought against it; and he drew near the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
52 Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:52
Commentary on Judges 9:50-57
(Read Judges 9:50-57)
The Shechemites were ruined by Abimelech; now he is reckoned with, who was their leader in villany. Evil pursues sinners, and sometimes overtakes them, when not only at ease, but triumphant. Though wickedness may prosper a while, it will not prosper always. The history of mankind, if truly told, would greatly resemble that of this chapter. The records of what are called splendid events present to us such contests for power. Such scenes, though praised of men, fully explain the Scripture doctrine of the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, the force of men's lust, and the effect of Satan's influence. Lord, thou has given us thy word of truth and righteousness, O pour upon us thy spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law in our hearts.