46 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith e . 47 It was told Abimelech that all the leaders of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48 So Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon , he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch from the trees , and lifted it and laid it on his shoulder . Then he said to the people who were with him, "What you have seen me do , hurry and do likewise ." 49 All the people also cut down each one his branch and followed e Abimelech , and put them on the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died , about a thousand men and women .
50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez , and he camped against Thebez and captured it. 51 But there was a strong tower in the center of the city , and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower . 52 So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:46-52
Commentary on Judges 9:30-49
(Read Judges 9:30-49)
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 sons. When God uses men as instruments in his hand to do his work, he means one thing, and they another. That, which they hoped would have been for their welfare, proved a snare and a trap, as those will certainly find, who run to idols for shelter; such will prove a refuge of lies.
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.