52 Abimelek went to the tower and attacked it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire,

Other Translations of Judges 9:52

King James Version

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.

English Standard Version

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.

The Message

52 Abimelech got as far as the tower and assaulted it. He came up to the tower door to set it on fire.

New King James Version

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.

New Living Translation

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.

53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.

Other Translations of Judges 9:53

King James Version

53 And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.

English Standard Version

53 And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

The Message

53 Just then some woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and crushed his skull.

New King James Version

53 But a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

New Living Translation

53 a woman on the roof dropped a millstone that landed on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:53

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.