Judges 9:44

Authorized King James Version

And Abimelech, and the company that was with him, rushed forward, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields, and slew them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ

H40

And Abimelech

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

הָֽרָאשִׁ֗ים

H7218

and the company

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עִמּ֔וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פָּֽשְׁט֛וּ

H6584

ran upon

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

וַיַּ֣עַמְד֔וּ

H5975

and stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

פֶּ֖תַח

H6607

in the entering

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

שַׁ֣עַר

H8179

of the gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָעִ֑יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

וּשְׁנֵ֣י

H8147

and the two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#11

הָֽרָאשִׁ֗ים

H7218

and the company

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#12

פָּֽשְׁט֛וּ

H6584

ran upon

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

#13

עַֽל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

all the people that were in the fields

a field (as flat)

#17

וַיַּכּֽוּם׃

H5221

and slew

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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