Judges 9:41

41 And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.

Judges 9:41 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:41

And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah
Called also Aarima as Jerom F12 says, and in his time called Remphtis; it seems to be not far off from Shechem, he returned to the place where he was before, see ( Judges 9:31 ) contenting himself with the advantage he had got, and waiting when another opportunity would offer, which quickly did, to be revenged on the Shechemites:

and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell
in Shechem;
there seems to have been two parties in Shechem before, one that hated Abimelech, and another more friendly to his interest; by which means Zebul his officer kept his post, and Gaal could not get the government into his hand; and now by the loss in the late battle, who were Abimelech's sworn enemies, and the disgrace Gaal fell into by being beaten, Zebul was able, so far able to carry his point, as to drive Gaul and his brethren out of the city; though he had not strength to put him to death, or to seize him and deliver him into the hands of Abimelech.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 De loc. Heb. fol. 94. B.

Judges 9:41 In-Context

39 And Gaal went out at the head of the leaders of Shechem and fought with Abimelech.
40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate.
41 And Abimelech lived at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his relatives, so that they could not dwell at Shechem.
42 On the following day, the people went out into the field, and Abimelech was told.
43 He took his people and divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. And he looked and saw the people coming out of the city. So he rose against them and killed them.
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