Judges 9:41

41 Avimelekh lived at Arumah: and Zevul drove out Ga`al and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shekhem.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Judges 9:41 In-Context

39 Ga`al went out before the men of Shekhem, and fought with Avimelekh.

40 Avimelekh chased him, and he fled before him, and there fell many wounded, even to the entrance of the gate.

41 Avimelekh lived at Arumah: and Zevul drove out Ga`al and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shekhem.

42 It happened on the next day, that the people went out into the field; and they told Avimelekh.

43 He took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people came forth out of the city; He rose up against them, and struck them.