Judges 9:41

41 And Abimelech entered into Arema, and Zebul cast out Gaal and his brethren, so that they should not dwell in Sychem.

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 And Gaal went forth before the men of Sychem, and set the battle in array against Abimelech.

40 And Abimelech pursued him, and he fled from before him; and many fell down slain as far as the door of the gate.

41 And Abimelech entered into Arema, and Zebul cast out Gaal and his brethren, so that they should not dwell in Sychem.

42 And it came to pass on the second day that the people went out into the field, and brought word to Abimelech.

43 And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and formed an ambush in the field; and he looked, and, behold, the people went forth out of the city, and he rose up against them, and smote them.