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.
44
And Abimelech and the chiefs of companies that were with him rushed forward, and stood by the door of the gate of the city; and the two companies rushed forward upon all that were in the field, and smote them.
45
And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and took the city, and slew the people that were in it, and destroyed the city, and sowed it with salt.
46
And all the men of the tower of Sychem heard, and came to the gathering of Baethel-berith.
47
And it was reported to Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Sychem were gathered together.
48
And Abimelech went up to the mount of Selmon, and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a branch of a tree, and took it, and laid it on his shoulders; and said to the people that were with him, What ye see me doing, do quickly as I.
49
And they cut down likewise even every man a branch, and went after Abimelech, and laid them against the place of gathering, and burnt the place of gathering over them with fire; and they died, even all the men of the tower of Sicima, about a thousand men and women.
50
And Abimelech went out of Baethel-berith, and encamped against Thebes, and took it.
51
And there was a strong tower in the midst of the city; and thither all the men and the women of the city fled, and shut without them, and went up on the roof of the tower.
52
And Abimelech drew near to the tower, and they besieged it; and Abimelech drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.