Judges 9:41

41 Then Avimelekh took up residence in Arumah, and Z'vul drove out Ga'al and his brothers, so that they could not live in Sh'khem.

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 So Ga'al went out, leading the men of Sh'khem, and fought Avimelekh.
40 But Avimelekh gave chase, and Ga'al took to flight; many fell wounded, strewn all along the way to the city gate.
41 Then Avimelekh took up residence in Arumah, and Z'vul drove out Ga'al and his brothers, so that they could not live in Sh'khem.
42 But the very next day, the people went out into the field, and Avimelekh was told about it.
43 He took his men, divided them into three groups, and lay in wait in the field. When he saw the people going out of the city, he came out of hiding and slaughtered them.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.