Judges 9:23

23 God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek.

Judges 9:23 in Other Translations

23 Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

23 God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted.

23 Then God brought bad blood between Abimelech and Shechem's leaders, who now worked treacherously behind his back.

23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the lords of Shechem. They treated Abimelech deceitfully,

Judges 9:23 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:23

Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of
Shechem
Permitted, yea, gave a commission to Satan, the evil spirit, to go among them, who stirred up suspicions, jealousies, hatred, and ill will to one another, and sowed the seeds of discord and contention among them; or God gave them up to their own hearts' lusts, to think ill of one another, grow jealous, and meditate revenge:

and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech;
did not openly declare their minds, but secretly conspired against him, and privately consulted ways to find means to get rid of him, and shake off his government.

Judges 9:23 In-Context

21 Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelek.

22 After Abimelek had governed Israel three years,

23 God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek.

24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

25 In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelek.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Samuel 16:14,23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:9; 1 Kings 22:22; Isaiah 19:14; Isaiah 33:1