Judges 9:39

39 Gaal went out, backed by the leaders of Shechem, and did battle with Abimelech.

Judges 9:39 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:39

And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem
At the head of them, to meet Abimelech, having gathered together as many, and put them in as good order, as he could, and the time would admit of:

and fought with Abimelech;
without the city.

Judges 9:39 In-Context

37 Then he said again, "Look at the troops coming down off Tabbur-erez (the Navel of the World) - and one company coming straight from the Oracle Oak."
38 Zebul said, "Where is that big mouth of yours now? You who said, 'And who is Abimelech that we should take orders from him?' Well, there he is with the troops you ridiculed. Here's your chance. Fight away!"
39 Gaal went out, backed by the leaders of Shechem, and did battle with Abimelech.
40 Abimelech chased him, and Gaal turned tail and ran. Many fell wounded, right up to the city gate.
41 Abimelech set up his field headquarters at Arumah while Zebul kept Gaal and his relatives out of Shechem.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.