Judges 9:41

41 So Abimelech resided at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his kinsfolk, so that they could not live on at Shechem.

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 Gaal went out at the head of the lords of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
40 Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. Many fell wounded, up to the entrance of the gate.
41 So Abimelech resided at Arumah; and Zebul drove out Gaal and his kinsfolk, so that they could not live on at Shechem.
42 On the following day the people went out into the fields. When Abimelech was told,
43 he took his troops and divided them into three companies, and lay in wait in the fields. When he looked and saw the people coming out of the city, he rose against them and killed them.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.