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.
53
And a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon the head of Abimelech, and broke his skull.
54
And he cried out quickly to the young man his armour-bearer, and said to him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, lest at any time they should say, A woman slew him: and his young man thrust him through and he died.
55
And the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead; and they went each to his place.
56
So God requited the wickedness of Abimelech, which he wrought against his father, in slaying his seventy brethren.
57
And all the wickedness of the men of Sychem God requited upon their head; and the curse of Joatham the son of Jerobaal came upon them.