Judges 9:33 - It shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.”
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What does "Judges 9:33" mean?
This verse from Judges 9:33 is part of Abimelech's strategy to capture the city of Shechem. Let's break down the meaning:
"It shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city." This is a clear instruction to Gaal (a leader who had turned against Abimelech) and his forces within Shechem. They are to launch a surprise attack at dawn. The emphasis on "early" and "rush" suggests an attempt to catch the enemy unprepared.
"Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you..." This anticipates that Zebul, Abimelech's officer who was still loyal to him and inside Shechem, would provoke Gaal into coming out to fight.
"...then may you do to them as you shall find occasion." This is the crucial part. It's a blank check, granting Abimelech's forces the authority to do whatever they deem necessary to defeat Gaal and his followers. It suggests a ruthless approach, allowing for any tactic or level of violence that presents itself in the moment. The phrase "as you shall find occasion" implies opportunistic action, seizing whatever advantage arises during the battle.
In essence, the verse is a battle order, instructing Gaal to initiate an attack with the expectation that the enemy will retaliate and providing the freedom to respond with any means necessary to achieve victory. It highlights the deceit and violence that characterize this period in the Book of Judges. It underscores Abimelech's cunning and his willingness to use brutality to maintain power. It is a call to a brutal, no-holds-barred attack.
Judges 9:33 - It shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city. Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.”
What does "Judges 9:33" mean?
This verse from Judges 9:33 is part of Abimelech's strategy to capture the city of Shechem. Let's break down the meaning:
"It shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city." This is a clear instruction to Gaal (a leader who had turned against Abimelech) and his forces within Shechem. They are to launch a surprise attack at dawn. The emphasis on "early" and "rush" suggests an attempt to catch the enemy unprepared.
"Behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you..." This anticipates that Zebul, Abimelech's officer who was still loyal to him and inside Shechem, would provoke Gaal into coming out to fight.
"...then may you do to them as you shall find occasion." This is the crucial part. It's a blank check, granting Abimelech's forces the authority to do whatever they deem necessary to defeat Gaal and his followers. It suggests a ruthless approach, allowing for any tactic or level of violence that presents itself in the moment. The phrase "as you shall find occasion" implies opportunistic action, seizing whatever advantage arises during the battle.
In essence, the verse is a battle order, instructing Gaal to initiate an attack with the expectation that the enemy will retaliate and providing the freedom to respond with any means necessary to achieve victory. It highlights the deceit and violence that characterize this period in the Book of Judges. It underscores Abimelech's cunning and his willingness to use brutality to maintain power. It is a call to a brutal, no-holds-barred attack.