Judges 9:46 - When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.
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What does "Judges 9:46" mean?
This verse from Judges 9:46 refers to a specific event in the story of Abimelech, an illegitimate son of Gideon who attempted to become king of Israel. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it...": This indicates that the residents of the "tower of Shechem" received news. The "tower of Shechem" likely refers to a fortified part of the city of Shechem, possibly a citadel or a particularly strong defensive structure. The news they heard probably involved a significant event involving Abimelech, maybe the news of the recent deaths of the inhabitants of Shechem from Abimelech
"...they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.": In response to this news, the men of the tower of Shechem sought refuge in a particular stronghold.
"Stronghold": Suggests a well-defended location offering protection.
"House of Elberith": This is crucial. Elberith was a local Canaanite god (specifically, a type of Baal). So, the "house of Elberith" was likely a temple dedicated to this deity. This suggests that the people of Shechem, while perhaps nominally part of Israel, still held on to some of their Canaanite religious practices. The temple served as a place of refuge in times of trouble.
In summary, Judges 9:46 describes the men of the tower of Shechem, upon hearing news of Abimelech, fleeing for safety to the temple of the god Elberith, which functioned as a stronghold or refuge.
Significance and Context:
Lack of Faith in God: Their choice of refuge reveals a lack of trust in the God of Israel for protection. Instead, they turn to a local Canaanite deity.
Mixed Religious Practices: It highlights the syncretism present in Israel at the time, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with the worship of other gods.
Impending Doom: This flight to the temple ultimately proves futile. Abimelech and his forces eventually set the temple ablaze, killing all who sought refuge there (Judges 9:49). This reinforces the idea that seeking refuge in false gods leads to destruction.
Justice/Divine Retribution: It is later noted in Judges 9:56-57 that this was divine retribution for their treachery and betrayal.
In the bigger picture, this verse contributes to the overall narrative of Judges, which portrays a period of decline and moral decay in Israel, marked by disobedience to God and the adoption of pagan practices.
Judges 9:46 - When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.
What does "Judges 9:46" mean?
This verse from Judges 9:46 refers to a specific event in the story of Abimelech, an illegitimate son of Gideon who attempted to become king of Israel. Let's break down the verse to understand its meaning:
"When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it...": This indicates that the residents of the "tower of Shechem" received news. The "tower of Shechem" likely refers to a fortified part of the city of Shechem, possibly a citadel or a particularly strong defensive structure. The news they heard probably involved a significant event involving Abimelech, maybe the news of the recent deaths of the inhabitants of Shechem from Abimelech
"...they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.": In response to this news, the men of the tower of Shechem sought refuge in a particular stronghold.
"Stronghold": Suggests a well-defended location offering protection.
"House of Elberith": This is crucial. Elberith was a local Canaanite god (specifically, a type of Baal). So, the "house of Elberith" was likely a temple dedicated to this deity. This suggests that the people of Shechem, while perhaps nominally part of Israel, still held on to some of their Canaanite religious practices. The temple served as a place of refuge in times of trouble.
In summary, Judges 9:46 describes the men of the tower of Shechem, upon hearing news of Abimelech, fleeing for safety to the temple of the god Elberith, which functioned as a stronghold or refuge.
Significance and Context:
Lack of Faith in God: Their choice of refuge reveals a lack of trust in the God of Israel for protection. Instead, they turn to a local Canaanite deity.
Mixed Religious Practices: It highlights the syncretism present in Israel at the time, where the worship of Yahweh was mixed with the worship of other gods.
Impending Doom: This flight to the temple ultimately proves futile. Abimelech and his forces eventually set the temple ablaze, killing all who sought refuge there (Judges 9:49). This reinforces the idea that seeking refuge in false gods leads to destruction.
Justice/Divine Retribution: It is later noted in Judges 9:56-57 that this was divine retribution for their treachery and betrayal.
In the bigger picture, this verse contributes to the overall narrative of Judges, which portrays a period of decline and moral decay in Israel, marked by disobedience to God and the adoption of pagan practices.