Judges 9:50 describes a continuation of Abimelech's campaign to consolidate his power. After becoming king by murdering his brothers (except Jotham), he engaged in a series of battles to suppress rebellion and expand his control over various towns and cities.
The verse means:
"Then Abimelech went to Thebez..." This indicates that Abimelech, after his previous victories or struggles, moved his army to the city of Thebez. Thebez was a city in the territory of Manasseh, likely somewhere north of Shechem.
"...and encamped against Thebez..." This means that Abimelech's army surrounded Thebez and set up a military encampment, preparing to besiege the city. Encamping was a standard siege tactic in ancient warfare.
"...and took it." This simply states that Abimelech's army was successful in capturing Thebez. We don't know the details of the siege or battle from this verse, only the outcome.
In essence, the verse is a brief summary of Abimelech's military action against the city of Thebez, resulting in its conquest. It shows Abimelech's continued ambition and ruthlessness in establishing his reign through military force. The following verses in Judges 9 describe Abimelech's demise during a later stage of the siege of Thebez.
Judges 9:50 describes a continuation of Abimelech's campaign to consolidate his power. After becoming king by murdering his brothers (except Jotham), he engaged in a series of battles to suppress rebellion and expand his control over various towns and cities.
The verse means:
"Then Abimelech went to Thebez..." This indicates that Abimelech, after his previous victories or struggles, moved his army to the city of Thebez. Thebez was a city in the territory of Manasseh, likely somewhere north of Shechem.
"...and encamped against Thebez..." This means that Abimelech's army surrounded Thebez and set up a military encampment, preparing to besiege the city. Encamping was a standard siege tactic in ancient warfare.
"...and took it." This simply states that Abimelech's army was successful in capturing Thebez. We don't know the details of the siege or battle from this verse, only the outcome.
In essence, the verse is a brief summary of Abimelech's military action against the city of Thebez, resulting in its conquest. It shows Abimelech's continued ambition and ruthlessness in establishing his reign through military force. The following verses in Judges 9 describe Abimelech's demise during a later stage of the siege of Thebez.
