King James Version
What Does Judges 9:51 Mean?
“But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower.”
Context
49
And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.
50
Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.
51
But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower.
52
And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.
53
And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(51) **There was a strong tower within the city.**—This constant mention of towers and strongholds (Judges 8:9, &c.) shows the disturbed state of the country, which probably resembled the state of England in the days of King Stephen.
**To the top of the tower.**—“Standing about the battlements upon the roof of the tower” (Vulg.).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 9:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.