King James Version
What Does Judges 9:52 Mean?
“And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower to burn it with fire.”
Context
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.
54
Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer , and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(52) **Went hard unto the door.**—Hard, *i.e., *close. Like other bad men, Abimelech was not lacking in physical courage. He had all his father’s impetuous energy. The peril of such rashness served the Israelites as a perpetual warning (2Samuel 11:21).
**To burn it with fire.**—He naturally anticipated another hideous success like that at Millo.
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 9:52 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 9:52
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge