New International VersionBut Gaal spoke up again: “Look, people are coming down from the central hill, and a company is coming from the direction of the diviners’ tree.”
New Living TranslationBut again Gaal said, “No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners’ Oak.”
English Standard VersionGaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.”
Berean Standard BibleThen Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.”
King James BibleAnd Gaal spake again and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.
New King James VersionSo Gaal spoke again and said, “See, people are coming down from the center of the land, and another company is coming from the Diviners’ Terebinth Tree.”
New American Standard BibleAnd Gaal spoke yet again and said, “Look, people are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one unit is coming by way of the diviners’ oak.”
NASB 1995Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company comes by the way of the diviners’ oak.”
NASB 1977 And Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company comes by the way of the diviners’ oak.”
Legacy Standard Bible Yet Gaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company comes by the way of the soothsayers’ oak.”
Amplified BibleGaal spoke again and said, “Look! People are coming down from the highest part of the land, and one company is coming by way of the sorcerers’ oak tree.”
Christian Standard BibleThen Gaal spoke again, “Look, troops are coming down from the central part of the land, and one unit is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Gaal spoke again, “Look, people are coming down from the central part of the land, and one unit is coming from the direction of the Diviners’ Oak.”
American Standard VersionAnd Gaal spake again and said, See, there come people down by the middle of the land, and one company cometh by the way of the oak of Meonenim.
Contemporary English Version"But Zebul, look over there," Gaal said. "There's a crowd coming down from the sacred mountain, and another group is coming along the road from the tree where people talk with the spirits of the dead."
English Revised VersionAnd Gaal spake again and said, See, there come people down by the middle of the land, and one company cometh by the way of the oak of Meonenim.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationGaal spoke again, "No, there are troops coming down from Tabbur Haares. One company is coming along the road by the Fortunetellers' Tree."
Good News TranslationGaal said again, "Look! There are men coming down the crest of the mountain and one group is coming along the road from the oak tree of the fortunetellers!"
International Standard VersionGaal spoke up again to say, "Look! People are coming down from the highest part of the land, and there's a company approaching from the diviner's oak tree."
NET BibleGaal again said, "Look, men are coming down from the very center of the land. A unit is coming by way of the Oak Tree of the Diviners."
New Heart English BibleGaal spoke again and said, "Look, there are people coming down by the central part of the land, and one company comes by the way of the Diviners' Oak."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Gaal spoke again, and said, See, there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.”
World English BibleGaal spoke again and said, “Behold, people are coming down by the middle of the land, and one company comes by the way of the oak of Meonenim.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Gaal adds yet to speak and says, “Behold, people are coming down from the high part of the land, and another detachment is coming by the way of the oak of Meonenim.”
Young's Literal Translation And Gaal addeth yet to speak, and saith, 'Lo, people are coming down from the high part of the land, and another detachment is coming by the way of the oak of Meonenim.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Gaal will add to speak, and will say, Behold, people coming down from the height of the land, and one head coming from the way of the oak of Meonenim. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAgain Gaal said: Behold there cometh people down from the middle of the land, and one troop cometh by the way that looketh towards the oak.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAgain, Gaal said, “Behold, a people is descending from the middle of the land, and one company is arriving by the way that looks towards the oak.”
New American BibleBut Gaal went on to say, “Soldiers are coming down from the region of Tabbur-haarez, and one company is coming by way of Elon-meonenim.”
New Revised Standard VersionGaal spoke again and said, “Look, people are coming down from Tabbur-erez, and one company is coming from the direction of Elon-meonenim.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Gaal spoke again and said, Behold, there are people coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming along from the way of the house of the oak of Meaonin.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Gael added and said to Zabal: “Behold, the people are coming down from the center of the land and one division came from the road of the Place of the Oak of Meunin!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Gaal spoke again and said: 'See, there come people down by the middle of the land, and one company cometh by the way of Elon-meonenim.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Gaal continued to speak and said, Behold, a people comes down westward from the part bordering on the middle of the land, and another company comes by the way of Helon Maonenim.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Fall of Shechem… 36When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountains!” But Zebul replied, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.” 37Then Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.” 38“Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!”…
Cross References 2 Samuel 18:24-27Now David was sitting between the two gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall, looked out, and saw a man running alone. / So he called out and told the king. “If he is alone,” the king replied, “he bears good news.” As the first runner drew near, / the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one also brings good news,” said the king. ...
2 Kings 9:17-20Now the watchman standing on the tower in Jezreel saw Jehu’s troops approaching, and he called out, “I see a company of troops!” “Choose a rider,” Joram commanded. “Send him out to meet them and ask, ‘Have you come in peace?’” / So a horseman rode off to meet Jehu and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” And the watchman reported, “The messenger reached them, but he is not coming back.” / So the king sent out a second horseman, who went to them and said, “This is what the king asks: ‘Have you come in peace?’” “What do you know about peace?” Jehu replied. “Fall in behind me.” ...
Isaiah 21:6-9For this is what the Lord says to me: “Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees. / When he sees chariots with teams of horsemen, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, fully alert.” / Then the lookout shouted: “Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; night after night I stay at my post. ...
Jeremiah 6:1“Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin; flee from Jerusalem! Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa; send up a signal over Beth-haccherem, for disaster looms from the north, even great destruction.
Ezekiel 33:2-6“Son of man, speak to your people and tell them: ‘Suppose I bring the sword against a land, and the people of that land choose a man from among them, appointing him as their watchman, / and he sees the sword coming against that land and blows the ram’s horn to warn the people. / Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. ...
Habakkuk 2:1I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.
Matthew 24:42-44Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
Mark 13:34-37It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. ...
Luke 12:37-40Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. / Even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. ...
Luke 21:36So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Acts 20:31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
1 Corinthians 16:13Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
1 Thessalonians 5:6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Revelation 3:2-3Wake up and strengthen what remains, which is about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God. / Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
Deuteronomy 18:14
For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. Jump to Previous Addeth Band Center Company Diviners Highest Middle Oak Oak-Tree Part Plain Seers Soothsayers Speak Tree WayJump to Next Addeth Band Center Company Diviners Highest Middle Oak Oak-Tree Part Plain Seers Soothsayers Speak Tree WayJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him30. Zebul reveals it34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt46. He burns the hold of the god Berith50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled.Then Gaal spoke up againGaal, son of Ebed, is a central figure in this narrative, representing opposition to Abimelech, the son of Gideon. His speaking up signifies a moment of tension and impending conflict. This reflects the recurring theme in Judges of Israel's internal strife and the consequences of turning away from God. Gaal's boldness can be seen as both a challenge to Abimelech's authority and a fulfillment of the cycle of rebellion and deliverance that characterizes the book. “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land
The "center of the land" likely refers to the strategic and elevated position of Shechem, a significant city in Israel's history. This phrase indicates a military movement, suggesting an impending attack or confrontation. The geographical reference underscores the importance of Shechem as a central hub in the tribal confederation of Israel, often associated with covenant renewal and conflict resolution, as seen in Joshua 24. and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.”
The "Diviners’ Oak" is a notable landmark, possibly a site associated with pagan practices or local traditions of divination. This reference highlights the syncretism present in Israel during the time of the Judges, where Canaanite religious practices often infiltrated Israelite worship. The oak's mention may also serve as a reminder of the spiritual decline and the need for Israel to return to exclusive worship of Yahweh. The use of such landmarks for orientation in military strategy reflects the practical and spiritual dimensions of the narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. GaalA leader who opposed Abimelech, the son of Gideon, and sought to incite the people of Shechem against him. 2. AbimelechThe son of Gideon who declared himself king over Shechem and ruled with tyranny. 3. ShechemAn ancient city in Israel, significant for its historical and religious importance, and the setting for the conflict between Gaal and Abimelech. 4. Diviners’ OakA notable landmark mentioned in the passage, possibly a place associated with pagan practices or a significant meeting point. 5. The Center of the LandRefers to a strategic location from which Abimelech's forces were advancing, indicating a tactical maneuver in the conflict. Teaching Points The Dangers of Ambition and PrideGaal's and Abimelech's accounts serve as warnings about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and pride. Believers are encouraged to seek humility and God's guidance in their pursuits. The Consequences of IdolatryThe events in Shechem remind us of the consequences of turning away from God. Idolatry leads to chaos and conflict, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith. The Importance of Godly LeadershipThe account highlights the need for leaders who are guided by God's principles. Christians are called to pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical values. Recognizing God's SovereigntyDespite human schemes, God's sovereignty prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of Landmarks in Spiritual LifeThe mention of the Diviners’ Oak prompts reflection on the spiritual landmarks in our lives. Christians are encouraged to establish and remember places and moments of divine encounter. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:37?
2. How does Judges 9:37 illustrate God's sovereignty over human plans and actions?
3. What lessons can we learn from Zebul's response to Gaal in Judges 9:37?
4. How does Judges 9:37 connect to themes of pride and downfall in Scripture?
5. How can we apply the vigilance seen in Judges 9:37 to our lives?
6. What does Judges 9:37 teach about recognizing and responding to spiritual threats today?
7. What is the significance of the hill of Moreh in Judges 9:37?
8. How does Judges 9:37 reflect the theme of divine justice?
9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 9:37?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9?
11. 2 Kings 18:25 - Is the claim that the Assyrian king was acting by God's command consistent with other biblical accounts of divine judgment?
12. If God's 'arm is not too short' (Isaiah 59:1), why do we see prolonged suffering and injustice without divine intervention in this narrative?
13. Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?
14. Does the cyclical pattern of God sending deliverers (Judges 3:7-11) conflict with the notion of human free will or moral responsibility?What Does Judges 9:37 Mean Then Gaal spoke up again• Gaal son of Ebed had already challenged Abimelech’s rule in Shechem (Judges 9:26–28). His speaking “again” shows persistence in sounding the alarm even after Zebul tried to dismiss his first warning (Judges 9:36). • Scripture presents the scene as eyewitness testimony, underscoring its historical accuracy. Just as Elisha’s servant’s eyes were opened to see God’s forces (2 Kings 6:17), Gaal’s eyes see Abimelech’s approach. • God is allowing Gaal’s clear sight so that the treachery and violence within Shechem will be exposed, fulfilling Jotham’s prophetic curse (Judges 9:19–20).
Look, people are coming down from the center of the land• The phrase paints a literal picture: troops descend from the elevated heartland around Shechem. This fits the geography—Shechem sits in a valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (cf. Deuteronomy 11:29). • “Coming down” recalls previous biblical scenes where attacking forces descend from high ground (Joshua 10:11‒12). The wording signals imminent danger, not imagination. • God’s sovereign timing is evident. While Shechem’s leaders celebrate harvest (Judges 9:27), judgment “comes down” unexpectedly, echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak• A second detachment approaches along a landmark known locally as “the Diviners’ Oak,” likely a pagan cult site. The text treats the oak as a fixed, recognizable point; its mention roots the account in concrete reality. • Strategically, Abimelech splits his forces (Judges 9:34). By highlighting that “one company” flanks the city, Scripture shows the completeness of the encirclement—like Joshua’s ambush of Ai (Joshua 8:3). • The detail reminds readers that pagan practices had spread through the land (Judges 8:27). Judgment thus arrives by the very path identified with idolatry, underlining Romans 1:25: exchanging God’s truth for false worship invites ruin.
summaryJudges 9:37 records Gaal’s second, sharper warning: he sees Abimelech’s men descending from Shechem’s heights and another unit advancing past the notorious Diviners’ Oak. The verse captures a moment of literal, historical drama—God orchestrating events to fulfill Jotham’s curse on a city that embraced idolatry and treachery. Gaal’s clear sight, the attackers’ divided approach, and the pagan landmark together reveal how sin’s hidden roots become visible and how divine judgment approaches swiftly and unmistakably. (37) By the middle of the land.--Literally, by the navel of the land. Probably the expression means some gently-swelling hill, but it perplexed the translators. The Chaldee renders it "the strength," and the Svriac "the fortification of the land." In Ezekiel 38:12 it is rendered "in the midst of the land." The LXX. here have the strangely blundering addition, "by sea." Another company.--Literally, one head (Vulg., cuneus unus). By the plain of Meonenim.--Rather, from the way to the Enchanters' Terebinth (LXX., "of the oak of those that look away;" Vulg., "which looks toward the oak;" Luther, more correctly, "zur Zaubereiche"). Meonen in Leviticus 19:28 is rendered "enchantment," and means especially the kind of "enchantment" which affects the eye (the "evil eye," &c.), and therefore implies the use of amulets, &c. Hence, though the terebinth is nowhere else mentioned by this particular name, it is at least a probable conjecture that it may be the ancient tree under which Jacob's family had buried their idolatrous amulets (Genesis 35:4). Verse 37. - Gaal spake again, etc. Of course, as the men got nearer, it was impossible to mistake them for anything but men. Gaal could see two bands distinctly, one coming down the hill-side, the other marching by the road of the soothsayers' oak. The middle of the land. The word rendered middle only occurs again in Ezekiel 38:12, "the midst of the land," A.V. It is so rendered from the notion of the old interpreters that it was connected with a word meaning " the navel." It is usually explained now to mean the height. There may have been some particular height in the ridge called Tabbur ha-aretz. The plain of Meonenim. Rather, the oak (or terebinth tree) of the soothsayers, some large terebinth or turpentine tree under which the soothsayers used to take their auguries. Dean Stanley would identify it with the oak of the pillar in ver. 6, where see note.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Gaalגַּעַל֮ (ga·‘al)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1603: Gaal -- probably a Canaanitespoke upלְדַבֵּר֒ (lə·ḏab·bêr)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdueagain,וַיֹּ֨סֶף (way·yō·sep̄)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment“Look,הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!peopleעָם֙ (‘ām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockare coming downיֽוֹרְדִ֔ים (yō·wr·ḏîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descendfromמֵעִ֖ם (mê·‘im)Preposition-m
Strong's 5973: With, equally withthe centerטַבּ֣וּר (ṭab·būr)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2872: Accumulated, a summitof the land,הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, landand oneאֶחָ֣ד (’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, firstcompanyוְרֹאשׁ־ (wə·rōš-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The headis comingבָּ֔א (bā)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, goby way ofמִדֶּ֖רֶךְ (mid·de·reḵ)Preposition-m | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of actionthe Diviners’מְעוֹנְנִֽים׃ (mə·‘ō·wn·nîm)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6049: To act covertly, practise magicOak.”אֵל֥וֹן (’ê·lō·wn)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 436: An oak, other strong tree
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OT History: Judges 9:37 Gaal spoke again and said Behold there (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
