And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

JUDGES 9:27KJV
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Judges 9:27 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:27 mean?

Judges 9:27 describes how the people went out to their fields, harvested grapes from their vineyards, made wine, celebrated, and then went into the temple of their god to eat, drink, and curse Abimelech. The verse shows a scene of festivity mixed with open opposition to Abimelech’s rule.

This verse is set in the city of Shechem during a time of unrest after Abimelech made himself king. The people are not just having a harvest festival; they are also using the occasion to express their rejection of Abimelech, likely in a religious setting tied to their local god. The verse highlights both the ordinary activities of harvest and the political tension brewing against Abimelech.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:27

  • The word "made merry" comes from שִׂמְחוּ (simchu), which means to rejoice or celebrate. This shows that the gathering was festive, not just routine work.
  • The word "cursed" is קִלְּלוּ (killelu), meaning to treat lightly or to insult. This indicates the people were openly disrespecting Abimelech, not just disagreeing with him.
  • The word for "god" here is אֱלֹהִים (elohim), which can mean "god" or "gods" depending on context. In this verse, it refers to the local deity worshipped in Shechem, not the God of Israel.

Why Judges 9:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the opposition to Abimelech was not hidden or subtle; it was public and tied to both social and religious activities.
  • The mention of the house of their god shows that the conflict with Abimelech involved not just politics but also religious loyalty and identity.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why tensions in Shechem escalated, leading to further conflict in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“merry” Hebrew H1974 · used in 2 verses

  • Leviticus 19:24 But in the fourth year all the fruit thereof shall be holy to praise the LORD withal.

“gathered” Hebrew H1219 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
  • 2 Kings 19:25 Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruinous heaps.
  • Isaiah 36:1 Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, that Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

“trode” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

“Abimelech” Hebrew H40 · used in 62 verses

  • Genesis 20:2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.
  • Genesis 26:11 And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.
  • Judges 9:34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.