And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

JUDGES 9:33KJV
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Judges 9:33 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:33 mean?

Judges 9:33 is a set of instructions for a surprise attack at dawn: the person being addressed is told to get up early, wait for the sun to rise, and then move against the city. The verse explains that when the enemy comes out to confront them, they should respond as the situation allows.

In the story, Gaal is being instructed by Zebul, the ruler of Shechem, about how to ambush Abimelech. The verse is part of a plan to catch Abimelech off guard by attacking at sunrise, taking advantage of the element of surprise. The instructions are practical and tactical, focusing on timing and readiness for whatever happens when the enemy appears.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:33

  • "Morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) and "early" (שָׁכַם, shakam) both emphasize the importance of acting at first light, highlighting the need for alertness and initiative.
  • "Sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh) and "up" (זָרַח, zarach) together describe the exact timing—when the sun rises—making it clear this is meant to be a dawn attack, not just any time in the morning.
  • "Set" (פָּשַׁט, pashat) means to rush upon or launch an attack, showing that this is an aggressive move, not a cautious approach.
  • "Occasion" (מָצָא, matsa) means whatever opportunity presents itself, suggesting flexibility in what action to take depending on how events unfold.

Why Judges 9:33 matters

  • This verse shows the careful planning and timing involved in ancient battles, especially the use of dawn for surprise attacks.
  • The instructions allow for adaptability, indicating that not every situation can be planned in detail and that leaders must be ready to respond to changing circumstances.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the flow of events in Judges 9, where alliances, betrayals, and strategies shape the outcome of the conflict between Abimelech and his opponents.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H2224 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 32:31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.
  • Isaiah 58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

“set” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“sun” Hebrew H8121 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 15:12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.
  • 2 Samuel 3:35 And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.