And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.

JUDGES 9:42KJV
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Judges 9:42 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:42 mean?

Judges 9:42 describes how, on the day after a previous conflict, the people of the city went out into the fields, and someone reported this activity to Abimelech. This sets the stage for further action by Abimelech in response to the people’s movements.

The verse is part of the story of Abimelech, a ruler in Israel, and the people of Shechem. After an earlier attack, the townspeople resume their daily activities by going out to the fields, likely for work or harvest. The report to Abimelech signals a turning point, as it alerts him to their vulnerability and leads to further conflict in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:42

  • "morrow" (מָחֳרָת, machorat): This word means "the next day" or "the following morning," emphasizing that the events are happening immediately after the previous day's conflict, showing the ongoing tension.
  • "people" (עָם, am): This term refers to the general population or community, highlighting that it was not just a few individuals but the broader group returning to their normal routines.
  • "field" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): This word means "field" or "open country," indicating that the people were leaving the safety of the city to go into the surrounding agricultural areas, which made them more exposed.
  • "told" (נָגַד, nagad): This verb means "to report" or "to inform," showing that someone took the initiative to notify Abimelech, which directly influences his next actions.

Why Judges 9:42 matters

  • This verse marks a critical moment where the people of Shechem believe it is safe to return to their fields, possibly underestimating the ongoing threat from Abimelech.
  • The report to Abimelech is a narrative turning point, as it triggers his next move against the city, escalating the conflict.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify the sequence of events and the vulnerability of the people, connecting the details of daily life to the larger story of Abimelech’s violent rule.

Where else these words appear

“morrow” Hebrew H4283 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 19:34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • 1 Samuel 11:11 And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.

“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 9:31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.