And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

JUDGES 9:6KJV
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Judges 9:6 (KJV)

What does Judges 9:6 mean?

Judges 9:6 describes how the people of Shechem and the group called the house of Millo gathered together and made Abimelech their king at a specific location in Shechem, near a pillar. This verse marks the moment when Abimelech is publicly chosen and set up as ruler by these local groups.

The setting is after the death of Gideon, when Abimelech, one of Gideon's sons, seeks power for himself. The "men of Shechem" and the "house of Millo" are local leaders and influential families in the city. The event takes place by a well-known pillar in Shechem, which was likely a significant public or religious spot, highlighting the formality and seriousness of making Abimelech king.

The Hebrew behind Judges 9:6

  • "Millo" (מִלּוֹ, Millo): This word refers to a specific group or part of the city, possibly a fortified area or a prominent family. Its mention shows that not just the general population, but key power-holders in Shechem supported Abimelech.
  • "Pillar" (נֵצֶב, nēṣeb): This word means a standing stone or monument. The choice of this location for the coronation suggests a public, possibly sacred, place that added legitimacy to Abimelech's claim to kingship.

Why Judges 9:6 matters

  • This verse highlights that Abimelech's kingship was not a national event but a local one, supported by specific groups in Shechem rather than all Israel.
  • The involvement of both the "men of Shechem" and the "house of Millo" shows a coalition of local elites, which helps explain the political dynamics that follow in the chapter.
  • The mention of the pillar connects this event to earlier moments in Israel's history, as Shechem was a significant site for covenant ceremonies, hinting at the seriousness and public nature of Abimelech's appointment.

Where else these words appear

“Millo” Hebrew H1037 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • 2 Kings 12:20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

“Millo” Hebrew H4407 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.
  • 1 Kings 9:15 And this is the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.
  • 2 Kings 12:20 And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

“plain” Hebrew H436 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Judges 4:11 Now Heber the Kenite, which was of the children of Hobab the father in law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh.

“Shechem” Hebrew H7927 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.
  • Joshua 17:7 And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
  • 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.