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 9:6KJVWhat 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.