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Judges 9:32

ESV Now therefore, go by night, you and the people who are with you, and set an ambush in the field.
NIV Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait in the fields.
NASB So now, arise by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.
CSB Now tonight, you and the troops with you, come and wait in ambush in the countryside.
NLT Come by night with an army and hide out in the fields.
KJV Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:
NKJV Now therefore, get up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field.

What does Judges 9:32 mean?

Zebul, the governor of Shechem (Judges 9:30–31), has sent a messenger to Abimelech, lord of the region (Judges 9:1–6). His message contains a warning and a plan. A man named Gaal and his relatives are openly inciting rebellion against Abimelech's rule. In fact, Gaal has claimed he wants to rule the people and would remove Abimelech by force. Zebul does not believe this to be an empty threat (Judges 9:22–29).

Along with the warning comes a strategy to defeat the challenger. Zebul suggests an ambush outside the city gates under the cover of darkness. Archaeologists uncovering the remains of Shechem found the main gate on the east side of the city. This looked out over a plain with hills to the northeast and southeast. Zebul wants Abimelech's fighters to be waiting in that field when the sun rises. This will allow them to attack with the sunrise directly at their backs, partially blinding the city's defenders.
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