But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in their desperate last stand, the people sought refuge in a "strong tower," highlighting how, when facing consequences, humanity naturally retreats to fortified positions, both physical and emotional. This act of fleeing upwards to the roof suggests a desperate attempt to gain an advantage or at least a vantage point from which to survey their dire situation.
But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abimelech, fresh from his brutal destruction of Shechem, now marches on the city of Thebez, intending to conquer it completely. When the people of Thebez realize their city has fallen, they retreat to a strong tower within its walls, barricading themselves inside as their last desperate stand. This verse sets the stage for Abimelech's own violent end, showing the cycle of bloodshed that defines his reign.
When all seems lost, where do people turn? This verse describes a city's desperate attempt to survive a brutal siege.
In the face of Abimelech's relentless attack, the people of Thebez didn't fight in the streets; they retreated to a single, powerful structure.
A Unified Retreat
The siege of Thebez wasn't an isolated incident. It's a stark reminder of the destructive legacy Abimelech left behind.
This moment in Thebez is a direct consequence of Abimelech's violent rise to power. His story is a cycle of bloodshed and its inevitable, grim consequences.
A Cycle of Violence
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Understand the original words
migdāl · Hebrew Noun
A fortified structure or stronghold, often used for protection during times of siege. It symbolizes security or a place of refuge.
baʿal · Hebrew Noun
The primary leaders, elders, or officials of a city who held administrative and judicial authority.
This verse captures the desperate final moments of the people of Thebez, highlighting the brutal nature of warfare and the desperate search for refuge in fortified towers, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern cities during times of conflict.
c. 1100 BC
Abimelech's Rebellion
Abimelech, son of Gideon, seized control of the city of Shechem and murdered his seventy half-brothers. This violent power grab plunged the region into conflict.
c. 1100 BC
Citizens of Shechem Rebel
The citizens of Shechem, initially allied with Abimelech, grew weary of his oppressive rule and revolted, installing a new leader.
c. 1100 BC
Abimelech Destroys Shechem
Enraged by the betrayal, Abimelech led his army against Shechem, destroying the city and sowing salt in its fields as a curse.
c. 1100 BC— this verse
Abimelech Besieges Thebez Tower
Seeking to eliminate all opposition, Abimelech then marched on the nearby city of Thebez. The inhabitants fled to a fortified tower within the city for refuge.
c. 1100 BC
Abimelech's Death
While directing his troops to set fire to the tower's entrance, a woman dropped a millstone from the roof, striking Abimelech and mortally wounding him. This marked the end of his brutal reign.
This passage describes a similar situation where a city's inhabitants retreated to a strong tower as a last defense against an attacking army.
Luke 19:43Jesus laments Jerusalem's coming destruction, prophesying that enemies will surround the city and leave nothing but ruins, highlighting the ultimate futility of such defenses against divine judgment.
Proverbs 18:10This proverb offers a spiritual parallel, stating that the 'name of the Lord is a strong tower,' contrasting the physical, failing refuge of the tower in Judges with the eternal security found in God.
Matthew 27:51During Jesus' crucifixion, the earth shook and rocks split, showing how natural and physical fortresses are insignificant compared to the power and wrath of God displayed in creation.
gillJudges 9:51: "But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower."
But there was a strong tower within the city,.... The tower of Shechem was without the city, but this within, as towers generally are: and hither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city; men, women, and children, man and maid servants, all the inhabitants of the city; the tower being a large plac…
ellicottJudges 9:51: "But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat them up to the top of the tower."
(51) There was a strong tower within the city. —This constant mention of towers and strongholds ( Judges 8:9 , &c.) shows the disturbed state of the country, which probably resembled the state of England in the days of King Stephen. To the top of the tower.—“Standing about the battlements upon the roof of the…
Even in their desperate last stand, the people sought refuge in a "strong tower," highlighting how, when facing consequences, humanity naturally retreats to fortified positions, both physical and emotional. This act of fleeing upwards to the roof suggests a desperate attempt to gain an advantage or at least a vantage point from which to survey their dire situation.
Abimelech, fresh from his brutal destruction of Shechem, now marches on the city of Thebez, intending to conquer it completely. When the people of Thebez realize their city has fallen, they retreat to a strong tower within its walls, barricading themselves inside as their last desperate stand. This verse sets the stage for Abimelech's own violent end, showing the cycle of bloodshed that defines his reign.
Abimelech, fresh from his brutal destruction of Shechem, now marches on the city of Thebez, intending to conquer it completely. When the people of Thebez realize their city has fallen, they retreat to a strong tower within its walls, barricading themselves inside as their last desperate stand. This verse sets the stage for Abimelech's own violent end, showing the cycle of bloodshed that defines his reign.
"But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower." — Even in their desperate last stand, the people sought refuge in a "strong tower," highlighting how, when facing consequences, humanity naturally retreats to fortified positions, both physical and emo…
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Last reviewed October 2026