Chapter 9

1Avimelech son of Yerubaal went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and spoke to them and to the whole clan of his mother's family. He said,

va-YAY-lekh a-vee-ME-lekh ben y'-ru-BA-al sh'-KHE-mah el a-KHAY i-MO vai-da-BAYR a-lay-HEM v'-el kol mish-PA-khat bayt a-VEE i-MO lay-MOR

אוַיֵּ֨לֶךְ אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ בֶּן־יְרֻבַּ֙עַל֙ שְׁכֶ֔מָה אֶל־אֲחֵ֖י אִמּ֑וֹ וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם וְאֶל־כׇּל־מִשְׁפַּ֛חַת בֵּית־אֲבִ֥י אִמּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר׃

2“Put this question to all the citizens of Shechem: Which is better for you, to be ruled by seventy men—by all the sons of Yerubaal—or to be ruled by one man? And remember, I am your own flesh and blood.”

da-b'-ru NA b'-oz-NAY khol ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM, mah TOV la-KHEM; ham-SHOL ba-KHEM shiv-EEM EESH, kol b'-NAY y'-ru-BA-al, im m'-SHOL ba-KHEM EESH e-KHAD, uz-khar-TEM ki atz-m'-KHEM uv-sar-KHEM A-nee

בדַּבְּרוּ־נָ֞א בְּאׇזְנֵ֨י כׇל־בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶם֮ מַה־טּ֣וֹב לָכֶם֒ הַמְשֹׁ֨ל בָּכֶ֜ם שִׁבְעִ֣ים אִ֗ישׁ כֹּ֚ל בְּנֵ֣י יְרֻבַּ֔עַל אִם־מְשֹׁ֥ל בָּכֶ֖ם אִ֣ישׁ אֶחָ֑ד וּזְכַרְתֶּ֕ם כִּֽי־עַצְמְכֶ֥ם וּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם אָֽנִי׃

3His mother's brothers said all this in his behalf to all the citizens of Shechem, and they were won over to Avimelech; for they thought, “He is our kinsman.”

vai-da-b'-RU a-khay i-MO a-LAV b'-oz-NAY kol ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM, AYT kol ha-d'-va-REEM ha-AY-leh, va-yayt li-BAM a-kha-RAY a-vee-ME-lekh, KEE a-m'-RU a-KHEE-nu hu

גוַיְדַבְּר֨וּ אֲחֵי־אִמּ֜וֹ עָלָ֗יו בְּאׇזְנֵי֙ כׇּל־בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה וַיֵּ֤ט לִבָּם֙ אַחֲרֵ֣י אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ כִּ֥י אָמְר֖וּ אָחִ֥ינוּ הֽוּא׃

4They gave him seventy shekalim from the temple of Baal-berith; and with this Avimelech hired some worthless and reckless fellows, and they followed him.

va-yi-t'-nu LO shiv-EEM KE-sef mi-BAYT BA-al b'-REET; va-yis-KOR ba-HEM a-vee-ME-lekh, a-na-SHEEM ray-KEEM u-fo-kha-ZEEM, va-yay-l'-KHU a-kha-RAV

דוַיִּתְּנוּ־לוֹ֙ שִׁבְעִ֣ים כֶּ֔סֶף מִבֵּ֖ית בַּ֣עַל בְּרִ֑ית וַיִּשְׂכֹּ֨ר בָּהֶ֜ם אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ אֲנָשִׁ֤ים רֵיקִים֙ וּפֹ֣חֲזִ֔ים וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ אַחֲרָֽיו׃

5Then he went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his brothers, the sons of Yerubaal, seventy men on one stone. Only Yotam, the youngest son of Yerubaal, survived, because he went into hiding.

va-ya-VO vayt a-VEEV of-RA-tah va-ya-ha-ROG et e-KHAV b'-NAY y'-ru-BA-al, shiv-EEM EESH al E-ven e-KHAT, va-yi-va-TAYR yo-TAM ben y'-ru-BA-al ha-ka-TON, KEE nekh-BA

הוַיָּבֹ֤א בֵית־אָבִיו֙ עׇפְרָ֔תָה וַֽיַּהֲרֹ֞ג אֶת־אֶחָ֧יו בְּנֵי־יְרֻבַּ֛עַל שִׁבְעִ֥ים אִ֖ישׁ עַל־אֶ֣בֶן אֶחָ֑ת וַיִּוָּתֵ֞ר יוֹתָ֧ם בֶּן־יְרֻבַּ֛עַל הַקָּטֹ֖ן כִּ֥י נֶחְבָּֽא׃

6All the citizens of Shechem and all Beth-millo convened, and they proclaimed Avimelech king at the terebinth of the pillar at Shechem.

va-yay-a-s'-FU kol ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM v'-khol BAYT mil-LO, va-yay-l'-KHU va-yam-LEE-khu et a-vee-ME-lekh l'-ME-lekh, im ay-LON mu-TZAV a-SHER bish-KHEM

ווַיֵּאָ֨סְפ֜וּ כׇּל־בַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁכֶם֙ וְכׇל־בֵּ֣ית מִלּ֔וֹא וַיֵּ֣לְכ֔וּ וַיַּמְלִ֥יכוּ אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ לְמֶ֑לֶךְ עִם־אֵל֥וֹן מֻצָּ֖ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׁכֶֽם׃

7When Yotam was informed, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim and called out to them in a loud voice. “Citizens of Shechem!” he cried, “listen to me, that Hashem may listen to you.

va-ya-GI-du l'-yo-TAM va-YAY-lekh va-ya-a-MOD b'-ROSH har g'-ri-ZEEM, va-yi-SA ko-LO, va-yik-RA va-YO-mer la-HEM, shim-U ay-LAI ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM, v'-yish-MA a-lay-KHEM e-lo-HEEM

זוַיַּגִּ֣דוּ לְיוֹתָ֗ם וַיֵּ֙לֶךְ֙ וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ בְּרֹ֣אשׁ הַר־גְּרִזִ֔ים וַיִּשָּׂ֥א קוֹל֖וֹ וַיִּקְרָ֑א וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ם שִׁמְע֤וּ אֵלַי֙ בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם וְיִשְׁמַ֥ע אֲלֵיכֶ֖ם אֱלֹהִֽים׃

8“Once the trees went to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.'

ha-LOKH ha-l'-KHU ha-ay-TZEEM lim-SHO-akh a-lay-HEM ME-lekh, va-yo-m'-RU la-ZA-yit ma-l'-KHAH a-LAY-nu

חהָל֤וֹךְ הָֽלְכוּ֙ הָעֵצִ֔ים לִמְשֹׁ֥חַ עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם מֶ֑לֶךְ וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ לַזַּ֖יִת (מלוכה) [מׇלְכָ֥ה] עָלֵֽינוּ׃

9But the olive tree replied, ‘Have I, through whom Hashem and men are honored, stopped yielding my rich oil, that I should go and wave above the trees?'

va-YO-mer la-HEM ha-ZA-yit he-cho-DAL-tee et dish-NEE a-sher BEE, y'-kha-b'-DU e-lo-HEEM va-a-na-SHEEM; v'-ha-lakh-TEE la-NU-a al ha-ay-TZEEM

טוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַזַּ֔יִת הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־דִּשְׁנִ֔י אֲשֶׁר־בִּ֛י יְכַבְּד֥וּ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־הָעֵצִֽים׃

10So the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us.'

va-yo-m'-RU ha-ay-TZEEM la-t'-ay-NAH, l'-khee AT mol-KHEE a-LAY-nu

יוַיֹּאמְר֥וּ הָעֵצִ֖ים לַתְּאֵנָ֑ה לְכִי־אַ֖תְּ מׇלְכִ֥י עָלֵֽינוּ׃

11But the fig tree replied, ‘Have I stopped yielding my sweetness, my delicious fruit, that I should go and wave above the trees?'

va-TO-mer la-HEM ha-t'-AY-nah he-kho-DAL-tee et mot-KEE v'-et t'-nu-va-TEE ha-to-VAH, v'-ha-lakh-TEE la-NU-a al ha-ay-TZEEM

יאוַתֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַתְּאֵנָ֔ה הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־מׇתְקִ֔י וְאֶת־תְּנוּבָתִ֖י הַטּוֹבָ֑ה וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־הָֽעֵצִֽים׃

12So the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us.'

va-yo-m'-RU ha-ay-TZEEM la-GA-fen l'-khee mol-KHEE a-LAY-nu

יבוַיֹּאמְר֥וּ הָעֵצִ֖ים לַגָּ֑פֶן לְכִי־אַ֖תְּ (מלוכי) [מׇלְכִ֥י] עָלֵֽינוּ׃

13But the vine replied, ‘Have I stopped yielding my new wine, which gladdens Hashem and men, that I should go and wave above the trees?'

va-TO-mer la-HEM ha-GE-fen he-kho-DAL-tee et tee-ro-SHEE ham-sa-MAY-akh e-lo-HEEM va-a-na-SHEEM v'-ha-lakh-TEE la-NU-a al ha-ay-TZEEM

יגוַתֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַגֶּ֔פֶן הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔י הַֽמְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־הָעֵצִֽים׃

14Then all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘You come and reign over us.'

va-yo-m'-RU khol ha-ay-TZEEM el ha-a-TAD LAYKH a-TAH m'-lokh a-LAY-ne

ידוַיֹּאמְר֥וּ כׇל־הָעֵצִ֖ים אֶל־הָאָטָ֑ד לֵ֥ךְ אַתָּ֖ה מְלׇךְ־עָלֵֽינוּ׃

15And the thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you are acting honorably in anointing me king over you, come and take shelter in my shade; but if not, may fire issue from the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!'

va-YO-mer ha-a-TAD el ha-ay-TZEEM, IM be-e-MET a-TEM mo-sh'-KHEEM o-TEE l'-ME-lekh a-lay-KHEM, BO-u kha-SU v'-tzi-LEE; v'-im A-yin TAY-tzay AYSH min ha-a-TAD, v'-to-KHAL et ar-ZAY ha-l'-va-NON

טווַיֹּ֣אמֶר הָאָטָד֮ אֶל־הָעֵצִים֒ אִ֡ם בֶּאֱמֶ֣ת אַתֶּם֩ מֹשְׁחִ֨ים אֹתִ֤י לְמֶ֙לֶךְ֙ עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם בֹּ֖אוּ חֲס֣וּ בְצִלִּ֑י וְאִם־אַ֕יִן תֵּ֤צֵא אֵשׁ֙ מִן־הָ֣אָטָ֔ד וְתֹאכַ֖ל אֶת־אַרְזֵ֥י הַלְּבָנֽוֹן׃

16“Now then, if you acted honorably and loyally in making Avimelech king, if you have done right by Yerubaal and his house and have requited him according to his deserts

v'-a-TAH im be-e-MET uv-ta-MEEM a-see-TEM va-tam-LEE-khu et a-vee-ME-lekh v'-im to-VAH a-see-TEM im y'-ru-BA-al v'-im bay-TO v'-im kig-MUL ya-DAV a-SEE-tem LO

טזוְעַתָּ֗ה אִם־בֶּאֱמֶ֤ת וּבְתָמִים֙ עֲשִׂיתֶ֔ם וַתַּמְלִ֖יכוּ אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ וְאִם־טוֹבָ֤ה עֲשִׂיתֶם֙ עִם־יְרֻבַּ֣עַל וְעִם־בֵּית֔וֹ וְאִם־כִּגְמ֥וּל יָדָ֖יו עֲשִׂ֥יתֶם לֽוֹ׃

17considering that my father fought for you and saved you from the Midianites at the risk of his life,

a-sher nil-KHAM a-VEE a-lay-KHEM va-yash-LAYKH et naf-SHO mi-NE-ged va-ya-TZAYL et-KHEM mi-YAD mid-YAN

יזאֲשֶׁר־נִלְחַ֥ם אָבִ֖י עֲלֵיכֶ֑ם וַיַּשְׁלֵ֤ךְ אֶת־נַפְשׁוֹ֙ מִנֶּ֔גֶד וַיַּצֵּ֥ל אֶתְכֶ֖ם מִיַּ֥ד מִדְיָֽן׃

18and now you have turned on my father's household, killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and set up Avimelech, the son of his handmaid, as king over the citizens of Shechem just because he is your kinsman

v'-a-TEM kam-TEM al BAYT a-VEE ha-YOM va-ta-har-GU et ba-NAV shiv-EEM EESH al E-ven e-KHAT va-tam-LEE-khu et a-vee-ME-lekh ben a-ma-TO al ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM KEE a-khee-KHEM HU

יחוְאַתֶּ֞ם קַמְתֶּ֨ם עַל־בֵּ֤ית אָבִי֙ הַיּ֔וֹם וַתַּהַרְג֧וּ אֶת־בָּנָ֛יו שִׁבְעִ֥ים אִ֖ישׁ עַל־אֶ֣בֶן אֶחָ֑ת וַתַּמְלִ֜יכוּ אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ בֶּן־אֲמָתוֹ֙ עַל־בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם כִּ֥י אֲחִיכֶ֖ם הֽוּא׃

19if, I say, you have this day acted honorably and loyally toward Yerubaal and his house, have joy in Avimelech and may he likewise have joy in you.

v'-im be-e-MET uv-ta-MEEM a-see-TEM im y'-ru-BA-al v'-im bay-TO ha-YOM ha-ZEH sim-KHU ba-a-vee-ME-lekh v'-yis-MAKH gam HU ba-KHEM

יטוְאִם־בֶּאֱמֶ֨ת וּבְתָמִ֧ים עֲשִׂיתֶ֛ם עִם־יְרֻבַּ֥עַל וְעִם־בֵּית֖וֹ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה שִׂמְחוּ֙ בַּאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְיִשְׂמַ֥ח גַּם־ה֖וּא בָּכֶֽם׃

20But if not, may fire issue from Avimelech and consume the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire issue from the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Avimelech!”

v'-im A-yin TAY-tzay AYSH may-a-vee-ME-lekh v'-to-KHAL et ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM v'-et BAYT mi-LO v'-tay-TZAY AYSH mi-ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM u-mi-BAYT mi-LO v'-to-KHAL et a-vee-ME-lekh

כוְאִם־אַ֕יִן תֵּ֤צֵא אֵשׁ֙ מֵאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ וְתֹאכַ֛ל אֶת־בַּעֲלֵ֥י שְׁכֶ֖ם וְאֶת־בֵּ֣ית מִלּ֑וֹא וְתֵצֵ֨א אֵ֜שׁ מִבַּעֲלֵ֤י שְׁכֶם֙ וּמִבֵּ֣ית מִלּ֔וֹא וְתֹאכַ֖ל אֶת־אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

21With that, Yotam fled. He ran to Beer and stayed there, because of his brother Avimelech.

va-YA-nos yo-TAM va-yiv-RAKH va-YAY-lekh b'-AY-rah va-YAY-shev SHAM mi-p'-NAY a-vee-ME-lekh a-KHEEV

כאוַיָּ֣נׇס יוֹתָ֔ם וַיִּבְרַ֖ח וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ בְּאֵ֑רָה וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב שָׁ֔ם מִפְּנֵ֖י אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ אָחִֽיו׃

22Avimelech held sway over Yisrael for three years.

va-YA-sar a-vee-ME-lekh al yis-ra-AYL sha-LOSH sha-NEEM

כבוַיָּ֧שַׂר אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ עַל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שָׁלֹ֥שׁ שָׁנִֽים׃

23Then Hashem sent a spirit of discord between Avimelech and the citizens of Shechem, and the citizens of Shechem broke faith with Avimelech

va-yish-LAKH a-lo-HEEM RU-akh ra-AH BAYN a-vee-ME-lekh u-VAYN ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM va-yiv-g'-DU va-a-LAY sh'-KHEM ba-a-vee-ME-lekh

כגוַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח אֱלֹהִים֙ ר֣וּחַ רָעָ֔ה בֵּ֣ין אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ וּבֵ֖ין בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֑ם וַיִּבְגְּד֥וּ בַעֲלֵי־שְׁכֶ֖ם בַּאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

24to the end that the crime committed against the seventy sons of Yerubaal might be avenged, and their blood recoil upon their brother Avimelech, who had slain them, and upon the citizens of Shechem, who had abetted him in the slaying of his brothers.

la-VO kha-MAS shiv-EEM b'-nay y'-ru-BA-al v'-da-MAM la-SUM al a-vee-ME-lekh a-khee-HEM a-SHER ha-RAG o-TAM v'-AL ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM a-sher khiz-KU et ya-DAV la-ha-ROG et e-KHAV

כדלָב֕וֹא חֲמַ֖ס שִׁבְעִ֣ים בְּנֵֽי־יְרֻבָּ֑עַל וְדָמָ֗ם לָשׂ֞וּם עַל־אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ אֲחִיהֶם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָרַ֣ג אוֹתָ֔ם וְעַל֙ בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁר־חִזְּק֥וּ אֶת־יָדָ֖יו לַהֲרֹ֥ג אֶת־אֶחָֽיו׃

25The citizens of Shechem planted ambuscades against him on the hilltops; and they robbed whoever passed by them on the road. Word of this reached Avimelech.

va-ya-SEE-mu LO va-a-LAY sh'-KHEM m'-a-r'-VEEM AL ra-SHAY he-ha-REEM va-yig-z'-LU AYT kol a-sher ya-a-VOR a-lay-HEM ba-DA-rekh va-yu-GAD la-a-vee-ME-lekh

כהוַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ לוֹ֩ בַעֲלֵ֨י שְׁכֶ֜ם מְאָֽרְבִ֗ים עַ֚ל רָאשֵׁ֣י הֶהָרִ֔ים וַֽיִּגְזְל֔וּ אֵ֛ת כׇּל־אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲבֹ֥ר עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ וַיֻּגַּ֖ד לַאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

26Then Gaal son of Ebed and his companions came passing through Shechem, and the citizens of Shechem gave him their confidence.

va-ya-VO GA-al ben E-ved v'-e-KHAV va-ya-av-RU bish-KHEM va-yiv-t'-khu VO ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM

כווַיָּבֹ֞א גַּ֤עַל בֶּן־עֶ֙בֶד֙ וְאֶחָ֔יו וַיַּעַבְר֖וּ בִּשְׁכֶ֑ם וַיִּבְטְחוּ־ב֖וֹ בַּעֲלֵ֥י שְׁכֶֽם׃

27They went out into the fields, gathered and trod out the vintage of their vineyards, and made a festival. They entered the temple of their god, and as they ate and drank they reviled Avimelech.

va-yay-tz'-U ha-sa-DEH va-yiv-tz'-RU et kar-may-HEM va-yid-r'-KHU va-ya-a-SU hi-lu-LEEM va-ya-VO-u BAYT e-lo-hay-HEM va-yo-kh'-LU va-yish-TU vai-ka-l'-LU et a-vee-ME-lekh

כזוַיֵּצְא֨וּ הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה וַֽיִּבְצְר֤וּ אֶת־כַּרְמֵיהֶם֙ וַֽיִּדְרְכ֔וּ וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֖וּ הִלּוּלִ֑ים וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙ בֵּ֣ית אֱֽלֹהֵיהֶ֔ם וַיֹּֽאכְלוּ֙ וַיִּשְׁתּ֔וּ וַֽיְקַלְל֖וּ אֶת־אֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

28Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Avimelech and who are [we] Sh'chemites, that we should serve him? This same son of Yerubaal and his lieutenant Zebul once served the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem; so why should we serve him?

va-YO-mer GA-al ben E-ved mee a-vee-ME-lekh u-mee sh'-KHEM KEE na-av-DE-nu ha-LO ven y'-ru-BA-al uz-VUL p'-kee-DO iv-DU et an-SHAY kha-MOR a-VEE sh'-KHEM u-ma-DU-a na-av-DE-nu a-NAKH-nu

כחוַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ גַּ֣עַל בֶּן־עֶ֗בֶד מִֽי־אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ וּמִֽי־שְׁכֶם֙ כִּ֣י נַעַבְדֶ֔נּוּ הֲלֹ֥א בֶן־יְרֻבַּ֖עַל וּזְבֻ֣ל פְּקִיד֑וֹ עִבְד֗וּ אֶת־אַנְשֵׁ֤י חֲמוֹר֙ אֲבִ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם וּמַדּ֖וּעַ נַעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃

29Oh, if only this people were under my command, I would get rid of Avimelech! One would challenge Avimelech, ‘Fill up your ranks and come out here!'”

u-MEE yi-TAYN et ha-AM ha-ZEH b'-ya-DEE v'-a-SEE-rah et a-vee-ME-lekh va-YO-mer la-a-vee-ME-lekh ra-BEH tz'-va-a-KHA va-TZAY-ah

כטוּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן אֶת־הָעָ֤ם הַזֶּה֙ בְּיָדִ֔י וְאָסִ֖ירָה אֶת־אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לַאֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ רַבֶּ֥ה צְבָאֲךָ֖ וָצֵֽאָה׃

30When Zebul, the governor of the city, heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was furious.

va-yish-MA z'-VUL sar ha-EER et div-RAY GA-al ben A-ved va-YI-khar a-PO

לוַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע זְבֻל֙ שַׂר־הָעִ֔יר אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֖י גַּ֣עַל בֶּן־עָ֑בֶד וַיִּ֖חַר אַפּֽוֹ׃

31He sent messages to Avimelech at Tormah to say, “Gaal son of Ebed and his companions have come to Shechem and they are inciting the city against you.

va-yish-LAKH mal-a-KHEEM el a-vee-ME-lekh b'-tor-MAH lay-MOR hi-NAY GA-al ben E-ved v'-e-KHAV ba-EEM sh'-KHE-mah v'-hi-NAM tza-REEM et ha-EER a-LE-kha

לאוַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח מַלְאָכִ֛ים אֶל־אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ בְּתׇרְמָ֣ה לֵאמֹ֑ר הִנֵּה֩ גַ֨עַל בֶּן־עֶ֤בֶד וְאֶחָיו֙ בָּאִ֣ים שְׁכֶ֔מָה וְהִנָּ֛ם צָרִ֥ים אֶת־הָעִ֖יר עָלֶֽיךָ׃

32Therefore, set out at night with the forces you have with you and conceal yourself in the fields.

v'-a-TAH KUM LAI-lah a-TAH v'-ha-AM a-sher i-TAKH ve-e-ROV ba-sa-DEH

לבוְעַתָּה֙ ק֣וּם לַ֔יְלָה אַתָּ֖ה וְהָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־אִתָּ֑ךְ וֶאֱרֹ֖ב בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃

33Early next morning, as the sun rises, advance on the city. He and his men will thereupon come out against you, and you will do to him whatever you find possible.”

v'-ha-YAH va-BO-ker kiz-RO-akh ha-SHE-mesh tash-KEEM u-fa-shat-TA al ha-EER v'-hi-nay HU v'-ha-AM a-sher i-TO yo-tz'-EEM ay-LE-kha v'-a-SEE-ta LO ka-a-SHER tim-TZA ya-DE-kha

לגוְהָיָ֤ה בַבֹּ֙קֶר֙ כִּזְרֹ֣חַ הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ תַּשְׁכִּ֖ים וּפָשַׁטְתָּ֣ עַל־הָעִ֑יר וְהִנֵּה־ה֞וּא וְהָעָ֤ם אֲשֶׁר־אִתּוֹ֙ יֹצְאִ֣ים אֵלֶ֔יךָ וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר תִּמְצָ֥א יָדֶֽךָ׃

34Avimelech and all the men with him set out at night and disposed themselves against Shechem in four hiding places.

va-YA-kom a-vee-ME-lekh v'-khol ha-AM a-sher i-MO LAI-lah va-ye-er-VU al sh'-KHEM ar-ba-AH ra-SHEEM

לדוַיָּ֧קׇם אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ וְכׇל־הָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־עִמּ֖וֹ לָ֑יְלָה וַיֶּאֶרְב֣וּ עַל־שְׁכֶ֔ם אַרְבָּעָ֖ה רָאשִֽׁים׃

35When Gaal son of Ebed came out and stood at the entrance to the city gate, Avimelech and the army with him emerged from concealment.

va-yay-TZAY GA-al ben E-ved va-ya-a-MOD PE-takh SHA-ar ha-EER va-YA-kom a-vee-ME-lekh v'-ha-AM a-sher i-TO min ha-ma-RAV

להוַיֵּצֵא֙ גַּ֣עַל בֶּן־עֶ֔בֶד וַיַּעֲמֹ֕ד פֶּ֖תַח שַׁ֣עַר הָעִ֑יר וַיָּ֧קׇם אֲבִימֶ֛לֶךְ וְהָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־אִתּ֖וֹ מִן־הַמַּאְרָֽב׃

36Gaal saw the army and said to Zebul, “That's an army marching down from the hilltops!” But Zebul said to him, “The shadows of the hills look to you like men.”

va-yar GA-al et ha-AM va-YO-mer el z'-VUL hi-nay AM yo-RAYD may-ra-SHAY he-ha-REEM va-YO-mer ay-LAV z'-VUL AYT TZAYL he-ha-REEM a-TAH ro-EH ka-a-na-SHEEM

לווַיַּרְא־גַּ֘עַל֮ אֶת־הָעָם֒ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל־זְבֻ֔ל הִנֵּה־עָ֣ם יוֹרֵ֔ד מֵרָאשֵׁ֖י הֶהָרִ֑ים וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ זְבֻ֔ל אֵ֣ת צֵ֧ל הֶהָרִ֛ים אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה כָּאֲנָשִֽׁים׃

37Gaal spoke up again, “Look, an army is marching down from Tabbur-erez, and another column is coming from the direction of Elon-meonenim.”

va-YO-sef OD GA-al l'-da-BAYR va-YO-mer hi-nay AM yo-r'-DEEM may-IM ta-BUR ha-A-retz v'-rosh e-KHAD BA mi-DE-rekh ay-LON m'-o-n'-NEEM

לזוַיֹּ֨סֶף ע֣וֹד גַּ֘עַל֮ לְדַבֵּר֒ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּה־עָם֙ יֽוֹרְדִ֔ים מֵעִ֖ם טַבּ֣וּר הָאָ֑רֶץ וְרֹאשׁ־אֶחָ֣ד בָּ֔א מִדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֵל֥וֹן מְעוֹנְנִֽים׃

38“Well,” replied Zebul, “where is your boast, ‘Who is Avimelech that we should serve him'? There is the army you sneered at; now go out and fight it!”

va-YO-mer ay-LAV z'-VUL a-YAY ay-FO FEE-kha a-SHER to-MAR MEE a-vee-ME-lekh KEE na-av-DE-nu ha-LO ZEH ha-AM a-SHER ma-AS-tah BO tzay NA a-TAH v'-hi-LA-khem BO

לחוַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜יו זְבֻ֗ל אַיֵּ֨ה אֵפ֥וֹא פִ֙יךָ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֹּאמַ֔ר מִ֥י אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ כִּ֣י נַעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ הֲלֹ֨א זֶ֤ה הָעָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר מָאַ֣סְתָּה בּ֔וֹ צֵא־נָ֥א עַתָּ֖ה וְהִלָּ֥חֶם בּֽוֹ׃

39So Gaal went out at the head of the citizens of Shechem and gave battle to Avimelech.

va-YAY-tzay GA-al lif-NAY ba-a-LAY sh'-KHEM va-yi-LA-khem ba-a-vee-ME-lekh

לטוַיֵּ֣צֵא גַ֔עַל לִפְנֵ֖י בַּעֲלֵ֣י שְׁכֶ֑ם וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בַּאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

40But he had to flee before him, and Avimelech pursued him, and many fell slain, all the way to the entrance of the gate.

va-yir-d'-FAY-hu a-vee-ME-lekh va-YA-nos mi-pa-NAV va-yi-p'-LU kha-la-LEEM ra-BEEM ad PE-takh ha-SHA-ar

מוַיִּרְדְּפֵ֣הוּ אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ וַיָּ֖נׇס מִפָּנָ֑יו וַֽיִּפְּל֛וּ חֲלָלִ֥ים רַבִּ֖ים עַד־פֶּ֥תַח הַשָּֽׁעַר׃

41Then Avimelech stayed in Arumah, while Zebul expelled Gaal and his companions and kept them out of Shechem.

va-YAY-shev a-vee-ME-lekh ba-ru-MAH vai-GA-resh z'-VUL et GA-al v'-et e-KHAV mi-SHE-vet bish-KHEM

מאוַיֵּ֥שֶׁב אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ בָּֽארוּמָ֑ה וַיְגָ֧רֶשׁ זְבֻ֛ל אֶת־גַּ֥עַל וְאֶת־אֶחָ֖יו מִשֶּׁ֥בֶת בִּשְׁכֶֽם׃

42The next day, when people went out into the fields, Avimelech was informed.

vai-HEE mi-ma-kho-RAT va-yay-TZAY ha-AM ha-sa-DEH va-ya-GI-du la-a-vee-ME-lekh

מבוַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַיֵּצֵ֥א הָעָ֖ם הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיַּגִּ֖דוּ לַאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃

43Taking the army, he divided it into three columns and lay in ambush in the fields; and when he saw the people coming out of the city, he pounced upon them and struck them down.

va-yi-KAKH et ha-AM va-ye-khe-TZAYM lish-lo-SHAH ra-SHEEM va-ye-e-ROV ba-sa-DEH va-YAR v'-hi-NAY ha-AM yo-TZAY min ha-EER va-YA-kom a-lay-HEM va-ya-KAYM

מגוַיִּקַּ֣ח אֶת־הָעָ֗ם וַיֶּֽחֱצֵם֙ לִשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה רָאשִׁ֔ים וַיֶּאֱרֹ֖ב בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה הָעָם֙ יֹצֵ֣א מִן־הָעִ֔יר וַיָּ֥קׇם עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם וַיַּכֵּֽם׃

44While Avimelech and the column that followed him dashed ahead and took up a position at the entrance of the city gate, the other two columns rushed upon all that were in the open and struck them down.

va-a-vee-ME-lekh v'-ha-ra-SHEEM a-SHER i-MO pa-sh'-TU va-ya-am-DU PE-takh SHA-ar ha-EER ush-NAY ha-ra-SHEEM pa-sh'-TU al kol a-SHER ba-sa-DEH va-ya-KUM

מדוַאֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וְהָֽרָאשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמּ֔וֹ פָּשְׁט֕וּ וַיַּ֣עַמְד֔וּ פֶּ֖תַח שַׁ֣עַר הָעִ֑יר וּשְׁנֵ֣י הָרָאשִׁ֗ים פָּ֥שְׁט֛וּ עַֽל־כׇּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה וַיַּכּֽוּם׃

45Avimelech fought against the city all that day. He captured the city and massacred the people in it; he razed the town and sowed it with salt.

va-a-vee-ME-lekh nil-KHAM ba-EER KOL ha-YOM ha-HU va-yil-KOD et ha-EER v'-et ha-AM a-sher BAH ha-RAG va-yi-TOTZ et ha-EER va-yiz-ra-E-ha ME-lakh

מהוַֽאֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ נִלְחָ֣ם בָּעִ֗יר כֹּ֚ל הַיּ֣וֹם הַה֔וּא וַיִּלְכֹּד֙ אֶת־הָעִ֔יר וְאֶת־הָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר־בָּ֖הּ הָרָ֑ג וַיִּתֹּץ֙ אֶת־הָעִ֔יר וַיִּזְרָעֶ֖הָ מֶֽלַח׃

46When all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem learned of this, they went into the tunnel of the temple of El-berith.

va-yish-m'-U kol ba-al-LAY mig-dal sh'-KHEM va-ya-VO-u el tz'-REE-akh BAYT AYL b'-REET

מווַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ כׇּֽל־בַּעֲלֵ֖י מִֽגְדַּל־שְׁכֶ֑ם וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ אֶל־צְרִ֔יחַ בֵּ֖ית אֵ֥ל בְּרִֽית׃

47When Avimelech was informed that all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem had gathered [there],

va-yu-GAD la-a-vee-ME-lekh KEE hit-ka-b'-TZU kol ba-a-LAY mig-DAL sh'-KHEM

מזוַיֻּגַּ֖ד לַאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ כִּ֣י הִֽתְקַבְּצ֔וּ כׇּֽל־בַּעֲלֵ֖י מִֽגְדַּל־שְׁכֶֽם׃

48Avimelech and all the troops he had with him went up on Mount Zalmon. Taking an ax in his hand, Avimelech lopped off a tree limb and lifted it onto his shoulder. Then he said to the troops that accompanied him, “What you saw me do—quick, do the same!”

va-YA-al a-vee-ME-lekh har tzal-MON HU v'-khol ha-AM a-sher i-TO va-yi-KAKH a-vee-ME-lekh et ha-kar-du-MOT b'-ya-DO va-yikh-ROT so-KHAT ay-TZEEM va-yi-sa-E-ha va-YA-sem al shikh-MO va-YO-mer el ha-AM a-sher i-MO MAH r'-ee-TEM a-SEE-tee ma-ha-RU a-SU kha-MO-nee

מחוַיַּ֨עַל אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ הַר־צַלְמ֗וֹן הוּא֮ וְכׇל־הָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־אִתּוֹ֒ וַיִּקַּח֩ אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ אֶת־הַקַּרְדֻּמּ֜וֹת בְּיָד֗וֹ וַיִּכְרֹת֙ שׂוֹכַ֣ת עֵצִ֔ים וַיִּ֨שָּׂאֶ֔הָ וַיָּ֖שֶׂם עַל־שִׁכְמ֑וֹ וַיֹּ֜אמֶר אֶל־הָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר־עִמּ֗וֹ מָ֤ה רְאִיתֶם֙ עָשִׂ֔יתִי מַהֲר֖וּ עֲשׂ֥וּ כָמֽוֹנִי׃

49So each of the troops also lopped off a bough; then they marched behind Avimelech and laid them against the tunnel, and set fire to the tunnel over their heads. Thus all the people of the Tower of Shechem also perished, about a thousand men and women.

va-yikh-r'-TU gam kol ha-AM EESH so-KHOH va-yay-l'-KHU a-akha-RAY a-vee-ME-lekh va-ya-SEE-mu al ha-tz'-REE-akh va-ya-TZEE-tu a-lay-HEM et ha-tz'-REE-akh ba-AYSH va-ya-MU-tu GAM kol an-SHAY mig-dal sh'-KHEM k'-E-lef EESH v'-i-SHAH

מטוַיִּכְרְת֨וּ גַם־כׇּל־הָעָ֜ם אִ֣ישׁ שׂוֹכֹ֗ה וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ אַחֲרֵ֤י אֲבִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ וַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ עַֽל־הַצְּרִ֔יחַ וַיַּצִּ֧יתוּ עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם אֶֽת־הַצְּרִ֖יחַ בָּאֵ֑שׁ וַיָּמֻ֜תוּ גַּ֣ם כׇּל־אַנְשֵׁ֧י מִֽגְדַּל־שְׁכֶ֛ם כְּאֶ֖לֶף אִ֥ישׁ וְאִשָּֽׁה׃

50Avimelech proceeded to Thebez; he encamped at Thebez and occupied it.

va-YAY-lekh a-vee-ME-lekh el tay-VAYTZ va-YI-khan b'-tay-VAYTZ va-yil-k'-DAH

נוַיֵּ֥לֶךְ אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ אֶל־תֵּבֵ֑ץ וַיִּ֥חַן בְּתֵבֵ֖ץ וַֽיִּלְכְּדָֽהּ׃

51Within the town was a fortified tower; and all the citizens of the town, men and women, took refuge there. They shut themselves in, and went up on the roof of the tower.

u-mig-dal OZ ha-YAH v'-tokh ha-EER va-ya-NU-su SHA-mah kol ha-a-na-SHEEM v'-ha-na-SHEEM v'-KHOL ba-a-LAY ha-EER va-yis-g'-RU ba-a-DAM va-ya-a-LU al GAG ha-mig-DAL

נאוּמִגְדַּל־עֹז֮ הָיָ֣ה בְתוֹךְ־הָעִיר֒ וַיָּנֻ֨סוּ שָׁ֜מָּה כׇּל־הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים וְהַנָּשִׁ֗ים וְכֹל֙ בַּעֲלֵ֣י הָעִ֔יר וַֽיִּסְגְּר֖וּ בַּעֲדָ֑ם וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ עַל־גַּ֥ג הַמִּגְדָּֽל׃

52Avimelech pressed forward to the tower and attacked it. He approached the door of the tower to set it on fire.

va-ya-VO a-vee-ME-lekh ad ha-mig-DAL va-yi-LA-khem BO va-yi-GASH ad PE-takh ha-mig-DAL l'-sor-FO va-AYSH

נבוַיָּבֹ֤א אֲבִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ עַד־הַמִּגְדָּ֔ל וַיִּלָּ֖חֶם בּ֑וֹ וַיִּגַּ֛שׁ עַד־פֶּ֥תַח הַמִּגְדָּ֖ל לְשׇׂרְפ֥וֹ בָאֵֽשׁ׃

53But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Avimelech's head and cracked his skull.

va-tash-LAYKH i-SHAH a-KHAT PE-lakh RE-khev al ROSH a-vee-ME-lekh va-TA-ritz et gu-gol-TO

נגוַתַּשְׁלֵ֞ךְ אִשָּׁ֥ה אַחַ֛ת פֶּ֥לַח רֶ֖כֶב עַל־רֹ֣אשׁ אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ וַתָּ֖רִץ אֶת־גֻּלְגׇּלְתּֽוֹ׃

54He immediately cried out to his attendant, his arms-bearer, “Draw your dagger and finish me off, that they may not say of me, ‘A woman killed him!'” So his attendant stabbed him, and he died.

va-yik-RA m'-hay-RAH el ha-NA-ar no-SAY khay-LAV va-YO-mer LO sh'-LOF khar-b'-KHA u-mo-t'-TAY-nee pen YO-m'-ru LEE i-SHAH ha-ra-GAT-hu va-yid-k'-RAY-hu na-a-RO va-ya-MOT

נדוַיִּקְרָ֨א מְהֵרָ֜ה אֶל־הַנַּ֣עַר ׀ נֹשֵׂ֣א כֵלָ֗יו וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ שְׁלֹ֤ף חַרְבְּךָ֙ וּמ֣וֹתְתֵ֔נִי פֶּן־יֹ֥אמְרוּ לִ֖י אִשָּׁ֣ה הֲרָגָ֑תְהוּ וַיִּדְקְרֵ֥הוּ נַעֲר֖וֹ וַיָּמֹֽת׃

55When the men of Yisrael saw that Avimelech was dead, everyone went home.

va-yir-U eesh yis-ra-AYL KEE MAYT a-vee-ME-lekh va-yay-l'-KHU EESH lim-ko-MO

נהוַיִּרְא֥וּ אִֽישׁ־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל כִּ֣י מֵ֣ת אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ לִמְקֹמֽוֹ׃

56Thus Hashem repaid Avimelech for the evil he had done to his father by slaying his seventy brothers;

va-YA-shev e-lo-HEEM AYT ra-AT a-vee-ME-lekh a-SHER a-SAH l'-a-VEEV la-ha-ROG et shiv-EEM e-KHAV

נווַיָּ֣שֶׁב אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֵ֖ת רָעַ֣ת אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשָׂה֙ לְאָבִ֔יו לַהֲרֹ֖ג אֶת־שִׁבְעִ֥ים אֶחָֽיו׃

57and Hashem likewise repaid the men of Shechem for all their wickedness. And so the curse of Yotam son of Yerubaal was fulfilled upon them.

v'-AYT kol ra-AT an-SHAY sh'-KHEM hay-SHEEV e-lo-HEEM b'-ro-SHAM va-ta-VO a-lay-HEM ki-l'-LAT yo-TAM ben y'-ru-BA-al

נזוְאֵ֗ת כׇּל־רָעַת֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם הֵשִׁ֥יב אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּרֹאשָׁ֑ם וַתָּבֹ֣א אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם קִֽלְלַ֖ת יוֹתָ֥ם בֶּן־יְרֻבָּֽעַל׃