Reading for December 26th

 Read Judges 9.34- 49. In 9.34-49: Abimelech defeats Shechem. In verse 34: By dividing his troops into four companies, Abimelech improves their chance of approaching unobserved. In verse 39: Gaal leads out Shechem's aristocrats (the lords of Shechem), who are driven back into the city with heavy losses. In verse 41: Although Abimelech does not storm the city at this point, Zebul is able to expel Gaal and his supporters. In verse 42: The ordinary farmers go out to work in the fields, perhaps to harvest (v. 27). In verse 44: The detachment under Abimelech's direct command blocks escape back into Shechem, while the other two contingents trap and slaughter the common folk. In verse 45: This is total war. Abimelech. pulls down buildings and blocks resettlement by sowing Shechem with salt as a symbolic curse. In verse 46: Although the identity of the lords of the Tower of Shechem is unclear, they are an aristocratic group who seek safety in the city's last citadel. Ancient temples were often constructed as strongholds. Comments or Questions...