Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. New Living Translation When the leading citizens who lived in the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they ran and hid in the temple of Baal-berith. English Standard Version When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the house of El-berith. Berean Standard Bible On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Berean Literal Bible And all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard, and they entered into the stronghold of the temple of El-berith. King James Bible And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. New King James Version Now when all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard that, they entered the stronghold of the temple of the god Berith. New American Standard Bible When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. NASB 1995 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. NASB 1977 When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Legacy Standard Bible Then all the lords of the tower of Shechem heard of it, and they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Amplified Bible When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber (stronghold) of the temple of El-berith (the god of a covenant). Berean Annotated Bible On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem (shoulder) entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith (Baal-berith). Christian Standard Bible When all the citizens of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. Holman Christian Standard Bible When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. American Standard Version And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. Contemporary English Version Earlier that day, the leaders of the temple of El Berith at Shechem had heard about the attack. So they went into the temple fortress, English Revised Version And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the citizens of Shechem's Tower heard about it and went into the basement of the temple of El Berith. Good News Translation When all the leading men in the fort at Shechem heard about this, they sought safety in the stronghold of the temple of Baal-of-the-Covenant. International Standard Version When all the "lords" at the tower of Shechem heard what had happened, they retreated into the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. NET Bible When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem heard the news, they went to the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith. New Heart English Bible And when all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of El Berith. Webster's Bible Translation And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into a hold of the house of the god Berith. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. World English Bible When all the men of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all the masters of the Tower of Shechem hear, and go into the high place of the house of the god Berith, Berean Literal Bible And all the men of the tower of Shechem had heard, and they entered into the stronghold of the temple of El-berith. Young's Literal Translation And all the masters of the tower of Shechem hear, and go in unto the high place of the house of the god Berith, Smith's Literal Translation And all the lords of the tower of Shechem will hear, and they will go in to the tower of the god of the covenant. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they who dwelt in the tower of Sichem had heard this, they went into the temple of their god Berith where they had made a covenant with him, and from thence the place had taken its name, and it was exceeding strong. Catholic Public Domain Version And when those living in the tower of Shechem had heard about this, they entered the temple of their god, Berith, where they had formed a covenant with him. And it was because of this, that the place had taken its name. And it was greatly fortified. New American Bible When they heard of this, all the lords of the Migdal-shechem went into the crypt of the temple of El-berith. New Revised Standard Version When all the lords of the Tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered the stronghold of the temple of El-berith. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when all the lords of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they came to take refuge in the house of the god of the covenant. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the Lords of the Tower of Shekeem heard and they came to make a covenant with Bayth Eil OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into the hold of the house of El-berith. Brenton Septuagint Translation And all the men of the tower of Sychem heard, and came to the gathering of Baethel-berith. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Fall of Shechem…45And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt. 46On hearing of this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. 47And when Abimelech was told that all the leaders in the tower of Shechem were gathered there,… Cross References On hearing of this, 2 Kings 19:1 On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. Nehemiah 4:1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews Joshua 2:11 When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. all the leaders in the tower of Shechem Judges 8:17 He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. Psalm 61:3 For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. entered the inner chamber Judges 16:9 While the men were hidden in her room, she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” But he snapped the bowstrings like a strand of yarn seared by a flame. So the source of his strength remained unknown. 2 Kings 9:2 When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. Isaiah 26:20 Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves a little while until the wrath has passed. of the temple of El-berith. Judges 8:33 And as soon as Gideon was dead, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals, and they set up Baal-berith as their god. 1 Samuel 5:2-4 carried it into the temple of Dagon, and set it beside his statue. / When the people of Ashdod got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and returned him to his place. / But when they got up early the next morning, there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the ark of the LORD, with his head and his hands broken off and lying on the threshold. Only the torso remained. 2 Kings 10:27 They also demolished the sacred pillar of Baal. Then they tore down the temple of Baal and made it into a latrine, which it is to this day. 2 Samuel 22:3 My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Isaiah 2:19 Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. Isaiah 2:21 They will flee to caverns in the rocks and crevices in the cliffs, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth. Treasury of Scripture And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into an hold of the house of the god Berith. an hold Judges 9:4,27 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him… Judges 8:33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. 1 Kings 8:26 And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. Jump to Previous Berith Chamber Citizens Entered Hear Heard Hearing High Hold House Inner Leaders Masters Room Shechem Stronghold Temple Thereof Tower TownsmenJump to Next Berith Chamber Citizens Entered Hear Heard Hearing High Hold House Inner Leaders Masters Room Shechem Stronghold Temple Thereof Tower TownsmenJudges 9 1. Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king7. Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin 22. Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him 30. Zebul reveals it 34. Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt 46. He burns the hold of the god Berith 50. At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone 56. Jotham's curse is fulfilled. On hearing of this This phrase refers to the news that reached the leaders in Shechem about Abimelech's violent actions against the city. Abimelech, the son of Gideon, had been made king by the people of Shechem but later turned against them. The phrase indicates a reaction to a specific event, likely the destruction of the city or the killing of its inhabitants, which is detailed earlier in the chapter. This highlights the fear and urgency among the leaders upon realizing the threat posed by Abimelech. all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith Persons / Places / Events 1. Leaders in the Tower of ShechemThese were the prominent figures or rulers residing in Shechem, a significant city in the tribal territory of Ephraim. They sought refuge in the tower, a fortified structure within the city. 2. Tower of Shechem A stronghold or fortress within the city of Shechem, used as a place of refuge and defense during times of attack or siege. 3. Inner Chamber of the Temple of El-berith This was a sacred space within the temple dedicated to the Canaanite god El-berith, meaning "God of the Covenant." The leaders sought sanctuary here, indicating the syncretism present in Israel at the time. 4. Abimelech Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Abimelech is the central figure in this chapter. He was a son of Gideon who declared himself king and was responsible for the attack on Shechem. 5. Shechem An ancient city with a rich biblical history, often associated with covenants and significant events in Israel's history. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryThe leaders of Shechem sought refuge in a pagan temple, illustrating how far Israel had strayed from worshiping the one true God. This serves as a warning against the subtle infiltration of idolatry in our lives. False Security The leaders believed they would find safety in the temple of El-berith, yet their trust in false gods led to their downfall. We must place our trust in God alone, who is our true refuge and strength. Consequences of Leadership Choices The leaders' decision to support Abimelech and their subsequent actions led to destruction. This highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of our choices on others. Syncretism and Compromise The blending of Canaanite worship with Israelite practices shows the danger of compromising faith. We must remain vigilant in maintaining the purity of our worship and devotion to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:46?2. How does Judges 9:46 illustrate the consequences of idolatry and false security? 3. What lessons can we learn from the actions of the "leaders of the tower"? 4. How does Judges 9:46 connect to the theme of divine justice in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we avoid seeking refuge in worldly "strongholds" today? 6. How can we apply the warning in Judges 9:46 to our spiritual lives? 7. Why did the leaders of Shechem seek refuge in the tower of El-berith? 8. What historical evidence supports the existence of the tower of El-berith? 9. How does Judges 9:46 reflect the consequences of idolatry? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9? 11. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible? 12. Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)? 13. What defines a spiritual stronghold? 14. Does the account of Abimelech’s violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22–24)? What Does Judges 9:46 Mean On hearing of this,• “This” points back to Abimelech’s brutal assault on Shechem—slaughtering the people, leveling the city, and sowing it with salt (Judges 9:45). • News of such devastation spread instantly, stirring panic. Scripture often shows how swift judgment sets hearts trembling (Joshua 2:9–11; Psalm 48:5–6). • God had already foretold retribution through Jotham’s parable (Judges 9:19–20); the report of burning judgment fulfilled that warning in real time. all the leaders in the tower of Shechem • These are the very officials who earlier empowered Abimelech with silver from the same pagan shrine (Judges 9:4). • “Tower” or Migdal-Shechem served as a fortified stronghold, yet earthly defenses are no match for divine judgment (Psalm 33:16-17; Proverbs 18:11). • Their political alliance with Abimelech had crumbled; now both sides reap the fruit of treachery (Galatians 6:7). entered the inner chamber • Retreating deeper into the structure felt like the safest option—one more barricade, one more door. • Scripture repeatedly portrays inner rooms as last-ditch hiding places that cannot shield from God’s purposes (1 Kings 20:30; Isaiah 2:19). • The contrast stands out: the righteous run to the LORD and are safe (Proverbs 18:10), while the wicked burrow into walls that soon collapse around them (Ezekiel 33:27). of the temple of El-berith • El-berith, “god of the covenant,” was a counterfeit deity worshiped at Shechem (Judges 8:33). • The leaders sought refuge in a sanctuary of idolatry instead of the covenant-keeping LORD. Idols, however, are powerless to save (Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 46:7). • Their chosen refuge became a furnace when Abimelech stacked brushwood against it and burned them alive (Judges 9:49), mirroring Jotham’s warning that fire would come from Abimelech to consume Shechem. • The episode underscores that trusting false gods invites the very destruction one tries to escape (Deuteronomy 32:37-39). summary Judges 9:46 records leaders who, terrified by Abimelech’s onslaught, fled into the innermost room of a pagan temple, hoping stone walls and a false deity could protect them. Their choice revealed misplaced trust, fulfilled Jotham’s prophetic curse, and prepared the way for their fiery end. The verse stands as a historical reminder and a timeless call to seek shelter in the Lord alone, for every other refuge will ultimately fail. (46) The men of the tower of Shechem.--Evidently the garrison of the house of Millo (Judges 9:6).Entered into an hold.--The word for "hold" occurs in 1Samuel 13:6 ("high place"). The LXX. render it "a fortress" (ochuroma); Luther, "Festung." In the 'thiopic Version of Mark 16:15 a similar word is used for "upper room." The Vulg. has, "They entered the fane of their god Berith, where they had made their league with him, and from this the place had received its name, and it was strongly fortified." Of the house of the god Berith.--Similarly. Arcesilas burnt the Cyrenaens in a tower (Herod. iv. 164), and in 1 Maccabees 5:43 the defeated enemy fly for refuge to the temple of Ashtaroth in Karnaim, which Judas takes and burns. Verse 46. - The men of the tower of Sechem. The tower of Shechem is no doubt the same fortified building as was spoken of in vers. 6 and 20 by the name of the house of Millo (see note to ver. 6). An, or rather the, hold. The word so rendered occurs elsewhere only in 1 Samuel 13:6, where it is rendered high places, and is coupled with caves, thickets, rocks, and pits, as one of the hiding-places of the Israelites from the Philistines. It was probably some kind of keep built on an eminence, and the place where the treasure of the temple was kept (ver. 4). It appears from the narrative that the tower of Shechem, or house of Millo, was not actually part of Shechem, nor immediately contiguous, since the report of the capture of Shechem had to be carried thither. The god Berith. It should rather be El-berith, the same as Baal-berith in ver. 4 - El, i.e. god, being substituted for Baal.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew On hearing of this,וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֔וּ (way·yiš·mə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently all כָּֽל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֖י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner in the tower מִֽגְדַּל־ (miḡ·dal-) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers of Shechem שְׁכֶ֑ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7927: Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor entered וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the inner chamber צְרִ֔יחַ (ṣə·rî·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6877: Perhaps excavation, underground chamber of the temple בֵּ֖ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of El-berith. בְּרִֽית׃ (bə·rîṯ) Noun - proper Strong's 1286: A Shechemite deity Links Judges 9:46 NIVJudges 9:46 NLT Judges 9:46 ESV Judges 9:46 NASB Judges 9:46 KJV Judges 9:46 BibleApps.com Judges 9:46 Biblia Paralela Judges 9:46 Chinese Bible Judges 9:46 French Bible Judges 9:46 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 9:46 When all the men of the tower (Jd Judg. 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