KJV ORIGINAL
And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
If only I were in charge of these people! Then I would get rid of Abimelech. Build up your army and come out to fight!
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Gaal is boasting that if he were the leader, he would defeat Abimelech and is challenging him to battle.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from the story of Abimelech's brutal reign as a self-appointed king over Israel. Gaal, son of Ebed, had come to Shechem and was stirring up rebellion against Abimelech's rule. The people of Shechem were growing tired of Abimelech's oppressive leadership and were beginning to support Gaal's challenge to his authority.
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