Judges 9:2

“Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, etc.] Which, though the Targum calls the inhabitants of the place, Ben Melech better interprets it the lords of Shechem, as the phrase will bear to be rendered; for it is more likely he would have this first whispered and suggested to the principal men of the city, before the common people were acquainted with it, and indeed in order to use their influence with them: whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] seventy persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? intimating thereby, that though Gideon his father had refused the regal government when offered him, it was but reasonable that his…”

“Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, . . . or that one reign over you--a false insinuation, artfully contrived to stir up jealousy and alarm. Gideon had rejected, with abhorrence, the proposal to make himself or any of his family king, and there is no evidence that any of his other sons coveted the title.”

“The men of Shechem - literally, “the masters.” Compare Joshua 24:11; 1 Samuel 23:11-12. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Reign - He supposed they would take that government which their father refused; and that the multitude of his sons would occasion divisions, and confusions, which they might avoid by chusing him king; and so they might enjoy the monarchy which they had long desired. Your bone and flesh - Your kinsman, of the same tribe and city with you; which will be no small honour and advantage to you. Judges 9:3”

“Whether: etc. Heb. What is good whether: etc threescore: Jdg 8:30 your bone: Gen 29:14; Sa2 19:13; Ch1 11:1; Eph 5:30; Heb 2:14 Judges 9:3”