(39) Before the men of Shechem.--Not merely "in the presence of the Shechemites," as some of the versions understand it, but as leader of the "lords" of Shechem. (Comp. Judges 9:23.)
9:30-49 Abimelech intended to punish the Schechemites for slighting him now, but God punished them for their serving him formerly in the murder of Gideon's sons. When God uses men as instruments in his hand to do his work, he means one thing, and they another. That, which they hoped would have been for their welfare, proved a snare and a trap, as those will certainly find, who run to idols for shelter; such will prove a refuge of lies.
And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem,.... At the head of them, to meet Abimelech, having gathered together as many, and put them in as good order, as he could, and the time would admit of:
and fought with Abimelech; without the city.