Wesley Corpus

Increase thine army - I desire not to surprise thee at any disadvantage; strengthen thyself as much as thou canst, and come out into the open field, that thou and I may decide it by our arms. And stood - To put his army in order, and to conduct them against Abimelech, whom he supposed to be at a great distance. To Zebul - Who concealed the anger which he had conceived, ver.30, and pretended compliance with him in this expedition, that he might draw him forth into the field where Abimelech might have the opportunity of fighting with him, and overthrowing him. The shadow - For in the morning, as this was, and in the evening, the shadows are longest, and move quickest. Where is now, &c. - Now shew thyself a man, and fight valiantly for thyself and people. He fled - Being surprised by the unexpected coming of Abimelech, and probably not fully prepared for the encounter. Dwelt at Arumah - He did not prosecute his victory, but retreated to Arumah, to see whether the Shechemites would not of themselves return to his government, or else, that being hereby grown secure, he might have the greater advantage against them. Thrust out - It seems the same night. Probably the multitude, which is generally light and unstable, were now enraged against Gaal, suspecting him of cowardice or ill - conduct. Zebul's interest was not so considerable with them, that he could prevail with them either to kill Gaal and his brethren, or to yield themselves to Abimelech; and therefore he still complies with the people, and waits for a fairer opportunity. Went out - to their usual employments about their land. Three companies - Whereof he kept one with himself, ver.44, and put the rest under other commanders. Entering of the gate - To prevent their retreat into the city, and give the other two companies opportunity to cut them off. With salt - In token of his desire of their utter and irrecoverable destruction. The tower - A strong place belonging to the city of Shechem, made for its defence without the city. Berith - Or, Baal - berith, ver.4.