2 Samuel 11:21
Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
2 Samuel 11:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Samuel recounts the death of Abimelech, the son of Jerubbesheth, who was killed by a woman who threw a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall of the city of Thebez. The verse questions why Abimelech approached the wall, leading to his demise by the hands of a woman. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and unexpected ways in which God can bring about justice and defeat those who are wicked. It also highlights the role of individuals who may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world but are chosen by God to carry out His purposes. In this case, the woman who killed Abimelech played a crucial role in fulfilling God's plan. The verse also alludes to the death of Uriah the Hittite, drawing parallels between the two deaths and highlighting the consequences of disobedience and wrongdoing.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological implications of this verse is the theme of divine retribution. In this passage, we see Abimelech, the son of Jerubbesheth, being killed by a millstone thrown by a woman from the wall of Thebez. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions, particularly in terms of the violent and oppressive rule that Abimelech imposed on the people. The method of Abimelech's death also highlights the unexpected ways in which God can bring justice and judgement upon those who act unjustly. Additionally, the mention of Uriah the Hittite's death serves as a parallel to Abimelech's demise, as both men faced consequences for their wrongdoing. Overall, this verse underscores the biblical principle that those who live by the sword will die by the sword, and that ultimately, God's justice will prevail in unexpected and sometimes poetic ways.
2 Samuel 11:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast an upper millstone upon him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? why went ye so nigh the wall? then shalt thou say, Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
World English Bible
who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Didn’t a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?’ then you shall say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.’”
Douay-Rheims
Who killed Abimelech the son of Jerobaal? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from the wall and slew him in Thebes? Why did you go near the wall? Thou shalt say: Thy servant Urias the Hethite is also slain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Who smote Abimelech sonne of Ierubesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a milstone vpon him from the wall, and he died in Thebez? why went you nie the wall? Then say thou, Thy seruant Vriah the Hittite is also dead.