Judges 9:1-3

Expanded Bible

Abimelech Becomes King

9 Abimelech [8:31] son of Jerub-Baal [^CGideon; 6:32] went to his ·uncles [^Lmother’s brothers] in the city of Shechem. He said to ·his uncles [^Lthem] and all of his mother’s ·family group [clan], ² “·Ask [or Whisper to; ^LSpeak in the ears of] the ·leaders [leading citizens; lords] of Shechem, ‘Is it better for the seventy sons of Gideon to rule over you or for one man to rule?’ Remember, I am your ·relative [^Lbone and your flesh].”

³ Abimelech’s ·uncles [mother’s brothers] ·spoke to [or whispered to; ^Lspoke in the ears of] all the ·leaders [leading citizens; lords] of Shechem about this [^Lfor him; on his behalf]. And ·they decided [they were inclined; ^Ltheir heart was stretched] to follow Abimelech, because they said, “He is our ·relative [brother].”