Giudici 9

NOVA VULGATA	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Abiit autem Abimelech filius Ierobbaal in Sichem ad fratres matris suae et locutus est ad eos et ad omnem cognationem familiae matris suae dicens:	1 Abimelech, son of Jerubbaal, went to his mother's kinsmen in Shechem, and said to them and to the whole clan to which his mother's family belonged,
2 “ Loquimini ad omnes viros Sichem: “Quid vobis est melius, ut dominentur vestri septuaginta viri, omnes filii Ierobbaal, an ut dominetur vobis unus vir? Simulque considerate quod os vestrum et caro vestra sum” ”.	2 "Put this question to all the citizens of Shechem: 'Which is better for you: that seventy men, or all Jerubbaal's sons, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?' You must remember that I am your own flesh and bone."
3 Locutique sunt fratres matris eius de eo ad omnes viros Sichem universos sermones istos et inclinaverunt cor eorum post Abimelech dicentes: “ Frater noster est ”.	3 When his mother's kin repeated these words to them on his behalf, all the citizens of Shechem sympathized with Abimelech, thinking, "He is our kinsman."
4 Dederuntque illi septuaginta pondo argenti de fano Baalberith; qui conduxit sibi ex eo viros inopes et vagos, secutique sunt eum.	4 They also gave him seventy silver shekels from the temple of Baal of Berith, with which Abimelech hired shiftless men and ruffians as his followers.
5 Et venit in domum patris sui Ephra et occidit fratres suos filios Ierobbaal septuaginta viros super lapidem unum. Remansitque Ioatham filius Ierobbaal minimus, quia absconditus erat.	5 He then went to his ancestral house in Ophrah, and slew his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. Only the youngest son of Jerubbaal, Jotham, escaped, for he was hidden.
6 Congregati sunt autem omnes viri Sichem et universae domus Mello abieruntque et constituerunt regem Abimelech iuxta quercum, quae stabat in Sichem.	6 Then all the citizens of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together and proceeded to make Abimelech king by the terebinth at the memorial pillar in Shechem.
7 Quod cum nuntiatum esset Ioatham, ivit et stetit in vertice montis Garizim elevataque voce clamavit et dixit: “ Audite me, viri Sichem, ut audiat vos Deus.	7 When this was reported to him, Jotham went to the top of Mount Gerizim, and standing there, cried out to them in a loud voice: "Hear me, citizens of Shechem, that God may then hear you!
8 Ierunt ligna, ut ungerent super se regem, dixeruntque olivae: “Impera nobis”.	8 Once the trees went to anoint a king over themselves. So they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.'
9 Quae respondit: “Numquid possum deserere pinguedinem meam, qua et dii honorantur et homines, et venire, ut super ligna movear?”.	9 But the olive tree answered them, 'Must I give up my rich oil, whereby men and gods are honored, and go to wave over the trees?'
10 Dixeruntque ligna ad arborem ficum: “Veni et super nos regnum accipe”.	10 Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come; you reign over us!'
11 Quae respondit eis: “Numquid possum deserere dulcedinem meam fructusque suavissimos et ire, ut super cetera ligna movear?”.	11 But the fig tree answered them, 'Must I give up my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to wave over the trees?'
12 Locuta quoque sunt ligna ad vitem: “Veni et impera nobis”.	12 Then the trees said to the vine, 'Come you, and reign over us.'
13 Quae respondit: “Numquid possum deserere vinum meum, quod laetificat deos et homines, et super ligna cetera commoveri?”.	13 But the vine answered them, 'Must I give up my wine that cheers gods and men, and go to wave over the trees?'
14 Dixeruntque omnia ligna ad rhamnum: “Veni et impera super nos”.	14 Then all the trees said to the buckthorn, 'Come; you reign over us!'
15 Quae respondit eis: “Si vere me regem vobis constituitis, venite et sub mea umbra requiescite; sin autem non vultis, egrediatur ignis de rhamno et devoret cedros Libani!”.	15 But the buckthorn replied to the trees, 'If you wish to anoint me king over you in good faith, come and take refuge in my shadow. Otherwise, let fire come from the buckthorn and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'
16 Nunc igitur, si recte et absque peccato constituistis super vos regem Abimelech et bene egistis cum Ierobbaal et cum domo eius et reddidistis vicem beneficiis eius,	16 "Now then, if you have acted in good faith and honorably in appointing Abimelech your king, if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and with his family, and if you have treated him as he deserved--
17 qui pugnavit pro vobis et animam suam dedit periculis, ut erueret vos de manu Madian,	17 for my father fought for you at the risk of his life when he saved you from the power of Midian;
18 qui nunc surrexistis contra domum patris mei et interfecistis filios eius septuaginta viros super unum lapidem et constituistis regem Abimelech filium ancillae eius super habitatores Sichem, eo quod frater vester sit;	18 but you have risen against his family this day and have killed his seventy sons upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his handmaid, king over the citizens of Shechem, because he is your kinsman--
19 si ergo recte et absque vitio egistis cum Ierobbaal et domo eius hodie, laetamini in Abimelech, et ille laetetur in vobis.	19 if, then, you have acted in good faith and with honor toward Jerubbaal and his family this day, rejoice in Abimelech and may he in turn rejoice in you.
20 Sin autem perverse, egrediatur ignis ex Abimelech et consumat habitatores Sichem et domum Mello, egrediaturque ignis de viris Sichem et de domo Mello et devoret Abimelech! ”.	20 But if not, let fire come forth from Abimelech to devour the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo, and let fire come forth from the citizens and from Beth-millo to devour Abimelech."
21 Quae cum Ioatham dixisset, fugit et abiit in Bera habitavitque ibi metu Abimelech fratris sui.	21 Then Jotham went in flight to Beer, where he remained for fear of his brother Abimelech.
22 Regnavit itaque Abimelech super Israel tribus annis.	22 When Abimelech had ruled Israel for three years,
23 Misitque Deus spiritum pessimum inter Abimelech et habitatores Sichem, qui rebellaverunt contra eum,	23 God put bad feelings between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who rebelled against Abimelech.
24 ut scelus interfectionis septuaginta filiorum Ierobbaal et effusio sanguinis eorum veniret super Abimelech fratrem suum et in viros Sichimorum, qui eum adiuverant.	24 This was to repay the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal and to avenge their blood upon their brother Abimelech, who killed them, and upon the citizens of Shechem, who encouraged him to kill his brothers.
25 Posueruntque insidias adversus eum in montium summitate et exercebant latrocinia agentes praedas de omnibus praetereuntibus. Nuntiatumque est Abimelech.	25 The citizens of Shechem then set men in ambush for him on the mountaintops, and these robbed all who passed them on the road. But it was reported to Abimelech.
26 Venit autem Gaal filius Ebed cum fratribus suis et transivit in Sichimam, et confisi sunt habitatores Sichem in eo.	26 Now Gaal, son of Ebed, came over to Shechem with his kinsmen. The citizens of Shechem put their trust in him,
27 Egressi in agros vindemiaverunt vineas uvasque calcaverunt et, factis cantantium choris, ingressi sunt fanum dei sui et inter epulas et pocula maledicebant Abimelech,	27 and went out into the fields, harvested their grapes and trod them out. Then they held a festival and went to the temple of their god, where they ate and drank and cursed Abimelech.
28 clamante Gaal filio Ebed: “ Quis est Abimelech, et quae est Sichem, ut serviamus ei? Numquid non est filius Ierobbaal et Zebul praefectus eius? Servite viris Hemmor patris Sichem! Cur serviemus ei?	28 Gaal, son of Ebed, said, "Who is Abimelech? And why should we of Shechem serve him? Were not the son of Jerubbaal and his lieutenant Zebul once subject to the men of Hamor, father of Shechem? Why should we serve him?
29 Utinam daret aliquis populum istum sub manu mea, ut auferrem de medio Abimelech et dicerem ei: Congrega exercitus multitudinem et veni ”.	29 Would that this people were entrusted to my command! I would depose Abimelech. I would say to Abimelech, 'Get a larger army and come out!'"
30 Zebul princeps civitatis, auditis sermonibus Gaal filii Ebed, iratus est valde	30 At the news of what Gaal, son of Ebed, had said, Zebul, the ruler of the city, was angry
31 et misit clam ad Abimelech nuntios dicens: “ Ecce Gaal filius Ebed venit in Sichimam cum fratribus suis et excitant adversum te civitatem.	31 and sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah with the information: "Gaal, son of Ebed, and his kinsmen have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.
32 Surge itaque nocte cum populo, qui tecum est, et latita in agro.	32 Now rouse yourself; set an ambush tonight in the fields, you and the men who are with you.
33 Et primo mane, oriente sole, irrue super civitatem; illo autem egrediente adversum te cum populo suo, fac ei, quod potueris ”.	33 Promptly at sunrise tomorrow morning, make a raid on the city. When he and his followers come out against you, deal with him as best you can."
34 Surrexit itaque Abimelech cum omni exercitu suo nocte et tetendit insidias iuxta Sichimam in quattuor locis.	34 During the night Abimelech advanced with all his soldiers and set up an ambush for Shechem in four companies.
35 Egressusque est Gaal filius Ebed et stetit in introitu portae civitatis; surrexit autem Abimelech et omnis exercitus cum eo de insidiarum loco.	35 Gaal, son of Ebed, went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate. When Abimelech and his soldiers rose from their place of ambush,
36 Cumque vidisset populum Gaal, dixit ad Zebul: “ Ecce de montibus multitudo descendit ”. Cui ille respondit: “ Umbras montium vides quasi homines ”.	36 Gaal saw them and said to Zebul, "There are men coming down from the hilltops!" But Zebul answered him, "You see the shadow of the hills as men."
37 Rursumque Gaal ait: “ Ecce populus de Umbilico terrae descendit, et unus cuneus venit per viam Quercus Augurum ”.	37 But Gaal went on to say, "Men are coming down from the region of Tabbur-Haares, and one company is coming by way of Elon-Meonenim."
38 Cui dixit Zebul: “ Ubi est nunc os tuum, quo loquebaris: “Quis est Abimelech, ut serviamus ei?”. Nonne iste est populus, quem despiciebas? Egredere et pugna contra eum ”.	38 Zebul said to him, "Where now is the boast you uttered, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Are these not the men for whom you expressed contempt? Go out now and fight with them."
39 Abiit ergo Gaal, spectante Sichimorum populo, et pugnavit contra Abimelech.	39 So Gaal went out at the head of the citizens of Shechem and fought against Abimelech.
40 Qui persecutus est eum fugientem, cecideruntque ex parte eius plurimi usque ad portam civitatis.	40 But Abimelech routed him, and he fled before him; and many fell slain right up to the entrance of the gate.
41 Et Abimelech sedit in Aruma; Zebul autem Gaal et fratres eius expulit de urbe nec in ea passus est commorari.	41 Abimelech returned to Arumah, but Zebul drove Gaal and his kinsmen from Shechem, which they had occupied.
42 Sequenti ergo die egressus est populus in campum. Quod cum nuntiatum esset Abimelech,	42 The next day, when the people were taking the field, it was reported to Abimelech,
43 tulit exercitum suum et divisit in tres turmas tendens insidias in agris. Vidensque quod egrederetur populus de civitate, surrexit et percussit eos.	43 who divided the men he had into three companies, and set up an ambush in the fields. He watched till he saw the people leave the city, and then rose against them for the attack.
44 Irruensque cum cuneo suo obsedit ingressum portae civitatis; duae autem turmae palantes per campum adversarios percusserunt.	44 Abimelech and the company with him dashed in and stood by the entrance of the city gate, while the other two companies rushed upon all who were in the field and attacked them.
45 Porro Abimelech omni illo die oppugnabat urbem, quam cepit, interfectis habitatoribus eius ipsaque destructa, ita ut sal in ea dispergeret.	45 That entire day Abimelech fought against the city, and captured it. He then killed its inhabitants and demolished the city, sowing the site with salt.
46 Quod cum audissent, qui habitabant in turre Sichimorum, ingressi sunt cryptam fani Elberith (id est dei Foederis).	46 When they heard of this, all the citizens of Migdal-shechem went into the crypt of the temple of El-berith.
47 Abimelech quoque audiens omnes viros turris Sichimorum pariter conglobatos,	47 It was reported to Abimelech that all the citizens of Migdal-shechem were gathered together.
48 ascendit in montem Selmon cum omni populo suo et, arrepta securi, praecidit arboris ramum impositumque ferens umero dixit ad socios: “ Quod me viditis facere, cito facite ”.	48 So he went up Mount Zalmon with all his soldiers, took his axe in his hand, and cut down some brushwood. This he lifted to his shoulder, then said to the men with him, "Hurry! Do just as you have seen me do."
49 Igitur certatim ramos de arboribus praecidentes sequebantur ducem, quos circumdantes cryptae succenderunt; atque ita factum est, ut fumo et igne omnes homines necarentur, circiter mille viri pariter ac mulieres, habitatores turris Sichem.	49 So all the men likewise cut down brushwood, and following Abimelech, placed it against the crypt. Then they set the crypt on fire over their heads, so that every one of the citizens of Migdal-shechem, about a thousand men and women, perished.
50 Abimelech autem inde proficiscens venit ad oppidum Thebes, quod obsidebat et cepit.	50 Abimelech proceeded to Thebez, which he invested and captured.
51 Erat autem turris fortis in media civitate, ad quam confugerant viri simul ac mulieres et omnes cives civitatis, clausa firmissime ianua, et super turris tectum stantes per propugnacula.	51 Now there was a strong tower in the middle of the city, and all the men and women, in a word all the citizens of the city, fled there, shutting themselves in and going up to the roof of the tower.
52 Accedensque Abimelech iuxta turrim pugnabat fortiter et appropinquans ostio ignem supponere nitebatur.	52 Abimelech came up to the tower and fought against it, advancing to the very entrance of the tower to set it on fire.
53 Et ecce una mulier superiorem molam desuper iaciens illisit capiti Abimelech et confregit cerebrum eius.	53 But a certain woman cast the upper part of a millstone down on Abimelech's head, and it fractured his skull.
54 Qui vocavit cito armigerum suum et ait ad eum: “ Evagina gladium tuum et percute me, ne forte dicatur quod a femina interfectus sim ”. Qui transfodit eum.	54 He immediately called his armor-bearer and said to him, "Draw your sword and dispatch me, lest they say of me that a woman killed me." So his attendant ran him through and he died.
55 Illoque mortuo, omnes viri Israel hoc videntes reversi sunt in sedes suas.	55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they all left for their homes.
56 Et reddidit Deus malum, quod fecerat Abimelech contra patrem suum, interfectis septuaginta fratribus suis.	56 Thus did God requite the evil Abimelech had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers.
57 Sichimitis quoque, quod operati erant, retributum est, et venit super eos maledictio Ioatham filii Ierobbaal.	57 God also brought all their wickedness home to the Shechemites, for the curse of Jotham, son of Jerubbaal, overtook them.