Would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. He said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.
      3. Abimelech routed Gaal's forces that sallied out of the town, Judges 9:39; Judges 9:40. Gaal, disheartened no doubt by Zebul's hectoring him, and perceiving his interest weaker than he thought it was, though he marched out against Abimelech with what little force he had, was soon put to the worst, and obliged to retire into the city with great precipitation. In this action the Shechemites' loss was considerable: Many were overthrown and wounded, the common effect of popular tumults, in which the inconsiderate multitude are often drawn into fatal snare by those that promise them glorious success.