When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man to his place.
      I. Abimelech attempted the destruction of this city (Judges 9:50; Judges 9:50), drove all the inhabitants of the town into the castle, or citadel, Judges 9:51; Judges 9:51. When he had them there he did not doubt but he should do the same execution here that he had lately done at the strong-hold of the temple of Baal-berith, not considering that the tower of an idol-temple lay more exposed to divine vengeance than any other tower. He attempted to set fire to this tower, at least to burn down the door, and so force an entrance, Judges 9:52; Judges 9:52. Those who have escaped and succeeded well in one desperate attempt are apt to think the like attempt another time not desperate. This instance was long after quoted to show how dangerous it is to come near the call of a besieged city, 2 Samuel 11:20; 2 Samuel 11:21, c. But God infatuates those whom he will ruin.