Then in the morning, as soon as the sun is up: Abimelech and his men are to go and hide and then wait until the sun comes up. Then is literally “And it will be,” which may serve to slow down the narrative at this point. In the morning, as soon as the sun is up describes the early part of the day. Translators may use idiomatic expressions in their language, such as “when the sun rises,” “at sunrise,” or “in the morning when the day breaks.” This long expression for sunrise on the next day helps to build suspense.

Rise early does not render the Hebrew verb meaning “arise” (qum) in the previous verse, but rather a word that refers to waking up early (see verse 7.1). This is an important part of the plan, because Abimelech and his men are to attack while the people in the town are still sleeping. This surprise attack is meant to catch the townspeople unaware.

And rush upon the city: The Hebrew verb rendered rush pictures a quick raid or attack (compare verse 20.37). Good News Translation says “make a sudden attack.” Contemporary English Version also provides a good model: “Get up the next morning at sunrise and rush out of your hiding places to attack the town.”

And when he and the men that are with him come out against you …: And when is literally “and behold.” This sentence begins with the Hebrew word hinneh (“behold”), indicating surprise and also a kind of climax. It may not be easy to express this word, but we may begin with “Just when….” He and the men that are with him refers to Gaal and his followers. Men is literally “people” again (see verse 9.32). Gaal and his men would soon hear of the attack from Abimelech and would be forced to come out to defend themselves and their town. Once again the key verb come out is used in a context of conflict (see verse 9.29).

You may do to them as occasion offers is a free translation of the Hebrew, which is literally “and you will do to him just as your hand finds.” The keyword “hand” occurs once more, and should be kept if possible. The pronoun “him” refers to Gaal, but his whole group is also in view, so Revised Standard Version and many other versions say them. Zebul is encouraging Abimelech to do all he can to defeat Gaal and his men. Good News Translation says “hit them with all you’ve got,” which is a good model.

Translation models for this verse are:

• Then early the next morning, when the sun comes up, attack the town. When Gaal and his men come out to defend it, do everything you can to defeat them.”

• Next morning, as soon as the sun comes up, make a surprise attack on Shechem. When Gaal and his men come out to fight you, do all you can to overcome them!”

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .