What does Judges 9:41 mean?
Perhaps the conflict between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem caused him to move his headquarters outside the city (Judges 9:22–25). It's also possible his absence from Shechem may have aggravated their disapproval. In either case, it is clear Abimelech and his men are not living in Shechem currently. After routing the rebellion of the city's leaders and Gaal (Judges 9:26–29; 39–40) Abimelech returns to nearby Arumah for the night.Zebul, Abimelech's officer in Shechem, does not allow Gaal and his relatives to return to the city after being chased off by Abimelech. He drives them all out of town for good. Their initial arrival in Shechem might have been a return to their old hometown. Regardless, Zebul doesn't want them in his city any longer. As it happens, that might have worked out very well for Gaal and his friends. Very soon, nobody will live in Shechem (Judges 9:45).