What does Judges 9:50 mean?
Abimelech has laid waste to the city of Shechem and all its people (Judges 9:44–45). He has burned the temple, killing a thousand men and women hiding inside (Judges 9:46–49). In doing so, he has fulfilled the first part of the curse of his brother Jotham after the murder of Gideon's seventy other sons (Judges 9:1–6; 15).Scripture does not indicate exactly why Abimelech chooses to move against Thebez. Perhaps he wants to expand his territory. Possibly, Abimelech did not directly control this town. Or, the people there were also in rebellion against his rule (Judges 9:22–25). Abimelech and his men capture the city. They breach the outer walls in some way. As did the survivors in Shechem, the people will take refuge in a structure of last defense.
Scholars believe the town of Thebez to be modern-day Tubas. It is a short distance northeast of Shechem.