שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק מ׳

The collapse of the fighters from Shechem exposes their deep military weakness and complete lack of organization. Gaal is forced to flee because his forces never function as a structured army. Instead, they are merely a loose group of men following someone who lacks any real leadership ability [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

As Abimelech pursues the broken ranks, the retreat turns into a desperate race for survival. The fleeing residents attempt to run back and find shelter inside the safety of the city walls. During this panicked escape, the entire path from the battlefield all the way to the entrance of the city gates becomes a deadly route, leaving many casualties fallen along the way [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].