Judges 9 The Rise and Fall of Abimelek

1 Abimelech
Abimelech son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother’s brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother’s clan,

2 “Ask all the citizens of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: to have all seventy of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember, I am your flesh and blood.”

3 When the brothers repeated all this to the citizens of Shechem, they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”

4 They gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, and Abimelech used it to hire reckless adventurers, who became his followers.

5 He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerub-Baal, escaped by hiding.

6 Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelech king.

7 When Jotham was told about this, he climbed up on the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted to them, “Listen to me, citizens of Shechem, so that God may listen to you.

8 One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Be our king.’

9 “But the olive tree answered, ‘Should I give up my oil, by which both gods and men are honored, to hold sway over the trees?’

10 “Next, the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and be our king.’

11 “But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I give up my fruit, so good and sweet, to hold sway over the trees?’

12 “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘Come and be our king.’

13 “But the vine answered, ‘Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and men, to hold sway over the trees?’

14 “Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and be our king.’

15 “The thornbush said to the trees, ‘If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, then let fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!’

16 “Now if you have acted honorably and in good faith when you made Abimelech king, and if you have been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family, and if you have treated him as he deserves—

17 and to think that my father fought for you, risked his life to rescue you from the hand of Midian

18 (but today you have revolted against my father’s family, murdered his seventy sons on a single stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave girl, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is your brother)—

19 if then you have acted honorably and in good faith toward Jerub-Baal and his family today, may Abimelech be your joy, and may you be his, too!

20 But if you have not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume you, citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and let fire come out from you, citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo, and consume Abimelech!”

21 Then Jotham fled, escaping to Beer, and he lived there because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech.

22 After Abimelech had governed Israel three years,

23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, who acted treacherously against Abimelech.

24 God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

25 In opposition to him these citizens of Shechem set men on the hilltops to ambush and rob everyone who passed by, and this was reported to Abimelech.

26 Now Gaal son of Ebed moved with his brothers into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him.

27 After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden them, they held a festival in the temple of their god. While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelech.

28 Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abimelech?

29 If only this people were under my command! Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelech, ‘Call out your whole army!’”

30 When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry.

31 Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.

32 Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait in the fields.

33 In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do whatever your hand finds to do.”

34 So Abimelech and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies.

35 Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance to the city gate just as Abimelech and his soldiers came out from their hiding place.

36 When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!”
Zebul replied, “You mistake the shadows of the mountains for men.”

37 But Gaal spoke up again: “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and a company is coming from the direction of the soothsayers’ tree.”

38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your big talk now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should be subject to him?’ Aren’t these the men you ridiculed? Go out and fight them!”

39 So Gaal led out the citizens of Shechem and fought Abimelech.

40 Abimelech chased him, and many fell wounded in the flight—all the way to the entrance to the gate.

41 Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.

42 The next day the people of Shechem went out to the fields, and this was reported to Abimelech.

43 So he took his men, divided them into three companies and set an ambush in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose to attack them.

44 Abimelech and the companies with him rushed forward to a position at the entrance to the city gate. Then two companies rushed upon those in the fields and struck them down.

45 All that day Abimelech pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it.

46 On hearing this, the citizens in the tower of Shechem went into the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith.

47 When Abimelech heard that they had assembled there,

48 he and all his men went up Mount Zalmon. He took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, “Quick! Do what you have seen me do!”

49 So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelech. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire over the people inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died.

50 Next Abimelech went to Thebez and besieged it and captured it.

51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women—all the people of the city—fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof.

52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire,

53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.

54 Hurriedly he called to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that they can’t say, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his servant ran him through, and he died.

55 When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they went home.

56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.

57 God also made the men of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came on them.

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Analysis of Judges Chapter 9

Judges Chapter 9 recounts the tumultuous story of Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). This chapter is pivotal in illustrating the dangers of unchecked ambition and tyranny, and it marks a significant departure from the cycles of deliverance and apostasy seen in earlier chapters. Instead, it delves into themes of power, betrayal, and divine justice, offering profound lessons in leadership and morality.

Context and Overview

The book of Judges bridges the period between the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of monarchy in Israel. After the death of Gideon, who served as a judge and a deliverer, Israel again falls into a state of moral and social chaos. Judges Chapter 9 specifically focuses on Abimelech, Gideon’s son from a concubine, and his ruthless grab for power.

The chapter begins with Abimelech’s machinations to become king of Shechem, detailing his conspiracy, his subsequent reign, and his downfall. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale against the evils of despotism and the inevitable consequences of sowing discord and injustice.

The Rise of Abimelech (Verses 1-6)

Abimelech’s rise to power is marked by calculated ambition and manipulation. In verse 1, he travels to Shechem, where he leverages his maternal connections to gain support. He appeals to the men of Shechem, asking them whether they would prefer to be ruled by seventy of Gideon’s sons or by one man—himself, claiming a shared kinship.

Manipulation and Persuasion (Verse 1-2): Abimelech strategically uses familial ties to persuade the leaders of Shechem, positioning himself as their preferable ruler over Gideon’s numerous sons.
Militaristic Alliance (Verse 3-4): His mother’s relatives champion his cause, and the people of Shechem provide him with seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, which he uses to hire reckless adventurers.
Massacre and Seizure of Power (Verse 5): In a ruthless bid for dominance, Abimelech kills his seventy brothers on one stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who escapes.
Crowning in Shechem (Verse 6): With the brutal elimination of potential rivals, the leaders of Shechem gather at the pillar of Shechem to crown Abimelech as king.

This section of the chapter sets a dark tone, highlighting themes of deceit and the corrupting influence of power. Abimelech’s actions are in stark contrast to Gideon’s god-fearing leadership, revealing a descent into moral depravity that threatens the integrity of Israel.

Jotham’s Parable (Verses 7-21)

Jotham, the surviving son of Gideon, emerges as a voice of prophetic wisdom and moral clarity. In verses 7 to 21, he delivers a poignant parable from Mount Gerizim, addressing the people of Shechem.

The Parable of the Trees (Verses 8-15): Jotham narrates a fable in which trees seek a king to rule over them. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine, all productive and valuable, refuse the offer, while the bramble, a worthless and thorny plant, accepts.
Interpretation and Implications (Verses 16-20): He then explains that the trees represent the leaders of Israel, with the bramble symbolizing Abimelech. Jotham foretells that Abimelech’s reign will bring mutual destruction to both him and the men of Shechem if they acted in bad faith towards Gideon’s house.

The parable is rich with symbolism. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine signify leaders who contribute positively to society, whereas the bramble signifies a leader whose worthlessness and destructiveness mirror Abimelech’s rule. Jotham’s message is a prophetic indictment and a dire warning of the consequences of their choice.

The Reign of Abimelech (Verses 22-49)

The subsequent verses chronicle Abimelech’s reign, which is fraught with conflict and treachery.

God’s Judgement Begins (Verse 22-24): After three years of Abimelech’s rule, God sends an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, resulting in betrayal and strife. This divine intervention signifies God’s disapproval and sets the stage for unfolding judgment.
Conspiracy and Rebellion (Verses 25-29): The leaders of Shechem set up ambushes against Abimelech, leading to hostilities. Gaal, son of Ebed, enters the scene and, bolstered by the people’s discontent, openly challenges Abimelech’s authority.
Battle and Bloodshed (Verses 30-49): Zebul, the governor of the city, informs Abimelech of Gaal’s rebellion. A series of battles ensue, leading to the defeat of Gaal and the devastation of Shechem. Abimelech’s cruelty is evident as he razes the city and sows it with salt, a symbol of utter desolation.

This segment captures the inevitable collapse of a leadership founded on treachery and violence. The rebellion in Shechem and the subsequent destruction underscore the destructive consequences of Abimelech’s tyranny and the instability it breeds.

The Fall of Abimelech (Verses 50-57)

The final verses narrate Abimelech’s downfall, completing the cycle of divine retribution.

Siege of Thebez (Verses 50-52): Abimelech turns his attention to Thebez, another city. During the siege, the inhabitants take refuge in a strong tower.
Divine Retribution (Verses 53-54): As Abimelech approaches the tower, a woman drops a millstone on his head, fatally injuring him. In a bid to avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman, he orders his armor-bearer to kill him.
Conclusion (Verses 55-57): With Abimelech’s death, the men of Israel disperse, signaling the end of his reign. The chapter concludes by reiterating that God repaid Abimelech and the men of Shechem for their wicked deeds, fulfilling Jotham’s curse.

The demise of Abimelech is a powerful conclusion that emphasizes the theme of divine justice. His violent death at the hands of a woman, an ignominious end for a warrior, underscores the moral of the narrative—evil begets destruction, and divine justice prevails.

Key Themes and Lessons

Judges Chapter 9 is rich with themes and lessons that are both timeless and relevant.

The Perils of Ambition and Tyranny: Abimelech’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in unchecked ambition and despotism. His ruthless actions and the subsequent chaos they engender serve as a cautionary tale against the pursuit of power at any cost.
Divine Justice: The chapter underscores the principle of divine retribution. Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem face the consequences of their actions, fulfilling the curse pronounced by Jotham. This reaffirms the biblical notion of justice, where evil deeds are eventually punished by God.
The Importance of Righteous Leadership: The parable of the trees highlights the qualities of good leadership—productive, selfless, and valuing the greater good over personal gain. It serves as a critique of leaders like Abimelech, whose reign is marked by self-interest and brutality.
The Power of Prophetic Voice: Jotham’s boldness in delivering his parable despite the danger to his life exemplifies the role of the prophetic voice in calling out injustice and warning of the dire consequences of moral failure.
The Community’s Role in Leadership: The men of Shechem’s initial support and subsequent betrayal of Abimelech illustrate the critical role communities play in choosing and holding their leaders accountable. Their fickleness and failure to uphold righteous principles contribute to the ensuing disorder.

Judges Chapter 9, thus, serves as a profound narrative that goes beyond the historical and explores deep ethical questions. It challenges readers to reflect on the qualities of leadership, the moral consequences of our actions, and the overarching justice of God.

In conclusion, Abimelech’s story is a somber reflection on the perils of power without moral compass. It invites introspection on how leaders are chosen and the values they embody. Most importantly, it reaffirms that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable and serves as the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong.

Understanding the Key Messages in Judges 9: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Abimelek, the son of Gideon, rises to power through treacherous means. He kills his brothers and establishes himself as king over Israel. However, his reign is short-lived as God sends a curse upon him and his supporters. Abimelek meets a gruesome end, fulfilling the prophecy of Jotham. This chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking power and glory at any cost.

Notes

This chapter highlights the consequences of pursuing personal ambition without regard for God's will. It also underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of seeking power through violence and deceit.