SCRIPTURE: JUDGES 9
ABIMELECH (vs. 1-6)
Abimelech, son of Jerub-Baal went to his mother’s brothers in Sechem and asked: “Which is better for you? to have all 70 of Jerub-Baal’s sons rule over you or just one man? ” The citizens of Shechem were inclined to follow Abimelech and gave him 70 shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Bereth. Abimelech used it to lure ruthless adventurers, who became his followers. Then he went to his father’s house in Ophrah and murdered his 70 brothers with one stone. But the youngest son Jotham was able to escape by hiding and fled to Beer. Then all the people of Shechem gathered to crown Abimelech at the pillar in Shechem.
Jotham’s Parable (vs. 7-21)
- Olive tree refused to be the king because it wanted to produce olive oil to bless both God and people.
- Fig tree refused to be the king because it wanted to produce sweet fruits.
- Grapevines also refused because he wanted to produce wine to cheer both God and people.
- Thornbush accepted the offer because he will let fire devour the cedars of Lebanon.
Now the sons of Ebed called on the people not to serve Abimelech. When Zebul, the governor of city reported to Abimelech about what Gaal said. Then Gaal led out the citizens of Shechem to fight against Abimelech. Abimelech destroyed them by setting on fire. About a thousand people died. Then Abimelech went to Thebez, besieged and captured it. Inside the city was a strong tower where people fled and locked themselves in. As Abimelech approached the entrance to the tower to set it on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. He told his armor bearer to draw his sword and kill him because he did not want people to say that a woman killed him.
THOUGHTS:
In his selfish quest for power, Abimelech murdered his 69+ half brothers. One of them named Gaal was the only one who escaped and survived. God repaid the wickedness Abimelech had done by having him killed by a woman who dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull. Be sure that you fulfill your desire in ways that God would approve.
In Jotham’s parable, the trees represented Gideon’s 70 sons and the thornbush represented Abimelech. Good trees chose to be productive to provide benefits to people. Productive person is too busy doing good without entering into politics to gain power. A worthless person would like to accept honor without offering real protection of security. Abimelech destroyed the city of Shechem by burning the town but he was finally killed at Thebaz. Those who are in leadership position must examine their motives. Those who just want praise, prestige and power cannot be good leaders.
God promised to deal with sin and he gave three years time for Abimelech before the punishment. We may face a difficult time of waiting the wicked to be punished. But in God’s time, all evil will be destroyed. God does not enforce immediate punishment for our sins because He is a merciful God. He allows us time to confess and repent of our sins.