13: Abimelech: The Rise of a Self-Appointed Leader (Judges 9:1 – 21)

All the judges in the Book of Judges were chosen by God. However, Abimelech claimed kingship on his own. The people of Shechem supported him but did not truly follow him. Although they appeared to act out of loyalty to their kin, they were ultimately pursuing their own interests. This alliance would ultimately lead to mutual destruction.

Read Judges 9:1 - 21


Q1. Why did the people of Shechem follow Abimelech? (2-3)

Abimelech was their close relative. His mother was from Shechem. 


Q2. The people of Shechem gave him (                 ) silver coins. And he hired some (            ) men and killed his (             ), seventy sons of Jerub Baal, on (              ). 

The people of Shechem gave him ( seventy ) silver coins. And he hired some ( lawless ) men and killed his ( brothers ), seventy sons of Jerub Baal, on ( one stone ).

Take note of expressions that emphasize brotherhood, such as “our own flesh and blood” and “He is our close relative.” Although their inclination to support their kin seems legitimate, both Abimelech and the people of Shechem exploited these family ties to pursue their own interests and desires. Abimelech’s killing of his own brothers (v.5) reveals his hypocrisy and foreshadows the mutual destruction that will ultimately result from their alliance. 



Q3. In Jotham’s parable, why the three trees didn’t want to be a king?  

Though each one of them deserved to be the king of trees, they valued their calling and duties given by God and refused to sway above the other trees. Though thornbush was only useful for firewood and could become king because no tree wanted to be king.

Other trees might indicate Gideon and his sons who didn't want to be king. Gideon said, 'I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you.' (8:23)


Q4. What does Jotham say is the wrongdoing of the people of Shechem? (16–19)

They repaid Jerub-Baal and his household with evil, despite his risking his life to save them from the hand of Midian.

In chapter 9, the name “Jerub-Baal” is used often which symbolizes Gideon’s commitment to opposing Baal worship. By using the name “Jerub-Baal,” the author emphasizes Gideon’s dedication and achievement while contrasting it with the evil and self-centeredness of the people of Shechem.



Q5. What would be the consequence of their choosing Abimelech as their king? (20)

Both will be destroyed by each other.

The wickedness of Abimelech, combined with the foolish selfishness of the Shechemites, led to a devastating internal massacre. Self-destruction, this is the consequence of human-oriented planning and leadership.

The parable reflects Israel’s desire for a dynasty, something God had not planned for them, and foreshadows the fortune of the nation Israel. Since all faithful men who were worthy of kingship valued their divine calling and declined the throne, Israel would choose someone unworthy as their king. This blind pursuit of a dynasty would lead to national destruction under a human-appointed ruler.





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