Lessons from Judges 9: The Rise and Fall of Abimelech
The story found in Judges 9 is a fascinating yet sobering account of ambition, self-promotion, and their devastating consequences. It highlights how unchecked desires for power can blind us to the well-being of others, even our own family. The narrative reveals the extent to which humanity is willing to harm others to achieve personal goals.
However, this story is also a powerful reminder that careless and selfish living has inevitable consequences. What goes around often comes around. This principle is vividly demonstrated in Abimelech’s life, where the seeds of treachery he sowed eventually brought about his downfall.
Interestingly, the story also reflects on the complexities of human relationships: even acts of kindness are not always reciprocated. Gideon, Abimelech’s father, had been a selfless leader who delivered Israel from its enemies. Yet, his legacy of kindness was overshadowed by Abimelech's ambition and the people’s treachery, leading to violence and strife.
Which story am I referring to?
In Judges 7–8, we read about Gideon’s God-given victories over the Midianites. Gideon dies in old age, leaving a leadership void. Rather than waiting for God’s appointed judge, the men of Shechem take matters into their own hands and support Abimelech’s rise to power. Here’s a summary of Judges 9:
Abimelech's Conspiracy (Verses 1–6)
Abimelech, Gideon’s son by a concubine, persuades the leaders of Shechem to make him king. He argues that it’s better to have one ruler (himself) than Gideon’s seventy sons. With their financial support from the temple of Baal-Berith, Abimelech hires mercenaries and murders all seventy of his brothers, except for Jotham, the youngest, who escapes.
Jotham's Parable (Verses 7–21)
Jotham delivers a powerful parable from Mount Gerizim, likening Abimelech to a thornbush—an unworthy and destructive leader. He warns the leaders of Shechem that their alliance will lead to mutual destruction. After his speech, Jotham flees to safety.
Abimelech’s Tyranny (Verses 22–41)
Three years into Abimelech’s reign, God stirs up discord between him and the leaders of Shechem. The Shechemites rebel, but Abimelech crushes their uprising, destroying the city and sowing it with salt to symbolize its utter desolation.
The Siege of Thebez and Abimelech's Death (Verses 42–57)
Abimelech’s reign ends at Thebez. While attacking a tower where people sought refuge, a woman drops a millstone on his head, mortally wounding him. To avoid the shame of being killed by a woman, Abimelech orders his armor-bearer to finish him off with a sword.
God’s Judgment (Verses 56–57)
The story concludes by affirming that God repaid Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem for their wickedness. Jotham’s curse was fulfilled as both Abimelech and Shechem suffered divine justice.
What Stands Out?
For me, the most striking lesson is this: what goes around, comes around.
It’s ironic that Abimelech murdered his brothers “upon one stone” (possibly an altar), yet his life ended by another stone—a millstone. Even more interesting is that his death blow came not from a mighty warrior but from a woman.
Abimelech likely never anticipated that a woman would be his downfall. His reaction reveals his pride and embarrassment—he was horrified that his so-called strength and authority could be shattered by someone he likely deemed insignificant.
God’s Ways Are Humbling
This story demonstrates that God can use the humblest things to humble us. In Abimelech’s case, it wasn’t a sword or a man that ended his tyranny, but a simple millstone and a woman’s courage.
If we act treacherously toward others, we should not be surprised when evil repays us in kind. Yet, God often sends Jothams into our lives—people who warn us of the consequences of our choices. The question is whether we will listen to those warnings and turn back to God.
If you’ve made mistakes, take heart: God is merciful and willing to help you out of the mess if you confess and seek His guidance. But God will not force us to change. If we harden our hearts and persist in wrongdoing, we must also be prepared to face the consequences.
May we learn from Abimelech’s story to pursue humility, integrity, and dependence on God, rather than ambition and self-promotion. Remember, what goes around, comes around—but God’s grace is always available to those who turn to Him.
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