Judges 9:1-6
1 Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem, to his mother’s relatives, and spoke to them and to the entire family of the household of his mother’s father, saying,
2 “Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you: for seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, to rule over you, or for one man to rule over you?’ Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.”
3 So his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our relative.”
4 And they gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless men, and they followed him.
5 Then he went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, because he hid himself.
6 All the leaders of Shechem and all Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the memorial stone which was in Shechem.
Abimelech’s Rebellion
Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal
From today’s passage, we can understand how important parents’ responsibility is towards their children. The responsibility as a parent continues even after death. Therefore, we need to carefully consider how we should behave as parents. Jerubbaal (Gideon) had a concubine from Shechem and had a son named Abimelech. Shechem was not completely conquered by the Israelites, so both Israelites and Canaanites lived in the city. This concubine was likely a Canaanite woman. After Gideon’s death, Abimelech harbored the ambition to become king himself. (1) He asked his relatives who were in Shechem, “Which is better for you: for seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, to rule over you, or for one man to rule over you? Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh.” This was a cleverly devised question to manipulate their response. (2) His relatives were swayed by his persuasion and gave him seventy pieces of silver (about 800 g) from the temple of Baal-berith. (3) Abimelech used that silver to form his mercenary force. Those hired were worthless and reckless fellows.
Seventy sons of Jerubbaal
Abimelech led his mercenary force to his father’s house in Ophrah, and there he killed 69 of his half-brothers. It is assumed that the captured sons were executed one by one on the same stone. The stones possibly were used for sacrifices to Baal. Only Jotham, who had hidden himself, survived. After this massacre, Abimelech was proclaimed as king by the oak of the pillar in Shechem. This place was historically significant as it was where the Israelites renewed their covenant with the Lord during the time of Joshua (Josh. 24:26). However, this sacred place had now become a site of Baal worship, and it was where the ambitious Abimelech received his declaration as king. This incident highlights how far the Israelites had fallen and how corrupt their ways had become. They had forsaken seeking the will of the Lord their God and instead made Abimelech their king. Truly, the time of the judges was a period of confusion. Let us pray that we may live in a way that does not leave confusion for our descendants.
Today's prayer
Our Creator, please help me live in a way that leaves a blessing for my descendants. I pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.