When The Judges Ruled Israel

When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • The only “non-judge” leader • Sometimes called “The Bramble King” • From here on out, Israel will no longer enjoy periodic seasons of God-given rest 8:28 • Another indication of deteriorating spirituality • This story takes place in Manasseh (Shechem and Thebez)

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • His description vv. 1-4 • Son by Gideon’s Shechem concubine 8:31 • He goes to Shechem to convince them it is better he rule over them than Gideon’s 70 sons…they agreed vv. 2-3 • His basis Ù he was their relative

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • His description vv. 1-4 • To “seal the deal”…the men of Shechem gave Abimelech 70 silver pieces from the house of Baal-berith v. 4 • Abimelech used the money to hire worthless (reckless) fellows to form a “gang”

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • His actions vv. 5-6 • He took his “gang” to Ophrah and killed allGideon’s 70 sons except one (Jotham) • He did this to remove all political rivals that would threaten his rule • Afterwards, the men of Shechem declared Abimelech king

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • His actions vv. 5-6 • What he was driven to do was in direct contradiction to his father’s previous actions 8:22-23

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Jotham’s actions vv. 7-21 • Hearing about Abimelech’s “coronation,” he ascends Mt. Gerizim and utters a “parable” to illustrate the foolishness of Abimelech being made king vv. 7-15 • The trees & vine were “noble”…the bramble was anything but “noble” (useless)

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Jotham’s actions vv. 7-21 • He gave his “blessing” on Abimelech’s rule only if he & the men of Shechem had behaved with integrity and truth • He knew they had not…he reminded all of what his father had done re: Midian

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Jotham’s actions vv. 7-21 • He also reminded them of how ruthlessly they had treated Gideon’s house • He concluded by pronouncing a judgment (curse) upon Abimelech & the Shechemites • Afterwards, he had to flee for safety

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech & the Shechemites vv. 22-25 • Abimelech ruled for 3 years • God then sent an “evil spirit” between them • The Shechemites dealt treacherously with their “king” v. 25(to discredit him) • It was a Divine judgment vv. 23-25

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech & the Shechemites vv. 22-25 • A “pact” formed by ruthless men has no principle • Being a “pack of wolves,” it often implodes because they eventually turn on one another • God used this reality to accomplish His will

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Gaal’s actions vv. 26-29 • The son of Ebed…he came to Shechem and did what Abimelech had done • After gaining the trust of Shechem, they all had a drinking feast where they cursed Abimelech in the house of their god

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Gaal’s actions vv. 26-29 • He further scorned Abimelech, and exhorted the Shechemites to officially revolt • He suggested they now follow him…if he were ruler, he would remove Abimelech • Lastly, he called Abimelech out to battle

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Gaal’s actions vv. 26-29 • Two character flaws on display… • The men of Shechem show a willingness to follow anybody 1 Cor 15:33 • Gaal is like many who proudly boast against someone who is not there to answer 2 Cor 10:8-11

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Zebul’s actions vv. 30-33 • The “ruler of the city” (mayor, etc.?) • He was obviously still loyal to Abimelech… he informed Abimelech of Gaal’s boasting • He advised Abimelech to attack Shechem at dawn to put down the rebellion

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Gaal vv. 34-41 • Abimelech agreed…he arrived with his men • When Gaal went out in the morning, the ambush began • Initially, Gaal wasn’t sure of what he saw • Zebul reminded him of his boastful words

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Gaal vv. 34-41 • Abimelech routed Gaal’s forces…Gaal fled • Zebul drove Gaal and his relatives out from Shechem so they could not return

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Shechem vv. 42-49 • The next day, Abimelech killed all the field workers • He attacked the city, killed the city dwellers, razed it to the ground, and sowed it with salt • His judgment on Shechem for their rebellion

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Shechem vv. 42-49 • Abimelech was informed the city leaders had taken refuge in the tower (temple fortress) • He gathered wood…told his men to do same • He burned down the tower…about 1,000 men & women were killed

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Thebez vv. 50-55 • Apparently, Thebez had also rebelled • He attacked the city and captured it • Like Shechem, it had a tower…the leaders went there for refuge • His plans were to do the same as at Shechem

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • Abimelech vs. Thebez vv. 50-55 • When approaching the tower to burn it, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head…his skull was crushed • To avoid the shame of being killed by a woman, Abimelech asked his armor bearer to kill him with his sword

Abimelech’s Ambition Judg 9:1-57 • God’s judgment vv. 56-57 • God repaid Abimelech’s wickedness re: the murder of Gideon’s 70 sons • God also repaid the wickedness of the men of Shechem for their willingness to follow Abimelech’s treachery • Jotham’s curse was fulfilled

When The Judges Ruled Israel