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JUDGES 9

THE RISE + FALL OF ABIMELECH

Gideon’s son, Abimelech, shares similar ambitions with his father and desires to become king over Israel. In order to become king, Abimelech kills his brothers, giving him the throne. Abimelech is unable to kill his youngest brother, Jotham, who hid from him.

Jotham travels to Mount Gerizim, a place known for announcing blessings and curses. Jotham shares a parable warning of Abimelech’s destructive leadership. After warning the Israelites, Jotham flees, hoping to protect himself.

Eventually, Jotham’s parable of prophecy is fulfilled, and God creates great division between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, a nearby city. The Israelites start to look for a replacement for Abimelech and consider a man named Gaal, but he flees in fear from Abimelech.

The people of Shechem try to ambush Abimelech, but he kills them and destroys the city. Abimelech kills the very people who elevated him to his position. Abimelech has to leave the city since he destroyed everything, so he goes to Thebez. As he approaches a tower, a woman drops a millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. Wanting to avoid being killed by a woman, Abimelech asks his armor-bearer to kill him.

STUDY QUESTIONS

After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech wanted to rule over Israel. How did Abimelech gain authority in Judges 9:5?

Read Judges 9:21. Who was the surviving brother of Abimelech? Where did he go for refuge?

In Judges 9:53–55, who killed Abimelech? How was Abimelech deeply concerned about his image even in his dying moments?