Judges 9:16

Now if you have acted faithfully and honestly in making Abimelech king, if you have done well by Jerubbaal and his family, and if you have done to him as he deserves--

Study Bible

Now if you have acted faithfully and honestly in making Abimelech king
This phrase challenges the integrity of the Shechemites' decision to make Abimelech king. The term "faithfully and honestly" implies a standard of righteousness and truthfulness that is expected in leadership decisions. In the biblical context, Abimelech's rise to power was marked by treachery and violence, as he killed his seventy brothers to secure his position (Judges 9:5). This contrasts with the biblical ideal of leadership, which is characterized by justice and service, as seen in the examples of Moses and David. The phrase also reflects the covenantal expectations of Israel, where leaders were to act in accordance with God's laws and commands.

if you have done well by Jerubbaal and his family
Jerubbaal, also known as Gideon, was a judge who delivered Israel from the Midianites (Judges 6-8). The mention of his family highlights the betrayal against Gideon's legacy. Gideon refused kingship, emphasizing that the Lord should rule over Israel (Judges 8:23). The Shechemites' support of Abimelech, Gideon's son through a concubine, represents a departure from Gideon's values and a failure to honor his family. This phrase underscores the importance of loyalty and gratitude towards those who have served faithfully, a principle echoed in the New Testament's call to honor spiritual leaders (1 Timothy 5:17).

and if you have done to him as he deserves—
This phrase questions whether justice has been served in the treatment of Abimelech. The biblical narrative suggests that Abimelech's actions were self-serving and ruthless, contrasting with the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7). The concept of divine justice is central here, as God often uses human actions to fulfill His purposes, even when those actions are unjust. The eventual downfall of Abimelech (Judges 9:53-54) serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, similar to the fate of other unrighteous leaders in Scripture. This phrase invites reflection on the consequences of actions and the ultimate accountability before God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He sought power and became king through manipulation and violence.

2. Jerubbaal (Gideon)
A judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. He is remembered for his faithfulness to God but also for his later actions that led to idolatry.

3. Shechem
A significant city in the hill country of Ephraim. It was a center of political and religious activity in Israel and the place where Abimelech was made king.

4. Jotham
The youngest son of Gideon who escaped Abimelech's massacre of his brothers. He delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim as a warning to the people of Shechem.

5. Mount Gerizim
The location from which Jotham delivered his parable. It holds historical and religious significance as a place of blessing in Israel.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Leadership
The account of Abimelech warns against seeking power through deceit and manipulation. True leadership is grounded in integrity and service to others.

Consequences of Actions
Abimelech's account illustrates the biblical principle that actions have consequences. His violent rise to power ultimately led to his destruction.

Faithfulness to God's Covenant
The Israelites' choice to follow Abimelech reflects a departure from their covenant with God. Believers are called to remain faithful to God's commands and guidance.

The Role of Accountability
Jotham's parable serves as a reminder of the importance of holding leaders accountable to God's standards.

The Danger of Idolatry
Gideon's legacy was marred by idolatry, which set the stage for Abimelech's rise. Believers must guard against allowing anything to take the place of God in their lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Abimelech challenge our understanding of leadership and power from a biblical perspective?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7) to our daily lives, especially in our relationships and decision-making?

3. How can we ensure that our actions align with God's covenant and commands, as opposed to following the world's standards?

4. What steps can we take to hold ourselves and our leaders accountable to God's standards of integrity and honesty?

5. How can we identify and remove idols in our lives that may hinder our relationship with God, as seen in the legacy of Gideon and Abimelech?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 8
The Israelites demand a king, paralleling the desire for centralized power seen in Abimelech's account. This reflects the tension between God's leadership and human authority.

Galatians 6:7
The principle of sowing and reaping is evident in Abimelech's account, as his treacherous actions lead to his downfall.

Proverbs 11:3
The importance of integrity and honesty, which contrasts with Abimelech's deceitful rise to power.