Judges 9:24

in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

Study Bible

in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice
This phrase refers to the divine retribution for the murder of Gideon's sons. Jerubbaal, another name for Gideon, was a judge of Israel who led the people to victory against the Midianites. The crime mentioned is the massacre of his seventy sons by Abimelech, one of Gideon's sons, who sought to eliminate any rivals to his rule. This act of fratricide is seen as a grave sin, violating the sanctity of family and the commandment against murder. The justice sought here is divine, indicating that God is the ultimate judge who will ensure that such heinous acts are punished.

and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech
Abimelech's actions are particularly egregious because they involve the betrayal and murder of his own family. In ancient Israelite culture, family bonds were sacred, and the shedding of innocent blood was a serious offense that cried out for vengeance. The concept of blood vengeance was deeply ingrained in the culture, often requiring a kinsman-redeemer to avenge the wrong. Here, God Himself takes on the role of avenger, underscoring the severity of Abimelech's crime. This also foreshadows the biblical principle that God will avenge the blood of the innocent, as seen in Revelation 6:10.

and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers
The leaders of Shechem are complicit in Abimelech's crime, having supported his rise to power and his violent actions. Shechem was a significant city in the tribal confederation of Israel, and its leaders' involvement indicates a broader societal corruption. This complicity highlights the theme of collective responsibility and the consequences of aligning with evil. The alliance between Abimelech and Shechem's leaders is a cautionary tale about the dangers of political ambition and the moral decay that can result from seeking power at any cost. This narrative serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that those who sow injustice will reap calamity, as stated in Proverbs 22:8.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He sought power and killed his seventy brothers to become king.

2. Jerubbaal (Gideon)
A judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. He is the father of Abimelech and the seventy sons who were murdered.

3. Seventy Sons of Jerubbaal
The legitimate sons of Gideon, who were murdered by their half-brother Abimelech in his quest for power.

4. Leaders of Shechem
The men who supported Abimelech in his conspiracy to kill his brothers and establish himself as king.

5. Shechem
A significant city in the hill country of Ephraim, where Abimelech was made king and where the conspiracy against his brothers took place.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Ambition and Sin
Abimelech's account is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and sin. His desire for power led to heinous acts and ultimately his own destruction.

Divine Justice
The passage underscores the biblical principle that God will avenge wrongdoing. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, and God ensures that justice is served.

The Role of Community in Sin
The leaders of Shechem's complicity in Abimelech's crime highlights the responsibility of communities to stand against evil rather than support it.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Abimelech's illegitimate rule contrasts with the godly leadership exemplified by his father, Gideon. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking leaders who align with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abimelech's ambition compare to other biblical figures who sought power, and what were the outcomes of their actions?

2. In what ways can we see the principle of sowing and reaping in our own lives, and how does this passage encourage us to live righteously?

3. What role did the leaders of Shechem play in Abimelech's rise to power, and how can we apply this to our understanding of community responsibility?

4. How does the account of Abimelech and his brothers reflect the broader theme of divine justice found throughout Scripture?

5. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Gideon's leadership and Abimelech's rule, and how can we apply these lessons in choosing leaders today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's murder of his brother Abel parallels Abimelech's fratricide, highlighting the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition.

2 Samuel 11-12
David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, which, like Abimelech's actions, demonstrates the consequences of sin and the eventual divine justice.

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