Judges 9:45

And all that day Abimelech fought against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt.

Study Bible

And all that day Abimelech fought against the city
Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to establish his rule over Shechem, a significant city in the tribal territory of Ephraim. The phrase "all that day" indicates a prolonged and determined assault, reflecting Abimelech's relentless ambition and the intensity of the conflict. This battle is part of the broader narrative of Abimelech's violent rise to power, which contrasts with the leadership of his father, Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel.

until he had captured it and killed its people.
The capture and subsequent massacre of the city's inhabitants highlight the brutal nature of Abimelech's rule. This act of violence fulfills Jotham's curse (Judges 9:20), which predicted destruction for both Abimelech and the men of Shechem due to their treachery. The killing of the people underscores the theme of divine retribution and justice, as Abimelech's actions lead to his eventual downfall.

Then he demolished the city
The destruction of Shechem serves as a physical manifestation of Abimelech's wrath and a warning to others who might oppose him. In biblical times, demolishing a city was a common practice to ensure it could not be easily rebuilt or used as a base for rebellion. This act also symbolizes the complete eradication of opposition and the consequences of turning away from God, as Shechem had done by supporting Abimelech.

and sowed it with salt.
Sowing a city with salt was a symbolic act meant to curse the land, rendering it barren and uninhabitable. This practice is mentioned in other ancient Near Eastern texts and signifies total desolation. The use of salt here can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment, as salt is often associated with covenant and purity in Scripture (e.g., Leviticus 2:13). This act foreshadows the ultimate futility of Abimelech's reign, as his kingdom, like the salted land, would not endure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He declared himself king after the death of his father and is known for his ruthless ambition and violent actions.

2. Shechem
An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It was a city of refuge and a place where important covenants were made.

3. The Attack on Shechem
Abimelech's assault on Shechem was a brutal campaign to solidify his power. His actions were driven by vengeance and a desire to eliminate opposition.

4. Sowing with Salt
A symbolic act of cursing and rendering the land barren, indicating total destruction and a desire to prevent future habitation or prosperity.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Ambition and Power
Abimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons. His actions led to destruction and judgment, reminding us to seek leadership that aligns with God's will.

Consequences of Sin
The destruction of Shechem illustrates the severe consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a reminder that our actions have lasting impacts.

Symbolism of Salt
In biblical times, salt was a symbol of both preservation and destruction. Abimelech's sowing of salt represents a curse, teaching us about the dual nature of our actions and words.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Despite Abimelech's temporary success, his account ultimately demonstrates God's control over history and His ability to bring justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abimelech's ambition compare to the leadership qualities God desires in His people, as seen in other biblical leaders like Moses or David?

2. What lessons can we learn from the destruction of Shechem about the consequences of turning away from God?

3. How does the act of sowing salt over Shechem relate to other biblical uses of salt, and what does it teach us about the power of our words and actions?

4. In what ways does Abimelech's account illustrate the principle of reaping what we sow, and how can this principle be applied in our daily lives?

5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of goals and ambitions aligns with God's will, and what steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of selfish ambition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The history of Shechem, including the incident with Dinah, provides background on the city's significance and its complex relationship with Israel.

Deuteronomy 29:23
The imagery of salt is used to describe a land laid waste, connecting to the idea of divine judgment and desolation.

2 Samuel 8:13
David's victories and the subsequent peace contrast with Abimelech's destructive reign, highlighting the difference between godly leadership and self-serving ambition.