Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The name "Abimelech" appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to different individuals across various narratives. The name itself means "my father is king" or "father of a king," which may indicate a title or a common name among Philistine and Canaanite rulers. This entry explores the notable figures named Abimelech in the biblical texts. 1. Abimelech, King of Gerar: Abimelech, the king of Gerar, is a prominent figure in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. He appears in two significant episodes involving the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac. · Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 20, Abraham sojourns in Gerar and, fearing for his life, claims that his wife Sarah is his sister. Abimelech takes Sarah into his household, but God intervenes, warning Abimelech in a dream that Sarah is Abraham's wife. Abimelech confronts Abraham, who explains his fear of being killed for his wife. Abimelech returns Sarah to Abraham, along with gifts, and allows him to dwell in the land. The chapter concludes with Abimelech and his household being healed after Abraham prays for them. "Then Abimelech called Abraham and asked, 'What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great sin upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.'" (Genesis 20:9) · Isaac and Abimelech: In Genesis 26, a similar incident occurs with Isaac, Abraham's son. Isaac also claims that his wife Rebekah is his sister. Abimelech, observing Isaac's behavior with Rebekah, realizes the truth and confronts him. Abimelech warns his people not to harm Isaac or Rebekah. Later, Abimelech seeks a covenant with Isaac, recognizing the blessing of God upon him. "Abimelech said, 'What is this you have done to us? One of the people could easily have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.'" (Genesis 26:10) 2. Abimelech, Son of Gideon: Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), is a significant figure in the Book of Judges. His account is a tale of ambition, treachery, and downfall. · Rise to Power: After Gideon's death, Abimelech seeks to establish himself as king. He persuades the people of Shechem to support him, arguing that it is better to be ruled by one man rather than Gideon's seventy sons. With their backing, Abimelech kills his brothers, except for the youngest, Jotham, who escapes. "And Abimelech went to his mother's brothers in Shechem and said to them and to all his mother's clan, 'Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, Which is better for you: that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?'" (Judges 9:1-2) · Reign and Downfall: Abimelech rules for three years before conflict arises. God sends an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to a rebellion. Abimelech quells the uprising but meets his end at Thebez, where a woman drops a millstone on his head, mortally wounding him. To avoid the shame of being killed by a woman, he orders his armor-bearer to kill him. "But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. He quickly called his armor-bearer and said, 'Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, "A woman killed him."' So his armor-bearer ran him through, and he died." (Judges 9:53-54) 3. Abimelech, Priest during David's Time: In 1 Chronicles 18:16, Abimelech is mentioned as a priest during King David's reign. This reference is part of a list of David's officials, where Abimelech is noted alongside Zadok as a priest. This mention is brief and does not provide further details about his role or actions. 4. Abimelech in the Psalms: The name Abimelech also appears in the title of Psalm 34, attributed to David when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away. This incident is more commonly associated with Achish, king of Gath, in 1 Samuel 21. The use of "Abimelech" here may reflect a title or a textual variation. "Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed." (Psalm 34:1) Conclusion: The various individuals named Abimelech in the Bible highlight the complexities of leadership, the consequences of deceit, and the interplay of divine intervention in human affairs. Each narrative involving an Abimelech offers unique insights into the historical and theological context of the biblical text. Strong's Hebrew 6369. Pikol -- commander of Abimelech's army... 6368, 6369. Pikol. 6370 . commander of Abimelech's army. Transliteration: Pikol Phonetic Spelling: (pee-kole') Short Definition: Phicol. ... /hebrew/6369.htm - 6k 40. Abimelek -- "father is king," a Philistine name, also an ... Library Chapter xx The First Apostle of Peace at any Price That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ... The Shameful Sufferer Book 12 Footnotes The Crowning of Abimelech Intercession Every Christian's Duty Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Thesaurus Abimelech's (4 Occurrences)...Abimelech's (4 Occurrences). Genesis 20:18 For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife. (See NIV). ... /a/abimelech's.htm - 7k Abim'elech's (2 Occurrences) Abim'elech (58 Occurrences) Zebul (5 Occurrences) Water-hole (25 Occurrences) Reproved (20 Occurrences) Reasoned (20 Occurrences) Edomite (11 Occurrences) Endures (75 Occurrences) Doeg (6 Occurrences) Resources Who was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about brain trauma/damage/traumatic brain injury (TBI)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to handle a sibling rivalry? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Abimelech's (4 Occurrences)Genesis 20:18 Genesis 21:25 Judges 9:53 Psalms 52:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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