Topical Encyclopedia Abimelech, a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), is a significant figure in the Book of Judges, particularly noted for the strife and conflict that marked his brief reign as king. His account is primarily found in Judges 9, where his ambition and ruthless actions lead to a period of turmoil and bloodshed in Israel.Background and Rise to Power Abimelech was the son of Gideon by a concubine from Shechem, a city with a mixed population of Israelites and Canaanites. After Gideon's death, Abimelech sought to establish himself as ruler over Shechem and the surrounding region. He appealed to his maternal relatives, leveraging his connection to Shechem to gain support. In Judges 9:2, he asked 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?" His argument was persuasive, and the leaders of Shechem gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, which he used to hire reckless adventurers to follow him. Murder of His Brothers In a brutal move to secure his position, Abimelech went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, on one stone. This massacre was only survived by Jotham, the youngest son, who managed to hide. This act of fratricide was a grievous sin, violating the sanctity of family and the moral law of God, and it set the stage for the strife that would follow. Jotham's Parable Jotham, the sole surviving brother, delivered a prophetic parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. In Judges 9:15, he concluded with a warning: "If you have acted in good faith and integrity in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done to him as his deeds deserved...then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you. But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and let fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and from Beth-millo and consume Abimelech." Reign and Downfall Abimelech's reign lasted three years, marked by tension and unrest. God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual distrust and hostility. The leaders of Shechem set ambushes for him, and a man named Gaal son of Ebed led a rebellion against him. Abimelech responded with force, defeating Gaal and destroying the city of Shechem, sowing it with salt as a symbol of its utter desolation. The final act of Abimelech's strife-filled reign occurred at Thebez, where he attempted to capture a fortified tower. As he approached to set it on fire, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, crushing his skull. In his final moments, Abimelech commanded his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword to avoid the disgrace of being slain by a woman, thus ending his tumultuous rule. Theological Implications Abimelech's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition, betrayal, and the rejection of God's authority. His rise to power through violence and treachery, and his subsequent downfall, illustrate the biblical principle that "whatever a man sows, he will reap" (Galatians 6:7). The strife that characterized Abimelech's reign was a direct consequence of his actions, and it fulfilled Jotham's prophetic warning. This narrative underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the destructive nature of sin and strife within a community. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:25And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Nave's Topical Index Library The First Apostle of Peace at any Price Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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