The revolt against Abimelech is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 9. This episode highlights the tumultuous period of the Judges in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Abimelech, a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding areas, an ambition that led to conflict and ultimately his downfall.

Background

Abimelech was the son of Gideon by a concubine from Shechem (Judges 8:31). After Gideon's death, Abimelech sought to consolidate power by appealing to his maternal relatives in Shechem. He persuaded them to support his claim to leadership, arguing that it was better for them to be ruled by one of their own rather than by the seventy sons of Gideon (Judges 9:1-2). With financial backing from the men of Shechem, Abimelech hired mercenaries and killed his seventy brothers, except for the youngest, Jotham, who escaped (Judges 9:3-5).

Jotham's Parable

Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. In his parable, the trees sought a king, and after being rejected by the olive tree, fig tree, and vine, they chose the bramble, which offered only destruction (Judges 9:7-15). Jotham's message was a prophetic warning that choosing Abimelech, a man of violence and ambition, would lead to mutual destruction.

The Revolt

Abimelech's rule was marked by treachery and bloodshed, and it was not long before tensions arose between him and the people of Shechem. Gaal son of Ebed, a new figure in Shechem, incited the people to rebel against Abimelech, questioning his legitimacy and rallying support for a revolt (Judges 9:26-29). Zebul, the governor of the city and an ally of Abimelech, informed him of the conspiracy, leading to a confrontation.

Abimelech responded by attacking Shechem. He defeated Gaal and his followers, destroyed the city, and sowed it with salt as a symbol of its utter ruin (Judges 9:34-45). However, the conflict did not end there. The leaders of Shechem took refuge in the tower of El-Berith, but Abimelech set it on fire, killing about a thousand men and women (Judges 9:46-49).

Abimelech's Death

Abimelech's violent reign came to an end during an attack on the city of Thebez. As he attempted to burn down its tower, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. In his final moments, Abimelech ordered his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword to avoid the disgrace of being slain by a woman (Judges 9:50-54). This act fulfilled Jotham's curse, as Abimelech and the men of Shechem were destroyed by their own treachery and ambition.

Theological Implications

The revolt against Abimelech serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, betrayal, and the rejection of God's appointed order. Abimelech's rise to power was marked by fratricide and manipulation, contrasting sharply with the leadership of his father, Gideon, who refused kingship, acknowledging the LORD as Israel's true ruler (Judges 8:23). The narrative underscores the principle that those who sow violence and treachery will ultimately reap destruction, as seen in the fulfillment of Jotham's curse.

Biblical References

· Judges 8:31
· Judges 9:1-57