Abimelech (one of Gideon’s sons) is determined to rule. He is not only treacherous, but he also engages in idolatry and pagan sacrifice (he killed his brothers on “one stone”). Jotham, the only survivor, shows the inappropriateness of Abimelech as a leader by offering what many see as the first parable in the Bible. Abimelech is a bramble, offering no shelter or protection. In fact, in hot weather, brambles could burst into flames and cause a lot of damage (and Abimelech does ultimately self-destruct). Although he rules for three years, his downfall starts with the men of Shechem. He has some initial success against them, but ultimately meets his demise at Thebez. Maimed and wounded by a falling stone, he can’t bear to die at the hands of a woman, so he asks to be killed by his armorbearer.
Thought for the day: Abimelech is a reminder that sin has consequences, one way or another!
Judges 9:56 (WEB) “Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did to his father in killing his seventy brothers.”
