JUSTICE

Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech,

which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers.  

Judges 9:56

Judges 9 is a rather dark chapter. It describes the rise and fall of the opportunistic villain, Abimelech. By means of nepotism he persuades the city of Shechem to submit to him. He then uses his new found power and wealth to murder his seventy brothers. Only his youngest half-brother, Jotham, escapes and pronounces a prophetic parable against Abimelech. In fulfillment of that prophecy 3 years later the relationship between Abimelech and Shechem falls apart. Shechem sets an ambush against Abimelech provoking Abimelech to attack and burn Shechem. In his vengeful arrogance, Abimelech also attacks Thebez but is injured by a certain woman dropping an upper millstone on his head. To hide his shame he asks a young man to finish him off with a sword.

The author of Judges summarizes Abimelech’s life by noting that his wickedness was repaid to him. Because he had no regard for his father or for the lives of his brothers, his own life ended in tragedy. Paul warned us in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Abimelech consistently sowed wickedness. He should have known that wickedness would come back to him. Let’s make sure that we don’t sow wickedness like Abimelech did. Instead make sure that what you sow today will lead to the fruitful harvest of righteousness.

Philip Moeller