Abimelech's Conspiracy Judges 9 a

Judges 9:1,2 "And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren and communed with them, and with all the family of thehouse of his mother's father, saying, Speak I pray you, in the ears of all the menof Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerrubbaal, which are threescore and ten person, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh."

Have you noticed that often when there is a plan for some dirty work, the leader raises a question that really seems to be everyone's question? Then he'll get people to help him in his dirty work. So did Abimelech.

He got people to spread the word and stirred up the people against the sons of Gideon or Jerrubbaal. It was not enough to just convince the people. Abimelech had to remove future threats by killing the other sons.

v5 "And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten (70) persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerrubbaal was left, for he hid himself."

Now the conspiracy has blossomed from a speech into the murder of seventy of his brother's.

It states that all 70 were killed but Jotham hid himself. There seems to be a conflict but I submit this argument with a question? Which is better to die or watch ones whole family slaughtered while hiding instead of defending them? I think Jotham died just as sure as his brothers. He was dead inside from regret and fear.

Abimelech is made king. v6

Jotham heard of it and presented a speech about trees. It is a good one and one that puts Abimelech in his place in history.

He tells of different kinds of trees v8 from the most valuable down to the bramble. All the trees had enough integrity to refuse the kingship except the bramble, so Jotham tells us is the case with Abimelech.

v19 "If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: v20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem and the huose of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and devour Ablimelech."

Psalms 36:1 "The transgression of the wicked saith, within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes."

keywords: Bible Study, Old Testament, Israel, Abimelech, Judges, Milton Southerland