Abimelech's Demise Judges 9 b

Judges 9:53 "And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech's head, and all to brake his skull. v54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer and said unto him, Draw thy sword and slay me that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through and he died."

Abimelech's story started with his conspiracy to kill his brothers and assume leadership over Israel. He was king for three years but he was not God's anointed king. That comes later.

Gaal got drunk and decided he did not like Abimelech's leadership and talked of what he would do to Abimelech if he were leader of the people. Gaal was not well like, apparently, by a man named Zebul the ruler of the city of Shechem. Zebul sent word to Abimelech, who had reigned for 3 years, that Gaal was fortifying the city against him.

Abimelech went up against Gaal and managed to defeat him. He also destroyed the city and salted it. Then he goes off to fight against another city and is killed.

After Zebul's plan to pit Abimelech against Gaal was in play, Zebul made a little fun of Gaal.

v38 "Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them."

Gideon had many wives and 70 sons. He went off to a woman who was not his wife and they had Abimelech. Abimelech grew and rose up and killed the 70 sons. He died the way he gained power by a conspiracy.

Psalms 71:17 "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."

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