Judges 8:31

And his concubine that [was] in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.

And his concubine {H6370} that was in Shechem {H7927}, she also bare {H3205} him a son {H1121}, whose name {H8034} he called {H7760} Abimelech {H40}.

He also had a concubine in Sh'khem, and she too bore him a son, whom he called Avimelekh.

His concubine, who dwelt in Shechem, also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.

And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, and he called his name Abimelech.

Commentary

Judges 8:31 introduces a critical character in the narrative of Israel's judges: Abimelech. This verse states that Gideon, despite having many wives and sons, also had a concubine in Shechem who bore him a son named Abimelech. This seemingly simple genealogical note sets the stage for the dramatic and tragic events that unfold in the very next chapter of Judges.

Context

This verse follows Gideon's remarkable victories over the Midianites and his subsequent refusal to accept the crown of Israel, stating that the Lord alone should rule over them (Judges 8:23). Gideon had seventy sons by his many wives, indicating a large household and significant influence. The mention of a concubine, particularly one from Shechem, is noteworthy. Shechem was a prominent city with its own historical and political significance, and the lineage of Abimelech through this concubine would prove to be a source of great conflict and bloodshed for Israel, directly challenging the peace Gideon had established.

Key Themes

  • Foreshadowing of Conflict: The birth of Abimelech is not merely a detail; it is a dark foreshadowing of the internal strife and civil war that will plague Israel. His actions in Judges 9 directly contradict the spirit of unity and devotion to God that Gideon sought to uphold.
  • Consequences of Actions: While Gideon was a hero, his extensive family life, including having a concubine, inadvertently laid the groundwork for future dynastic ambitions and violence. It highlights how personal choices can have far-reaching, unintended consequences for an entire community or nation.
  • The Peril of Earthly Kingship: Although Gideon refused to be king, the presence of Abimelech, whose name itself suggests kingship, underscores the ongoing tension in Israel between God's desired rule and the people's eventual desire for a human king. This tension is a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges and into the books of Samuel.

Linguistic Insights

The name Abimelech (ΧΦ²Χ‘Φ΄Χ™ΧžΦΆΧœΦΆΧšΦ°) is highly significant. It is a compound Hebrew name meaning "my father is king" or "Melech is my father." Given Gideon's public refusal of kingship, naming a son "my father is king" from a concubine in Shechem provides a stark contrast and ironic twist. This name almost prophesies the ambitious and violent pursuit of kingship that Abimelech undertakes, as detailed in Judges 9:1-6, where he massacres his seventy half-brothers to seize power.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of peace and apparent success, the seeds of future trouble can be sown. It encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our decisions, especially concerning family dynamics and leadership. The story of Abimelech, introduced here, teaches about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the tragic consequences of internal division, and how the actions of one generation can profoundly impact the next.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 9:18

    And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he [is] your brother;)

  • Genesis 16:15

    ΒΆ And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

  • Judges 9:1

    ΒΆ And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

  • Judges 9:5

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

  • Genesis 20:2

    And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She [is] my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

  • Genesis 22:24

    And his concubine, whose name [was] Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.