Judges 9:16

KJV

Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore, if ye have done {H6213} truly {H571} and sincerely {H8549}, in that ye have made Abimelech {H40} king {H4427}, and if ye have dealt {H6213} well {H2896} with Jerubbaal {H3378} and his house {H1004}, and have done {H6213} unto him according to the deserving {H1576} of his hands {H3027};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here's the point. Have you been honest and straightforward in making Avimelekh king? Have you been fair with Yeruba'al and his household and treated him as he deserves?

Berean Standard Bible

Now if you have acted faithfully and honestly in making Abimelech king, if you have done well by Jerubbaal and his family, and if you have done to him as he deserves—

American Standard Version

Now therefore, if ye have dealt truly and uprightly, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:16 captures the searing irony and prophetic indictment delivered by Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, to the citizens of Shechem. This verse, a rhetorical masterpiece, challenges the Shechemites to examine the moral integrity of their recent actions: the brutal murder of Gideon's seventy sons and the installation of the ruthless Abimelech, a half-brother, as their king. It subtly yet powerfully highlights their profound ingratitude and betrayal of Gideon's legacy, setting the stage for Jotham's subsequent curse which foretells the mutual destruction of Abimelech and the men of Shechem, a divine judgment for their treachery.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:16 is a pivotal moment within Jotham's impassioned speech, delivered from the secure height of Mount Gerizim to the men of Shechem. It immediately follows his famous [parable of the trees](/judges/9-8 "Judges 9:8-15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees Choosing a King"), a satirical allegory designed to expose the folly and danger of their choice to crown Abimelech, the "bramble," as their king. The verse serves as a direct, ironic challenge to their conscience, contrasting their treacherous deeds with the righteous service of Gideon (Jerubbaal). This rhetorical setup prepares the audience for the severe curse that Jotham pronounces in the following verses, ensuring that the subsequent narrative of mutual destruction is understood as a direct consequence of their actions and a fulfillment of prophetic judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a historically significant city in central Canaan, known for its strategic location and as a place where covenants were made ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24:1-28 - Renewal of the Covenant at Shechem")). The Shechemites, through their mother, had a familial connection to Abimelech, which they exploited to elevate him to power, despite his ruthless character. This event occurs in the chaotic period of the Judges, characterized by a lack of centralized leadership and a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. Gideon (Jerubbaal) had refused kingship for himself and his family ([Judges 8:22-23](/judges/8-22 "Judges 8:22-23 - Gideon Refuses Kingship")), yet upon his death, his illegitimate son Abimelech violently seized power, a stark departure from the divinely appointed, charismatic leadership of the judges. The act of making Abimelech king represents a premature and ill-conceived attempt at monarchy, driven by self-interest and violence rather than divine guidance, foreshadowing the later struggles with kingship in Israel.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. **Betrayal and Ingratitude** are central, as the Shechemites' actions represent a profound rejection of Gideon's selfless service in delivering Israel from Midianite oppression ([Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian")). Their repayment for his heroic deeds is the murder of his legitimate heirs. **Rhetorical Irony** is masterfully employed by Jotham; his opening phrase, "Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely," is dripping with sarcasm, highlighting the stark contrast between their deceitful, murderous deeds and any pretense of integrity. This device exposes their hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy. Finally, the theme of **Justice and Consequences** is underscored, as Jotham's words are a prelude to the divine retribution that ultimately befalls both Abimelech and the men of Shechem, demonstrating the biblical principle that actions, especially those involving treachery and violence, inevitably lead to their just recompense ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Truly (Hebrew, _'emeth'_):** This word signifies truth, faithfulness, stability, and reliability. Jotham's use of "truly" is profoundly ironic, as the Shechemites' actions were anything but truthful or faithful. They had acted with deceit and treachery, betraying the trust and legacy of Gideon. The word highlights the moral chasm between their professed intentions (if any) and their actual deeds.
* **Sincerely (Hebrew, _tamim'_):** This term denotes completeness, integrity, blamelessness, or perfection. When applied to human conduct, it speaks of wholeheartedness and moral uprightness. Jotham's challenge, "if ye have done...sincerely," underscores the utter lack of integrity in their conspiracy with Abimelech. Their actions were motivated by selfish ambition and violence, completely devoid of the moral purity implied by _tamim_.
* **Deserving of his hands (Hebrew, _gmul yadav'_):** The noun _gmul_ refers to recompense, reward, or retribution, while _yadav_ means "his hands." The phrase collectively means "according to the recompense of his deeds/hands." It directly points to Gideon's righteous and selfless service to Israel, particularly his deliverance from Midian. Jotham's statement sarcastically implies that the Shechemites' murderous actions against Gideon's family were the "reward" or "recompense" for his heroic efforts, thereby exposing the perverse nature of their ingratitude and injustice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king,"**: This opening clause is a masterstroke of rhetorical irony. Jotham, knowing full well the deceit and brutality behind Abimelech's ascent, challenges the Shechemites to honestly assess their actions. The "if" clause is not an expression of doubt but a sarcastic invitation to self-condemnation. By using terms like "truly" and "sincerely," Jotham highlights the stark contrast between the moral uprightness these words imply and the treacherous, murderous means by which Abimelech was made king. The implication is clear: they have done anything but truly and sincerely.
* **"and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house,"**: This continues the ironic challenge, forcing the Shechemites to confront their treatment of Gideon (Jerubbaal) and his family. "Dealt well" is a euphemism for the horrific massacre of Gideon's seventy sons by Abimelech, with the Shechemites' complicity and support ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers")). Jotham points out the profound betrayal of the very family that had delivered them, emphasizing the depth of their ingratitude and the heinous nature of their actions.
* **"and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;"**: This final clause underscores the perversion of justice. Gideon's "deserving of his hands" refers to his heroic and selfless leadership, his willingness to risk his life for Israel, and his refusal of kingship for personal gain. Yet, the "reward" he and his house received was betrayal and slaughter. Jotham's statement highlights the profound moral imbalance: those who should have been honored were instead repaid with the ultimate injustice, setting the stage for the inevitable divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Jotham's speech in Judges 9:16 is a powerful example of **Rhetorical Irony** and **Sarcasm**. The entire verse is framed as a conditional statement ("if ye have done..."), but the condition is presented as an impossibility given the Shechemites' actions. Jotham uses words like "truly," "sincerely," and "dealt well" to describe deeds that were, in fact, treacherous, deceitful, and murderous. This deliberate use of language to convey the opposite of its literal meaning serves to highlight the moral depravity and hypocrisy of the Shechemites. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Prophetic Indictment**. While not an explicit curse in itself, it sets the moral groundwork for the curse that immediately follows ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse Fulfilled")), indicating that the subsequent destruction of Abimelech and Shechem is a just consequence of their actions, a divine response to their profound ingratitude and injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:16 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that actions have consequences, especially when those actions involve betrayal, violence, and a perversion of justice. It underscores the divine expectation of faithfulness and integrity, contrasting it sharply with the Shechemites' moral bankruptcy. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that God observes human conduct and holds individuals and communities accountable for their choices, particularly regarding leadership and loyalty. The ingratitude shown to Gideon's house and the elevation of a ruthless tyrant like Abimelech ultimately lead to self-destruction, demonstrating that those who sow injustice will reap calamity.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 11:3](/proverbs/11-3 "Proverbs 11:3 - Integrity Guides the Upright")
* [Psalm 7:16](/psalm/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Mischief Returns")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's piercing words in Judges 9:16 resonate deeply with contemporary issues of leadership, loyalty, and accountability. This passage challenges us to examine the integrity of our own choices, both individually and corporately. Are we truly and sincerely seeking justice and righteousness, or are our actions driven by self-interest, ambition, or convenience, even at the expense of others? The Shechemites' betrayal of Gideon's legacy serves as a potent warning against ingratitude and the dangers of elevating leaders who lack character and integrity. It reminds us that true leadership is about selfless service, not ruthless power grabs. When we compromise our values for perceived gain, or when we support those who act unjustly, we often set in motion a chain of consequences that can lead to mutual destruction. This text calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, uphold justice, and choose leaders wisely, recognizing that moral choices have far-reaching implications, not only for ourselves but for the communities we inhabit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the Shechemites, be tempted to compromise integrity for personal or group advantage?**
* **How does Jotham's ironic challenge ("if ye have done truly and sincerely") prompt us to examine the true motives behind our actions?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of choosing leaders based on ambition or convenience rather than genuine character and selfless service?**
* **How can we actively cultivate gratitude and loyalty in our relationships and communities, rather than succumbing to betrayal and ingratitude?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jotham's speech in Judges 9?**

Answer: Jotham's speech, culminating in Judges 9:16-20, is highly significant for several reasons. First, it is a rare instance of direct prophetic indictment in the book of Judges, articulating divine judgment against the Shechemites and Abimelech. Second, his [parable of the trees](/judges/9-8 "Judges 9:8-15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees") is one of the earliest and most vivid fables in biblical literature, offering a profound critique of kingship and the dangers of choosing an unworthy ruler. Third, it provides the moral and theological framework for understanding the subsequent narrative of mutual destruction in Judges 9, demonstrating that God's justice ultimately prevails. Jotham, as the sole survivor of Abimelech's massacre, becomes the voice of divine truth and righteous indignation.

**Why does Jotham emphasize Gideon's "deserving of his hands" when addressing the Shechemites?**

Answer: Jotham emphasizes Gideon's "deserving of his hands" to highlight the profound ingratitude and injustice of the Shechemites. Gideon (Jerubbaal) had faithfully served Israel, risking his life to deliver them from Midianite oppression ([Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Victory Over Midian")) and refusing to establish a dynastic kingship ([Judges 8:22-23](/judges/8-22 "Judges 8:22-23 - Gideon Refuses Kingship")). His "hands" had performed acts of selfless deliverance and leadership. By contrast, the Shechemites repaid his family with betrayal and murder, supporting Abimelech's usurpation. Jotham's rhetorical question forces them to confront the stark contrast between Gideon's righteous deeds and their perverse "repayment," underscoring the moral bankruptcy of their actions and the egregious nature of their ingratitude.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:16, with its themes of betrayal, ingratitude, and the just consequences of unrighteous leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jotham's speech condemns a people who repaid selfless service with treachery, Christ, the true King, was met with even greater rejection and betrayal, despite His perfect and ultimate service. He came to His own, and [His own received Him not](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Rejected by His Own"), ultimately delivering Him to crucifixion. Yet, unlike Abimelech, whose kingship brought destruction, Jesus' kingship is one of self-sacrificial love and eternal life. He is the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), not a bramble that consumes. The justice foreshadowed in Jotham's curse against the wicked finds its ultimate expression in Christ's triumph over sin and death, and His future righteous judgment where [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow") and [every tongue confess](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess"). The treachery against Gideon's house pales in comparison to the world's rejection of God's Son, yet through this ultimate betrayal, God brought about the ultimate redemption, fulfilling His promise of a righteous King whose reign will never end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 8:35

Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, [namely], Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.