Judges 9:18

KJV

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;)

KJV (with Strong's)

And ye are risen up {H6965} against my father's {H1} house {H1004} this day {H3117}, and have slain {H2026} his sons {H1121}, threescore and ten {H7657} persons {H376}, upon one {H259} stone {H68}, and have made Abimelech {H40}, the son {H1121} of his maidservant {H519}, king {H4427} over the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927}, because he is your brother {H251};)

Complete Jewish Bible

and now you are rebelling against my father's household. You've killed his seventy sons on a single stone and made Avimelekh, the son of his slave-girl, king over the men of Sh'khem, because he's your brother.

Berean Standard Bible

but you have risen up against my father’s house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother—

American Standard Version

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 maid-servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:18 captures the searing indictment delivered by Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, against the men of Shechem. It vividly recounts their profound treachery in conspiring with Abimelech, Gideon's ambitious son by a concubine, to brutally murder seventy of Gideon's legitimate sons upon a single stone, thereby clearing Abimelech's path to kingship. Jotham's words expose the Shechemites' deep ingratitude toward Gideon's family and their cynical justification for elevating Abimelech based solely on a shallow claim of kinship. This verse stands as a powerful declaration of the heinous crime that sets the stage for the unfolding divine judgment upon both Abimelech and the city of Shechem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:18 is a pivotal moment within Jotham's prophetic speech, delivered from the secure vantage point of [Mount Gerizim](/judges/9-7 "Judges 9:7 - Jotham's Parable from Mount Gerizim"). This speech immediately follows the horrific massacre orchestrated by Abimelech, who, with the support of the men of Shechem, brutally murdered all but one of Gideon's seventy sons at Ophrah, as recounted in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech's Massacre of Gideon's Sons"). Jotham, having miraculously escaped the slaughter, uses his address to expose the Shechemites' profound ingratitude and treachery towards Gideon's legacy, who had previously delivered them. The verse directly accuses them of complicity in the fratricide and the illegitimate enthronement of Abimelech, setting the stage for the prophetic curse that Jotham pronounces in the preceding parable of the trees, found in [Judges 9:8-15](/judges/9-8-15 "Judges 9:8-15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees"), which subsequently unfolds throughout the rest of [Judges chapter 9](/judges/9 "Judges 9 - Abimelech's Reign and Downfall").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shechem was an ancient and historically significant city in central Canaan, deeply rooted in Israelite history as a place where Abraham built an altar ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")), Jacob settled ([Genesis 33:18-20](/genesis/33-18-20 "Genesis 33:18-20 - Jacob at Shechem")), and Joshua renewed the covenant ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24-1-28 "Joshua 24:1-28 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). During the period of the Judges, Israel lacked a centralized monarchy, and the concept of "king" was often viewed with suspicion, as Yahweh alone was considered Israel's true King. The men of Shechem, particularly the "citizens of Shechem" or "lords of Shechem" (Hebrew: *ba'alei Shechem*), had strong ties to the local Baal worship, specifically Baal-Berith, as mentioned in [Judges 9:4](/judges/9-4 "Judges 9:4 - Baal-Berith and Abimelech"), indicating a syncretistic or apostate community. The phrase "upon one stone" likely refers to a specific, perhaps cultic or public, location within Ophrah, emphasizing the public and ritualistic nature of the mass execution, designed to consolidate Abimelech's power and eliminate all rivals.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the [Book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance"). Foremost among them is the theme of **betrayal and ingratitude**, as the Shechemites, who had benefited from Gideon's leadership, turn against his family. It highlights the **usurpation of power** through violence and deceit, contrasting sharply with the divinely appointed, charismatic leadership (judgeship) that God typically raised up. The narrative also underscores the **dangers of political expediency over divine principles**, as the Shechemites prioritize a shallow familial connection ("because he is your brother") over justice and righteousness. Furthermore, Jotham's words serve as a **prophetic warning** of the inevitable consequences of such heinous acts, foreshadowing the divine judgment that would ultimately fall upon Abimelech and the men of Shechem, illustrating the principle that "what a man sows, that he will also reap," as echoed in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **slain (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** This primitive root signifies to "smite with deadly intent," encompassing killing, murdering, and putting to death. In [Judges 9:18](/judges/9-18 "Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Indictment of Shechem"), it underscores the deliberate and violent nature of the act committed against Gideon's sons, emphasizing that this was not accidental death but a calculated, murderous plot. The word conveys the brutality and finality of the seventy lives taken.
* **stone (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," *ʼeben* refers to a stone. Here, "upon one stone" is a chilling detail that points to a singular, perhaps prominent or even cultic, location for the mass execution. This suggests a highly organized, public, and possibly ritualistic act of extermination, rather than a chaotic slaughter. The concentration of the murders on a single stone amplifies the horror and calculated cruelty of Abimelech's actions and the Shechemites' complicity.
* **maidservant (Hebrew, _ʼâmâh'_):** This term denotes a maidservant or female slave. In this context, it refers to Gideon's concubine, as mentioned in [Judges 8:31](/judges/8-31 "Judges 8:31 - Gideon's Concubine"). The emphasis on Abimelech being "the son of his maidservant" highlights his lesser status or potentially contested lineage compared to Gideon's other sons, who were born of legitimate wives. The Shechemites' willingness to elevate such a figure, despite his violent means, underscores their disregard for traditional or divinely sanctioned leadership in favor of political expediency and a shallow appeal to tribal kinship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye are risen up against my father's house this day":** Jotham begins with a direct and forceful accusation, laying the blame for the treachery squarely at the feet of the men of Shechem. "Risen up against" implies an act of rebellion, conspiracy, and violent opposition against Gideon's family, who had previously served and delivered them. The phrase "this day" emphasizes the immediacy and recency of their heinous act, bringing the gravity of their crime into sharp focus.
* **"and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone":** This clause details the horrific crime. It specifies the staggering number of victims (seventy) and the brutal method and location of their execution ("upon one stone"). This is the core of the Shechemites' offense – their complicity in the mass murder of Gideon's sons, an act of unparalleled cruelty and betrayal that sought to eradicate Gideon's legitimate lineage.
* **"and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem":** This part reveals the ultimate goal and outcome of their conspiracy: the enthronement of Abimelech. The explicit mention of his lineage ("the son of his maidservant") serves to highlight the questionable legitimacy of his claim to power, contrasting him with Gideon's more legitimate heirs and underscoring the Shechemites' willingness to disregard proper succession or divine appointment for their own ends.
* **"because he [is] your brother;":** This final phrase exposes the cynical and shallow justification for their actions. The appeal to Abimelech's kinship (through his Shechemite mother, Gideon's concubine) is presented as the sole reason for their support. This "brotherhood" is a flimsy pretext for their complicity in murder and usurpation, revealing a warped sense of loyalty that prioritizes tribal ties over justice, righteousness, and the legacy of a true deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
Jotham's speech in [Judges 9:18](/judges/9-18 "Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Indictment of Shechem") is rich with literary devices that amplify its impact and underscore the gravity of the Shechemites' actions. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as Jotham directly confronts the "men of Shechem," using the second-person plural "ye" to place the blame squarely on them. This creates an immediate, confrontational, and accusatory tone, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding culpability. The vivid imagery of "threescore and ten persons upon one stone" employs **Hyperbole** or intense **Emphasis**, graphically portraying the staggering scale and concentrated brutality of the massacre. This leaves a powerful and disturbing image in the listener's mind, highlighting the calculated cruelty. There is profound **Irony** in the justification "because he is your brother," given that Abimelech's first act of kingship was to murder his own brothers. This highlights the twisted morality and self-serving logic of the Shechemites, who betray true kinship for political gain. Furthermore, the entire speech, including this verse, serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Jotham's prophetic curse (from the parable of the trees) predicts the destructive "fire" that will consume both Abimelech and the men of Shechem, a divine judgment that indeed comes to pass later in the chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Judges 9:18](/judges/9-18 "Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Indictment of Shechem") stands as a stark testament to the profound consequences of human sin, particularly the lust for power and the betrayal of covenant. Theologically, it illustrates the principle that God's justice will ultimately prevail, even when human actions are marked by profound injustice and treachery. The Shechemites' actions reflect a rejection of God's chosen deliverer (Gideon) and an embrace of a self-appointed, violent ruler, highlighting the dangers of seeking human solutions outside of divine guidance. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale against prioritizing political expediency or tribal loyalty over moral integrity and divine righteousness. It underscores the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the cyclical nature of sin and judgment that characterizes the period of the Judges.

* [Judges 9:56-57](/judges/9-56-57 "Judges 9:56-57 - Fulfillment of Jotham's Curse")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Judges 9:18](/judges/9-18 "Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Indictment of Shechem") offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities grappling with issues of leadership, loyalty, and justice. It compels us to reflect on the nature of true authority, which is characterized not by seizure through violence or manipulation, but by integrity, service, and divine appointment. The Shechemites' willingness to overlook Abimelech's heinous crime for the sake of perceived political advantage or shallow kinship serves as a powerful warning against compromising moral principles for expediency. We are challenged to examine our own loyalties: are we swayed by superficial connections or self-interest, or are we committed to truth and righteousness, even when it is costly? The narrative reminds us that actions born of treachery and unrighteous ambition often lead to cycles of violence and ultimately, divine retribution. It calls us to cultivate discernment in choosing our leaders and to stand against injustice, remembering that God's justice ultimately prevails.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Shechemites' justification of "because he is your brother" reveal a flawed understanding of loyalty and kinship?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own contexts, be tempted to compromise moral principles for the sake of political expediency or perceived advantage?**
* **What does Jotham's courageous act of speaking truth to power from Mount Gerizim teach us about prophetic witness in the face of injustice?**
* **How does the unfolding judgment in Judges 9 reinforce the biblical principle that actions have consequences, and God holds individuals and communities accountable?**

### FAQ

**Who was Jotham, and why was he the one delivering this scathing rebuke?**

Answer: Jotham was the youngest and only surviving son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). He escaped the brutal massacre orchestrated by his half-brother, Abimelech, who murdered Gideon's other seventy sons "upon one stone," as detailed in [Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech's Massacre of Gideon's Sons"). Jotham delivered this rebuke from Mount Gerizim, a strategically elevated position overlooking Shechem, after Abimelech had been made king. His unique position as the sole survivor and a direct victim of Abimelech's treachery gave him moral authority to speak prophetically against the men of Shechem and Abimelech, exposing their wickedness and foretelling their downfall through his famous parable of the trees, found in [Judges 9:7-15](/judges/9-7-15 "Judges 9:7-15 - Jotham's Parable").

**What is the significance of the phrase "upon one stone"?**

Answer: The phrase "upon one stone" (Hebrew: *'al 'even 'echat'*) is highly significant. It vividly portrays the horrific, collective, and likely ritualistic nature of the execution. It suggests that the seventy sons were not killed in a chaotic skirmish but were systematically slaughtered at a single, designated location, perhaps a prominent altar or public stone in Ophrah. This detail emphasizes the calculated cruelty and public display of power intended by Abimelech and his co-conspirators. It underscores the profound brutality and the deliberate, almost ceremonial, extermination of Gideon's legitimate lineage, making the act even more heinous and memorable.

**Why did the men of Shechem choose Abimelech as king, despite his violent actions and questionable lineage?**

Answer: The men of Shechem chose Abimelech for several reasons, primarily out of political expediency and a distorted sense of loyalty. First, Abimelech appealed to their tribal ties, reminding them that he was "your brother" through his Shechemite mother, Gideon's concubine, as recorded in [Judges 9:2](/judges/9-2 "Judges 9:2 - Abimelech's Appeal to Shechem"). This familial connection likely made him seem more amenable to their local interests than Gideon's other sons. Second, Abimelech offered a clear path to power, even if it involved fratricide. The Shechemites, perhaps weary of the decentralized leadership of the Judges, desired a king, and Abimelech was willing to seize that role by any means necessary. They provided him with money from the temple of Baal-Berith, as seen in [Judges 9:4](/judges/9-4 "Judges 9:4 - Money from Baal-Berith Temple"), to hire mercenaries, demonstrating their active complicity and shared ambition, prioritizing their own perceived advantage over justice and righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Abimelech and the men of Shechem, culminating in Jotham's prophetic curse in [Judges 9:18](/judges/9-18 "Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Indictment of Shechem"), serves as a profound contrast to the true King and His kingdom, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ. Abimelech, a self-appointed king who seized power through violence, treachery, and the murder of his own seventy brothers, embodies the corrupt nature of human rule apart from God. His reign is marked by bloodshed, ambition, and ultimately, divine judgment, as the "fire" of Jotham's curse consumes both him and his conspirators, as prophesied and fulfilled in [Judges 9:56-57](/judges/9-56-57 "Judges 9:56-57 - Fulfillment of Jotham's Curse"). This stands in stark opposition to Jesus, the true King of Israel, who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike Abimelech, who shed the blood of his brothers to ascend to a throne, Jesus, the perfect "brother" to humanity ([Hebrews 2:11-12](/hebrews/2-11-12 "Hebrews 2:11-12 - Jesus, Our Brother")), willingly shed His own blood on the cross to establish a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). His kingdom is not of this world, built on human power and violence ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but on divine love and sacrificial service. The judgment that fell upon Abimelech and Shechem foreshadows the ultimate judgment on all who reject God's righteous rule and embrace the ways of the world, while Christ offers eternal life and true kingship to all who believe in Him and submit to His gracious reign ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 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.

Judges 9:6

And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that [was] in Shechem.

Judges 9:14

Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, [and] reign over us.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

Judges 8:30

And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives.

Judges 8:31

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

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.