Judges 9:20

But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

But if not, let fire {H784} come out {H3318} from Abimelech {H40}, and devour {H398} the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927}, and the house {H1004} of Millo {H4407}{H1037}; and let fire {H784} come out {H3318} from the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927}, and from the house {H1004} of Millo {H4407}{H1037}, and devour {H398} Abimelech {H40}.

But if not, let fire come out from Avimelekh and burn up the men of Sh'khem and Beit-Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Sh'khem and Beit-Millo and burn up Avimelekh!"

But if not, may fire come from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech.”

but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of Jotham's prophecy and curse against the men of Shechem and Abimelech, the son of Gideon by a concubine. Abimelech, after murdering his seventy half-brothers (save Jotham, who escaped), conspired with the leaders of Shechem to make himself king. Jotham delivered this prophecy from Mount Gerizim to the people of Shechem before fleeing. His parable of the trees highlighted Shechem's foolish choice in rejecting the noble trees (Gideon's legitimate sons) for the worthless bramble (Abimelech), who would ultimately bring destruction. Verse 20 is the specific curse pronounced by Jotham, predicting mutual destruction between Abimelech and the men of Shechem.

Key Themes

  • Curse and Prophecy: This verse is a direct curse pronounced by Jotham, foretelling the violent end of both Abimelech and his Shechemite allies.
  • Divine Retribution: It speaks to the principle that sin and treachery often carry their own destructive consequences, sometimes through the very agents involved in the sin.
  • Treachery and Betrayal: The verse highlights the inherent instability and destructive nature of alliances founded on violence and betrayal, predicting that those who used each other for power would also destroy each other.
  • Consequences of Sin: Jotham's curse serves as a stark warning about the inevitable negative outcomes of making wicked choices and entering into unholy alliances.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of the phrase "let fire come out from..." is significant. In the Bible, "fire" often symbolizes divine judgment, testing, or destruction. The double invocation of fire, one from Abimelech against Shechem and another from Shechem against Abimelech, emphasizes the reciprocal and consuming nature of the destruction being prophesied. It's a curse predicting that they would be the agents of each other's demise.

Reflection and Application

Jotham's curse in Judges 9:20 serves as a powerful reminder that alliances built on sin, violence, and self-interest are inherently unstable and ultimately self-destructive. The "fire" they ignite to consume others will eventually consume them. This passage encourages us to consider the foundation of our own relationships and alliances, whether personal, business, or political. Are they built on righteousness and truth, or on convenience, manipulation, and betrayal? The fulfillment of this curse later in the chapter demonstrates that God often allows the consequences of sin to manifest through the very means by which the sin was committed. It underscores the principle that sin carries a terrible cost, and judgment, though it may seem delayed, is certain.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 9:15 (4 votes)

    And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

  • Judges 9:56 (3 votes)

    Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:

  • Judges 9:57 (3 votes)

    And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:22 (3 votes)

    And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:23 (3 votes)

    For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

  • Judges 7:22 (2 votes)

    And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

  • Judges 9:23 (2 votes)

    Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: