Judges 9:21

KJV

And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jotham {H3147} ran away {H1272}, and fled {H5127}, and went {H3212} to Beer {H876}, and dwelt {H3427} there, for fear {H6440} of Abimelech {H40} his brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yotam fled, making his way to Be'er, and he lived there for fear of Avimelekh his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.

American Standard Version

And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:21 succinctly records the immediate and prudent action of Jotham following his courageous and prophetic address from Mount Gerizim. Having publicly denounced the men of Shechem for their treacherous choice of Abimelech as king and having delivered a dire warning of mutual destruction, Jotham wisely recognized the imminent danger to his life. This verse marks his swift departure to Beer, a strategic retreat motivated by a rational fear of his murderous half-brother, ensuring his survival to witness the eventual fulfillment of his curse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:21 serves as the direct consequence and concluding action of Jotham’s prophetic witness, immediately following his powerful Fable of the Trees (Judges 9:7-15) and his subsequent curse upon Abimelech and the men of Shechem (Judges 9:16-20). The preceding verses (Judges 9:1-6) detail Abimelech's ruthless ascent to power, including the brutal massacre of his seventy half-brothers, from which only Jotham escaped. Jotham's flight in verse 21 is thus a necessary act of self-preservation, allowing him to survive and observe the unfolding of the divine judgment he prophesied, which begins to manifest from [Judges 9:22](/judges/9-22 "Judges 9:22 - The Fulfillment of Jotham's Curse").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a lack of central authority, where "every man did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel")). Abimelech's attempt to establish himself as king in Shechem represents an illegitimate and violent usurpation of power, a stark contrast to the divinely appointed leadership or the later Davidic monarchy. Shechem itself held significant historical and covenantal importance, being the place where Abraham first built an altar ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's First Altar at Shechem")) and where Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel ([Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). Jotham's use of Mount Gerizim, a site associated with blessings in the covenant ceremony ([Deuteronomy 27:12](/deuteronomy/27-12 "Deuteronomy 27:12 - Blessings from Mount Gerizim")), adds profound irony to his curse, highlighting Shechem's betrayal of its sacred heritage through its alliance with Abimelech.
* **Key Themes:** Jotham’s flight contributes to several overarching themes within Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **divine retribution** and the inevitable consequences of sin, particularly the sin of unrighteous leadership and treacherous alliances. Abimelech’s violent reign, built on fratricide, is destined for destruction, a truth Jotham’s fable vividly portrays. Furthermore, Jotham’s action highlights the theme of **prudence and survival** in the face of overwhelming evil; his courage in speaking truth does not negate the wisdom of strategic withdrawal. Finally, the narrative contrasts **legitimate and illegitimate authority**, with Abimelech representing a tyrannical, self-appointed ruler whose reign is marked by chaos and ultimately, divine judgment, foreshadowing the need for a righteous king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ran away, and fled (Hebrew: נוּס, _nus'_):** This verb, repeated for emphasis ("ran away, and fled"), conveys a sense of urgency, haste, and immediate departure from danger. It suggests a rapid, decisive action taken for self-preservation, indicating the severity of the threat Jotham perceived from Abimelech. It is not a leisurely retreat but a desperate escape.
* **Beer (Hebrew: בְּאֵר, _be'er_):** Meaning "well" or "spring," this place name suggests a location that would provide a vital water source, making it a practical and sustainable refuge. The anonymity of the name implies a secluded or less prominent location, ideal for hiding from a determined pursuer, rather than a fortified city. It underscores the practical wisdom in Jotham's choice of sanctuary.
* **Fear (Hebrew: יִרְאָה, _yirah_):** In this context, "fear" is not presented as cowardice but as a rational and appropriate response to a credible and deadly threat. Abimelech had already murdered 69 of his brothers; Jotham's fear is a healthy recognition of a proven danger, compelling him to take necessary action for his safety. This "fear" is a manifestation of wisdom and discernment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jotham ran away, and fled":** This initial clause emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of Jotham's departure. Having delivered his powerful and dangerous message, he understood the necessity of swift action to evade Abimelech's wrath. The repetition of verbs for "fleeing" underscores the urgency and the life-threatening situation.
* **"and went to Beer, and dwelt there":** This specifies Jotham's destination and intent. He didn't just flee aimlessly but sought a known, albeit perhaps remote, place of refuge ("Beer," meaning "well" or "spring"). His "dwelling there" indicates a period of sustained residence, suggesting a strategic retreat for long-term safety rather than a temporary hiding place.
* **"for fear of Abimelech his brother":** This final clause provides the explicit motivation for Jotham's actions. It highlights the profound danger posed by Abimelech, who had already demonstrated his ruthless ambition through fratricide. Jotham's fear is not irrational panic but a prudent response to a concrete and lethal threat from a family member who had proven himself capable of extreme violence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident, as Jotham's flight from Abimelech's violence foreshadows the mutual destruction and chaos that will engulf Abimelech and the men of Shechem, as prophesied in Jotham's fable. There is a strong element of **Juxtaposition** between Jotham's wise and prophetic actions and Abimelech's brutal and foolish pursuit of power. The **Irony** lies in Abimelech's attempt to secure his reign through eliminating all rivals, yet it is the lone survivor, Jotham, who pronounces the curse that ultimately leads to Abimelech's downfall. Furthermore, the choice of "Beer" as a refuge can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing a place of sustenance and hidden safety, contrasting with the open violence and treachery of Shechem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jotham's flight in Judges 9:21 offers a profound theological lesson on the nature of wisdom, divine justice, and the consequences of human sin. While God is sovereign and capable of protecting His people, Jotham's action demonstrates that divine wisdom often includes human prudence and strategic self-preservation in the face of clear and present danger. His escape ensures that the prophetic word, once delivered, has a witness to its eventual fulfillment, highlighting God's faithfulness to His declared judgments. This narrative reminds us that while we are called to speak truth, we are also called to exercise discernment regarding our personal safety, particularly when confronting overwhelming evil, trusting that God's purposes will prevail regardless of our immediate circumstances.

* [Proverbs 22:3](/proverbs/22-3 "Proverbs 22:3 - The Prudent See Danger")
* [Matthew 10:23](/matthew/10-23 "Matthew 10:23 - Fleeing Persecution")
* [Psalm 11:1](/psalms/11-1 "Psalm 11:1 - Trusting in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's actions in Judges 9:21 provide a powerful blueprint for navigating perilous situations in life. His courage in delivering a scathing indictment of injustice was matched by his wisdom in immediately seeking safety. This teaches us that true courage is not recklessness, but a discerning blend of speaking truth and exercising prudence. In a world where speaking truth to power can often invite severe repercussions, Jotham's example reminds us that there are times when strategic withdrawal or seeking refuge is not an act of cowardice, but an act of wisdom and stewardship of one's life. It underscores the importance of discerning when to stand and confront, and when to retreat and preserve oneself for future witness or service, all while trusting in God's overarching plan and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When is it appropriate to speak truth to power, and when is it wise to withdraw or seek safety?**
* **How do we balance courageous witness with practical prudence in the face of threats or opposition?**
* **What does Jotham's "fear of Abimelech" teach us about the difference between healthy, discerning fear and unhealthy, paralyzing fear?**
* **In what ways might we be called to "flee" from harmful situations or relationships today, for the sake of our well-being or continued witness?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jotham deliver his fable from Mount Gerizim?**

Answer: Jotham chose Mount Gerizim strategically for several reasons. Firstly, its elevated position provided a clear vantage point from which his voice could carry down to the people of Shechem, making his public address effective. Secondly, Mount Gerizim held profound historical and covenantal significance for Israel. It was the mountain designated for pronouncing blessings during the covenant renewal ceremony led by Joshua ([Joshua 8:33-34](/joshua/8-33 "Joshua 8:33-34 - Blessings and Curses at Ebal and Gerizim")). By speaking from this sacred site, Jotham underscored the gravity of Shechem's betrayal of their covenant with God by choosing a murderous, illegitimate king like Abimelech, adding a layer of ironic judgment to his prophetic curse.

**What eventually happened to Abimelech, and was Jotham's curse fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, Jotham's curse was indeed fulfilled, demonstrating the certainty of divine judgment. After three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, causing them to deal treacherously with each other ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")). This led to internal conflict, rebellion, and ultimately, Abimelech's violent death. He was fatally wounded by a millstone dropped by a woman from the tower of Thebez ([Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53 - Abimelech's Death by a Millstone")), fulfilling Jotham's prophecy that fire would come out from the bramble (Abimelech) and consume the trees (Shechem), and vice-versa.

**Is Jotham's flight an act of cowardice, or does it carry a different meaning?**

Answer: Jotham's flight is not presented as an act of cowardice but as an act of profound wisdom and strategic self-preservation. He had courageously delivered a dangerous truth to a powerful and murderous tyrant. Having fulfilled his prophetic duty, his immediate withdrawal was a rational response to a credible threat to his life, given Abimelech's proven brutality in massacring his other brothers ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Massacres His Brothers")). His "fear" was a healthy recognition of danger, enabling him to survive and witness the eventual fulfillment of his prophetic word, thereby validating its divine origin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jotham, the lone survivor and prophetic voice against an illegitimate king, offers a compelling, albeit imperfect, foreshadowing of Christ. Like Jotham, Jesus spoke truth to power, exposing the spiritual bankruptcy of the religious and political establishments of His day ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13-36 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). While Jotham fled for his life from a murderous brother, Jesus, the true Son of God, also faced constant threats and opposition, at times withdrawing from the crowds or hostile authorities ([John 7:1](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea")). However, unlike Jotham, whose flight was for self-preservation, Christ's ultimate "flight" was not from danger but into it—to the cross. He willingly laid down His life, not to escape a tyrant, but to conquer sin and death, becoming the true King whose reign is not built on violence like Abimelech's, but on self-sacrificial love and divine authority ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Jotham's prophetic warning of a king who consumes his people finds its ultimate contrast in Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), establishing an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace, fulfilling the true hope of a legitimate and benevolent ruler.

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

Numbers 21:16

And from thence [they went] to Beer: that [is] the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

2 Samuel 20:14

¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

Joshua 19:8

And all the villages that [were] round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.