Judges 9:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then God {H430} sent {H7971} an evil {H7451} spirit {H7307} between Abimelech {H40} and the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927}; and the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927} dealt treacherously {H898} with Abimelech {H40}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But God sent a spirit of discord between Avimelekh and the men of Sh'khem, so that the men of Sh'khem dealt treacherously with Avimelekh.

Berean Standard Bible

God sent a spirit of animosity between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and caused them to treat Abimelech deceitfully,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:23 marks a pivotal and ominous turning point in the tragic saga of Abimelech, revealing God's direct and sovereign intervention to sow discord between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. This divine action initiates the unraveling of their unholy alliance, setting in motion the precise fulfillment of Jotham's prophetic curse and powerfully demonstrating God's active sovereignty in bringing about justice and retribution for the egregious bloodshed and profound treachery that established Abimelech's illegitimate and short-lived reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a three-year period during which Abimelech, the son of Gideon's concubine, consolidated his tyrannical rule over Shechem (Judges 9:22). His ascent to power was founded on a brutal and calculated act of violence: the murder of sixty-nine of his seventy half-brothers on a single stone, an atrocity committed with the complicit support of the prominent men of Shechem (Judges 9:1-6). The sole survivor, Jotham, delivered a powerful and chilling fable from Mount Gerizim, culminating in a prophetic curse declaring that "fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the men of Shechem, and fire would come out from the men of Shechem and consume Abimelech" (Judges 9:19-20). Judges 9:23 serves as the direct initiation of this curse's fulfillment, as the divinely orchestrated internal strife and betrayal begin to consume the very parties involved in the initial wickedness, leading inexorably to their mutual destruction and validating Jotham's pronouncement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a profound lack of central authority and widespread moral and spiritual decay, succinctly summarized by the recurring refrain: "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Shechem itself was an ancient and historically significant city, a place of covenant renewal for Israel under Joshua (Joshua 24:1-28). However, by Abimelech's time, it had tragically devolved into a center of idolatry, evident in their worship of Baal-berith, the "lord of the covenant" (Judges 9:4). Abimelech's self-proclaimed kingship was a stark and illegitimate contrast to divinely appointed leadership, reflecting the chaos, apostasy, and rejection of God's rule prevalent in the era. The concept of God sending an "evil spirit" (Hebrew: _ruach ra'ah_) in this context was understood not as a demonic entity in the modern sense, but as a spirit of discord, ill will, or contention, divinely orchestrated or permitted to achieve God's sovereign purposes of judgment, similar to how a spirit troubled Saul in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul").
* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:23 powerfully illustrates several core themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, showcasing God's active and unyielding hand in human affairs, orchestrating events to repay wickedness and fulfill prophetic declarations. This is not a passive deity but one who intervenes directly to execute judgment. Closely related is the theme of the **Consequences of Sin**, particularly the self-destructive and cyclical nature of violence, treachery, and ungodly ambition. The very alliance built on bloodshed and betrayal now begins to unravel through internal strife, demonstrating that [whatever one sows, that will he also reap](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Finally, the verse highlights the pervasive theme of **Treachery and Betrayal**. The initial betrayal by Abimelech against his brothers and by the men of Shechem against Gideon's legacy is now mirrored as the Shechemites turn against their chosen king, revealing the inherent instability and corruption of relationships founded on unrighteousness. This cycle of treachery is a direct outcome of the absence of righteous leadership and the pervasive sin of the era, as seen throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - The Period of the Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This term, often translated "God," refers to the supreme God, Yahweh, in this context. Its use here emphasizes that the ensuing events are not mere happenstance or human machinations, but are directly orchestrated by the sovereign Creator of the universe. It underscores God's active involvement in human history, even in the affairs of wicked individuals and nations, to bring about His righteous judgment.
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** The verb "sent" highlights God's deliberate and purposeful agency. It conveys a sense of divine commissioning or dispatching, indicating that the "evil spirit" was not an independent force acting outside of God's control, but rather an instrument directly employed or permitted by Him. This emphasizes God's sovereign control over events, even those involving human sin and discord, to initiate the process of divine retribution and fulfill His declared purposes.
* **dealt treacherously (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** This verb signifies a profound breach of trust, an act of faithlessness, or a perfidious betrayal. It implies a violation of a covenant or a sacred agreement. In this context, it powerfully describes the moral corruption of the men of Shechem who, having actively supported Abimelech's bloody coup and installation as king, now turn against him. This word underscores the pervasive theme of betrayal that characterizes the entire narrative of Abimelech, demonstrating the inherent instability of alliances forged in unrighteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem;":** This initial clause reveals God's direct and sovereign intervention as the ultimate catalyst for the ensuing conflict. The "evil spirit" (Hebrew: _ruach ra'ah_) is not an independent malevolent force in the sense of a demon, but rather a divinely orchestrated disposition of ill will, suspicion, and discord. Its purpose was to disrupt the unholy alliance forged in bloodshed and mutual self-interest, initiating the precise fulfillment of Jotham's curse and demonstrating God's active hand in bringing about judgment.
* **"and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:":** This second clause describes the immediate and direct consequence of God's action, manifesting the "evil spirit" in human behavior. The Shechemites, who previously championed Abimelech's ascent to power, now actively betray him. This treachery is deeply ironic and serves as a mirror image of Abimelech's own treachery against his brothers and the Shechemites' initial complicity in that heinous act. Their faithlessness towards Abimelech sets the stage for the escalating conflict that will ultimately consume both parties, highlighting the self-destructive nature of sin and unrighteous alliances.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:23 is rich with **Divine Irony**, as God uses the very means of treachery and discord, which characterized Abimelech's rise to power, to bring about his downfall. The "evil spirit" acts as an ironic instrument of divine justice, turning the perpetrators' own sin against them. The verse also serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, explicitly signaling the beginning of the end for both Abimelech and the men of Shechem, setting in motion the events that will lead to their mutual destruction as precisely prophesied by Jotham (Judges 9:19-20). There is an implicit **Parallelism** or **Chiasm** in the narrative arc: the treachery that established Abimelech's illegitimate rule is now mirrored and ultimately undone by the treachery that erupts between him and his supporters. This cyclical nature of sin and its inevitable, self-inflicted consequences is a recurring motif throughout the book of Judges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:23 profoundly illustrates God's active and unwavering commitment to justice, even when it involves using instruments of discord to achieve His righteous purposes. It underscores that while God does not tempt or promote evil, He is utterly sovereign over all things, including the consequences of sin, and can utilize human wickedness to bring about His divine judgment. The unraveling of Abimelech's kingdom serves as a stark reminder that alliances built on unrighteousness, violence, and self-interest are inherently unstable and destined for collapse. God's justice may seem delayed, but it is ultimately certain, ensuring that no sin, especially one involving such egregious bloodshed and betrayal, goes unpunished in His perfect economy. This passage affirms God's moral governance of the world, where He holds all accountable and brings about retribution for unrepentant evil.

* [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I will repay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:23 offers profound and sobering lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to reflect deeply on the certainty of God's justice, even in a world where evil often seems to prosper unchecked and wickedness appears to go unpunished. This passage reassures us that God is actively involved in human affairs, and His timing, though often mysterious to our limited perspective, is perfect in bringing about retribution for wickedness. It also serves as a potent warning against forming alliances or engaging in actions that are built on unrighteousness, selfish ambition, or a blatant disregard for moral and spiritual principles. Such foundations are inherently unstable and will inevitably lead to discord, betrayal, and ultimate destruction, whether in personal relationships, communal organizations, or even national policies. We are called to recognize the destructive power of internal strife, pervasive betrayal, and ungodly ambition, and to instead pursue integrity, righteousness, and peace in all our dealings, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate the just and judge the wicked. Our hope is not in human schemes but in the steadfast character of a righteous God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and His methods of bringing about justice in the world?**
* **What are the long-term, self-destructive consequences of alliances or actions built on unrighteousness, as vividly seen in the relationship between Abimelech and Shechem?**
* **In what ways might "evil spirits" of discord, suspicion, or division manifest in our own communities or relationships today, and how can we counter them with biblical principles of love, truth, and reconciliation?**
* **How does the certainty of God's justice, as demonstrated here, impact our personal response to perceived injustices and the apparent prosperity of the wicked in the world around us?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil spirit" mean in Judges 9:23? Does it refer to a demon?**

Answer: In this context, the "evil spirit" (Hebrew: _ruach ra'ah_) does not refer to a demonic entity in the modern sense of a personal devil or demon possessing individuals. Instead, it signifies a spirit of discord, ill will, or contention that God sovereignly allowed or sent to sow mistrust and hostility between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. It was an instrument of God's judgment, designed to disrupt their unholy alliance and bring about their mutual destruction. This is similar to the "evil spirit from the LORD" that troubled Saul in [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul"), which was a divinely orchestrated affliction intended to achieve God's purposes. It highlights God's ultimate control over all forces, even those that bring about negative consequences, to fulfill His righteous will and execute justice.

**Why would God "send" an evil spirit? Isn't God good?**

Answer: God is indeed perfectly good, and He does not originate evil or tempt anyone to sin. However, the Bible consistently portrays God as sovereign over all things, including the consequences of sin and the instruments of judgment. In Judges 9:23, God "sent" this spirit of discord not to promote evil, but to fulfill Jotham's curse (Judges 9:19-20) and bring about divine retribution for the egregious bloodshed and treachery committed by Abimelech and the men of Shechem. This action demonstrates God's active involvement in human affairs and His unwavering commitment to justice. It was a catalyst for the unraveling of their unholy alliance, leading to their mutual destruction, thereby illustrating that sin carries its own destructive consequences, which God sovereignly orchestrates. God uses various means, sometimes even the natural consequences of sin or the actions of wicked men, to achieve His righteous purposes and uphold His moral order, demonstrating that [vengeance belongs to Him](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:23, with its portrayal of divine judgment through the sowing of discord and the unraveling of an unholy alliance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. While Abimelech's reign was established through treachery and violence, leading to internal strife and destruction, Christ's eternal kingdom is founded on truth, righteousness, and self-sacrificial love. The "evil spirit" sent by God to bring judgment upon a wicked alliance stands in stark contrast to the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends to bring unity, peace, and reconciliation among His people, urging them to be [diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit"). Where the spirit in Judges 9:23 divides and consumes, the Spirit of Christ unites and gives abundant life. Furthermore, the judgment visited upon Abimelech and Shechem foreshadows the ultimate and perfect judgment that will be executed by Christ, the righteous Judge, who will [separate the wicked from the righteous](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations") and bring an end to all treachery and rebellion (Revelation 20:11-15). Yet, Christ is also the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering redemption from the very treachery and violence that characterized Abimelech's era. He did not come to sow discord among His followers but to break down the dividing walls of hostility and [reconcile humanity to God and to one another through His blood](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Thus, while Judges 9:23 reveals God's righteous wrath against sin and the inevitable consequences of unrighteousness, it implicitly points to the necessity of a Savior who would perfectly fulfill God's justice and offer a path to true peace and a kingdom built on an unshakeable foundation, unlike the fleeting and violent reign of Abimelech.

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

Isaiah 33:1

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Isaiah 19:14

The LORD hath mingled a perverse spirit in the midst thereof: and they have caused Egypt to err in every work thereof, as a drunken [man] staggereth in his vomit.

Isaiah 19:2

And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, [and] kingdom against kingdom.

1 Samuel 18:9

And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.

1 Samuel 18:10

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and [there was] a javelin in Saul's hand.

2 Chronicles 18:19

And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

2 Chronicles 18:22

Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.