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Commentary on Judges 9 verses 22–49
Three years Abimelech reigned, after a sort, without any disturbance; it is not said, He judged Israel, or did any service at all to his country, but so long he enjoyed the title and dignity of a king; and not only the Shechemites, but many other places, paid him respect. They must have been fond of a king that could please themselves with such a one as this. But the triumphing of the wicked is short. Within three years, as the years of a hireling, all this glory shall be contemned, and laid in the dust, Isa 16:14. The ruin of these confederates in wickedness was from the righteous hand of the God to whom vengeance belongs. He sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the Shechemites (Jdg 9:23), that is, they grew jealous one of another and ill-affected one to another. He slighted those that set him up, and perhaps countenanced other cities which now began to come into his interests more than he did theirs; and then they grew uneasy at his government, blamed his conduct, and quarrelled at his impositions. This was from God. He permitted the devil, that great mischief-maker, to sow discord between them, and he is an evil spirit, whom God not only keeps under his check, but sometimes serves his own purposes by. Their own lusts were evil spirits; they are devils in men's own hearts; from them come wars and fightings. These God gave them up to, and so might be said to send the evil spirits between them. When men's sin is made their punishment, though God is not the author of the sin, yet the punishment is from him. The quarrel God had with Abimelech and the Shechemites was for the murder of the sons of Gideon (Jdg 9:24): That the cruelty done to them might come and their blood be laid as a burden upon Abimelech that slew them, and the men of Shechem that helped him. Note, 1. Sooner or later God will make inquisition for blood, innocent blood, and will return it on the heads of those that shed it, who shall have blood given them to drink, for they are worthy. 2. Accessaries shall be reckoned with, as well as principals, in that and other sins. The Shechemites that countenanced Abimelech's pretensions, aided and abetted him in his bloody project, and avowed the fact by making him king after he had done it, must fall with him, fall by him, and fall first. 3. Those that combine together to do wickedly are justly dashed in pieces one against another. Blood cannot be a lasting cement to any interest.
I. The Shechemites began to affront Abimelech, perhaps they scarcely knew why or wherefore, but they were given to change. 1. They dealt treacherously with him, Jdg 9:23. It is not said, They repented of their sin in owning him. Had they done so, it would have been laudable to disown him; but they did it only upon some particular pique conceived against him by their pride or envy. Those that set him up were the first that deserted him and endeavoured to dethrone him. It is not strange that those who were ungrateful to Gideon were unfaithful to Abimelech; for what will hold those that will not be held by the obligation of such merits as Gideon's? Note, It is just with God that those who tempt others to be cone perfidious should afterwards be themselves betrayed by those whom they have taught to be perfidious. 2. They aimed to seize him when he was at Arumah (Jdg 9:41), his country-seat. Expecting him to come to town, they set liers in wait for him (Jdg 9:25), who should make him their prisoner whom they had lately made their prince. Those who were thus posted, he not coming, took the opportunity of robbing travellers, which would help to make the people more and more uneasy under Abimelech, when they saw he could not or would not protect them from highway-men. 3. They entertained one Gaal, and set him up as their head in opposition to Abimelech, Jdg 9:26. This Gaal is said to be the son of Ebed, which signifies a servant, perhaps denoting the meanness of his extraction. As Abimelech was by the mother's side, so he by the father's, the son of a servant. Here was one bramble contesting with another. We have reason to suspect that this Gaal was a native Canaanite, because he courts the Shechemites into subjection to the men of Hamor, who was the ancient lord of this city in Jacob's time. He was a bold ambitious man, served their purpose admirably well when they were disposed to quarrel with Abimelech, and they also served his purpose; so he went over to them to blow the coals, and they put their confidence in him. 4. They did all the despite they could to Abimelech's name, Jdg 9:27. They made themselves very merry in his absence, as those who were glad he was out of the way, and who, now that they had another to head them, were in hopes to get clear of him; nay, they went into the house of their god, to solemnize their feast of in-gathering, and there they did eat, and drink, and cursed Abimelech, not only said all the ill they could of him in their table-talk and the song of their drunkards, but wished all the ill they could to him over their sacrifices, praying to their idol to destroy him. They drank healths to his confusion, and with as loud huzzas as ever they had drunk them to his prosperity. That very temple whence they had fetched money to set him up with did they now meet in to curse him and contrive his ruin. Had they deserted their idol-god with their image-king, they might have hoped to prosper; but, while they still cleave to the former, the latter shall cleave to them to their ruin. How should Satan cast out Satan? 5. They pleased themselves with Gaal's vaunted defiance of Abimelech, Jdg 9:28, Jdg 9:29. They loved to hear that impudent upstart speak scornfully, (1.) Of Abimelech, though calling him in disdain Shechem, or a Shechemite, he reflected upon their own city. (2.) Of his good father likewise, Gideon: Is not he the son of Jerubbaal? So he calls him, perhaps in an impious indignation at his name and memory for throwing down the altar of Baal, turning that to his reproach which was his praise. (3.) Of his prime minister of state, Zebul his officer, and ruler of the city. "We may well be ashamed to serve them, and need not be afraid to oppose them." Men of turbulent ambitious spirits thus despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Gaal aimed not to recover Shechem's liberty, only to change their tyrant: "O that this people were under my hand! What I would do! I would challenge Abimelech to try titles for the crown;" and it should seem he desired his friends to send him word that he was ready to dispute it with him whenever he pleased: "Increase thy army, and come out. Do thy worst; let the point be determined by the sword." This pleased the Shechemites, who were now as sick of Abimelech as ever they had been fond of him. Men of no conscience will be men of no constancy.
II. Abimelech turned all his force upon them, and, in a little time, quite ruined them. Observe the steps of their overthrow.
1.The Shechemites' counsels were betrayed to Abimelech by Zebul his confidant, the ruler of the city, who continued hearty for him. His anger was kindled (Jdg 9:30), and the more because Gaal had spoken slightly of him (Jdg 9:28), for perhaps, if he had complimented and caressed him now that things were in this ferment, he might have gained him to his interest; but he, being disobliged, sends notice to Abimelech of all that was said and done in Shechem against him, Jdg 9:31. Betrayers are often betrayed by some among themselves, and the cursing of the king is sometimes strangely carried by a bird of the air. He prudently advises him to come against the city immediately, and lose no time, Jdg 9:32, Jdg 9:33. He thinks it best that he should march his forces by night into the neighbourhood, surprise the city in the morning, and then make the best of his advantages. How could the Shechemites hope to speed in their attempt when the ruler of their city was in the interests of their enemy? They knew it, and yet took no care to secure him.
2.Gaal, that headed their faction, having been betrayed by Zebul, Abimelech's confidant, was most wretchedly bantered by him. Abimelech, according to Zebul's advice, drew all his forces down upon Shechem by night, Jdg 9:34. Gaal, in the morning, went out to the gate (Jdg 9:35) to see what posture things were in, and to enquire, What news? Zebul, as a ruler of the city, met him there as a friend. Abimelech and his forces beginning to move towards the city, Gaal discovers them (Jdg 9:36), takes notice of their approach to Zebul that was standing with him, little thinking that he had sent for them and was now expecting them. "Look," says he, "do not I see a body of men coming down from the mountain towards us? Yonder they are," pointing to the place. "No, no," says Zebul; "thy eye-sight deceives thee; it is but the shadow of the mountains which thou takest to be an army." By this he intended, (1.) To ridicule him, as a man of no sense or spirit, and therefore very unfit for what he pretended to, as a man that might easily be imposed upon and made to believe any thing, and that was so silly and so cowardly that he apprehended danger where there was none, and was ready to fight with a shadow. (2.) To detain him, and hold him in talk, while the forces of Abimelech were coming up, that thereby they might gain advantage. But when Gaal, being content to believe those he now saw to be but the shadow of the mountains (perhaps the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim, which lay close by the city), was undeceived by the discovery of two other companies that marched apace towards the city, then Zebul took another way to banter him, upbraiding him with what he had said but a day or two before, in contempt of Abimelech (Jdg 9:38): Where is now thy mouth, that foul mouth of thine, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech? Note, Proud and haughty people are often made in a little time to change their note, and to dread those whom they had most despised. Gaal had, in a bravado, challenged Abimelech to increase his army and come out; but now Zebul, in Abimelech's name, challenges him: Go out, and fight with them, if thou darest. Justly are the insolent thus insulted over.
3.Abimelech routed Gaal's forces that sallied out of the town, Jdg 9:39, Jdg 9:40. Gaal, disheartened no doubt by Zebul's hectoring him, and perceiving his interest weaker than he thought it was, though he marched out against Abimelech with what little force he had, was soon put to the worst, and obliged to retire into the city with great precipitation. In this action the Shechemites' loss was considerable: Many were overthrown and wounded, the common effect of popular tumults, in which the inconsiderate multitude are often drawn into fatal snare by those that promise them glorious success.
4.Zebul that night expelled Gaal, and the party he had brought with him into Shechem, out of the city (Jdg 9:41), sending him to the place whence he came. For though the generality of the city continued still averse to Abimelech, as appears by the sequel of the story, yet they were willing to part with Gaal, and did not oppose his expulsion, because, though he had talked big, both his skill and courage had failed him when there was occasion for them. Most people judge of men's fitness for business by their success, and he that does not speed well is concluded not to do well. Well, Gaal's interest in Shechem is soon at an end, and he that had talked of removing Abimelech is himself removed, nor do we ever hear of him any more. Exit Gaal - Gaal retires.
5.Abimelech, the next day, set upon the city, and quite destroyed it, for their treacherous dealings with him. Perhaps Abimelech had notice of their expelling Gaal, who had headed the faction, with which they thought he would have been satisfied, but the crime was too keep to be thus atoned for, and his resentments were too keen to be pacified by so small an instance of submission, besides that it was more Zebul's act than theirs; by it their hands were weakened, and therefore he resolved to follow his blow, and effectually to chastise their treachery. (1.) He had intelligence brought him that the people of Shechem had come out into the field, Jdg 9:42. Some think into the field of business to plough and sow (having lately gathered in their harvest), or to perfect their harvest, for it was only their vintage that they had made an end of (Jdg 9:27), and then it intimates that they were secure. And because Abimelech had retired (Jdg 9:41) they thought themselves in no danger from him, and then the issue of it is an instance of sudden destruction coming upon those that cry, Peace and safety. Others think they went out into the field of battle; though Gaal was driven out, they would not lay down their arms, but put themselves into a posture for another engagement with Abimelech, in which they hoped to retrieve what they had lost the day before, (2.) He himself, with a strong detachment, cut off the communication between them and the city, stood in the entering of the gate (Jdg 9:44), that they might neither make their retreat into the city nor receive any succours from the city, and then sent two companies of his men, who were too strong for them, and they put them all to the sword, ran upon those that were in the fields and slew them. When we go out about our business we are not sure that we shall come home again; there are deaths both in the city and in the field. (3.) He then fell upon the city itself, and, with a rage reaching up to heaven, though it was the place of his nativity, laid it in ruins, slew all the people, beat down all the buildings, and, in token of his desire that it might be a perpetual desolation, sowed it with salt, that it might remain a lasting monument of the punishment of perfidiousness. Yet Abimelech prevailed not to make its desolations perpetual; for it was afterwards rebuilt, and became so considerable a place that all Israel came thither to make Rehoboam king, Kg1 12:1. And the place proved an ill omen. Abimelech intended hereby to punish the Shechemites for their serving him formerly in the murder of Gideon's sons. Thus, when God makes use of men as instruments in his hand to do his work, he means one thing and they another, Isa 10:6, Isa 10:7. They design to maintain their honour, but God to maintain his.
6.Those that retired into a strong-hold of their idol-temple were all destroyed there. These are called the men of the tower of Shechem (Jdg 9:46, Jdg 9:47), some castle that belonged to the city, but lay at some distance from it. They, hearing of the destruction of the city, withdrew into a hold of the temple, trusting, it is likely, not so much to its strength as to its sanctity; they put themselves under the protection of their idol: for thus all people will walk in the name of their god, and shall not we then choose to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our life? For in the time of trouble he shall hide us in his pavilion, Psa 27:5. The name of the Lord is a strong tower, Pro 18:10. But that which they hoped would be for their welfare proved to them a snare and a trap, as those will certainly find that run to idols for shelter; it will prove a refuge of lies. When Abimelech had them altogether penned up in that hold he desired no more. That barbarous project immediately came into his head of setting fire to the strong-hold, and, so to speak, burning all the birds together in the nest. He kept the design to himself, but set all his men on work to expedite the execution of it, Jdg 9:48, Jdg 9:49. He ordered them all to follow him, and do as he did: as his father had said to his men (Jdg 7:17), Look on me, and do likewise; so saith he to his, as becomes a general that will not be wanting to give both the plainest direction and the highest encouragement that can be to his soldiers: What you have seen me do make haste to do, as I have done. Not Ite illuc - Go thither; but Venite huc - Come hither. The officers in Christ's army should thus teach by their example, Phi 4:9. He and they fetched each of them a bough from a wood not far off, laid all their boughs together under the wall of this tower, which it is probable was of wood, set fire to their boughs, and so burnt down their hold and all that were in it, who were either burnt or stifled with the smoke. What inventions men have to destroy one another! Whence come these cruel wars and fightings but from their lusts? Some think that the men of the tower of Shechem were the same with the house of Millo, and then Jotham's just imprecation was answered in the letter: Let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour not only in general the men of Shechem, but in particular the house of Millo, Jdg 9:20. About 1000 men and women perished in these flames, many of whom, it is probable, were no way concerned in the quarrel between Abimelech and the Shechemites, nor meddled with either side, yet, in this civil war, they came to this miserable end; for men of factious turbulent spirits perish not alone in their iniquity, but involve many more, that follow them in their simplicity, in the same calamity with them.
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SUMMARY
Judges 9:27 vividly portrays a critical turning point in the tumultuous reign of Abimelech, as the people of Shechem engage in their annual grape harvest festival. What commences as a legitimate agricultural celebration—marked by gathering and treading grapes—swiftly descends into pagan revelry within the temple of their false deity, Baal-berith. This idolatrous feasting culminates in a bold act of treachery: the public cursing of Abimelech, the very individual they had previously elevated to power. This pivotal scene not only highlights the Shechemites' spiritual apostasy and fickle loyalties but also sets the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Jotham's earlier prophetic curse, signaling imminent judgment upon both Abimelech and his unfaithful Shechemite allies.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 9:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Irony is profoundly prominent, as a season of harvest and celebration, typically associated with blessing, communal joy, and thanksgiving to God, becomes the very occasion for treachery, idolatry, and the initiation of a destructive conflict. The Shechemites' merriment paradoxically leads directly to their downfall. The verse also functions as a powerful moment of foreshadowing, directly setting the stage for the imminent fulfillment of Jotham's curse from Judges 9:20, where "fire" would consume both Abimelech and the men of Shechem. The seemingly innocuous act of cursing Abimelech is depicted as the precise spark that ignites this prophetic judgment. Furthermore, the symbolism of the harvest itself is significant; what should be a time of reaping the legitimate fruits of labor and God's blessing becomes a time of reaping the bitter consequences of sin, idolatry, and unholy alliances. The celebratory feast in the temple of Baal-berith also serves as a potent symbol of their spiritual depravity and their complete abandonment of Yahweh, underscoring the moral and spiritual chaos characteristic of the Judges period.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:27 serves as a stark theological commentary on the devastating consequences of idolatry, misplaced loyalties, and human depravity. The Shechemites' decision to celebrate in the temple of Baal-berith, their "god of the covenant," highlights their profound spiritual infidelity and the corrupting influence of pagan worship. Their subsequent cursing of Abimelech, whom they had previously elevated to power, demonstrates the inherent instability and ultimate futility of alliances built on human ambition and self-interest rather than divine principle. This passage powerfully illustrates that rebellion against legitimate authority (even flawed human authority, when divinely permitted) often stems from deeper spiritual rebellion against God Himself. The unfolding judgment, initiated by God sending an "evil spirit" (Judges 9:23), underscores God's sovereign control over human affairs, even using the wickedness of men to bring about His righteous purposes and fulfill His prophetic word. The narrative warns against the dangers of seeking security or prosperity apart from faithfulness to the one true God, as such pursuits inevitably lead to destruction and self-inflicted ruin.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:27 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to critically examine the nature of our celebrations, the objects of our devotion, and where our ultimate loyalties truly lie. Are our moments of joy and revelry genuinely honoring to God, or do they subtly or overtly draw us into spiritual compromise, aligning us with the "gods" of this world—be they materialism, self-indulgence, the pursuit of worldly approval, or political ideologies? The Shechemites' fickle loyalty to Abimelech, turning from anointing him to publicly cursing him, serves as a powerful reminder that human alliances and trust placed in fallible leaders or systems, apart from God's steadfast truth, are inherently unstable and prone to betrayal. True security, lasting joy, and genuine peace are found not in fleeting pleasures or shifting allegiances, but in unwavering faithfulness to the Lord and His righteous ways. This passage calls us to cultivate discerning hearts, recognizing that spiritual apostasy often precedes and fuels moral and social decay, leading to destructive consequences both individually and communally. It compels us to ask: What are we celebrating, and to whom is our celebration truly directed?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was "their god" that the Shechemites went to worship?
Answer: The "god" the Shechemites went to worship was Baal-berith, also known as El-berith. This deity is explicitly mentioned earlier in the chapter in Judges 9:4, where it states that Abimelech used seventy pieces of silver from the "house of Baal-berith" to hire ruthless men. Baal-berith means "lord of the covenant" or "god of the covenant," suggesting a local Canaanite deity associated with treaties or agreements. This would have been particularly significant in a city like Shechem, known for its covenant-making history, such as the one renewed by Joshua in Joshua 24. Their worship of this false god highlights the deep spiritual apostasy prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges, where the people frequently turned away from Yahweh to serve the gods of the surrounding nations.
What was the significance of "cursing Abimelech" in this context?
Answer: The act of "cursing Abimelech" was far more than a casual insult; it was a public and formal act of rebellion and a profound rejection of his authority. Having previously anointed him king in Judges 9:6, the Shechemites now publicly reviled him, signifying a complete withdrawal of their allegiance and a declaration of open hostility. This act directly fulfilled the prophetic curse delivered by Jotham in Judges 9:20, where he declared that "fire shall come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and fire shall come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech." It was the immediate catalyst for the ensuing conflict and mutual destruction, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating judgment through the very wickedness and treachery of men.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:27, with its depiction of a people celebrating in idolatry and turning against their self-appointed king, powerfully foreshadows humanity's desperate need for a true and righteous King. The Shechemites' misplaced worship of Baal-berith and their fickle loyalty to Abimelech reveal humanity's inherent tendency to create false gods and to reject legitimate authority, a spiritual condition that ultimately leads to chaos, betrayal, and destruction. In stark contrast to Abimelech, Jesus Christ is the true King, not one chosen by human ambition or sustained by shifting allegiances, but the one appointed by God Himself, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and unshakeable (Luke 1:32-33). Unlike Abimelech, who brought fire and destruction upon those who rejected him, Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering reconciliation, forgiveness, and true peace to all who believe. The Shechemites' revelry in the house of their false god, leading to a curse, stands in stark contrast to the true worship offered to Christ, which brings blessing, life, and eternal communion with God (John 4:23-24). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the covenant, not a "god of the covenant" like Baal-berith, but the very embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness, establishing a new covenant in His blood that guarantees eternal life and true communion with God (Hebrews 8:6-13). In Christ, the cycle of sin and judgment is broken for those who trust in Him, and true joy and lasting security are found in His righteous reign, not in the fleeting pleasures or treacherous alliances of this fallen world.