Judges 9:4

Judges 9:4 describes a pivotal moment in the rise of Abimelech, the illegitimate son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), as he seeks to establish himself as king over Shechem. This verse highlights the source of his initial funding and the type of allies he gathered for his nefarious purposes.

Context of Judges 9:4

Following the death of Gideon, who had refused kingship (Judges 8:23), his son Abimelech saw an opportunity to seize power. He went to Shechem, his mother's hometown, and appealed to his relatives, arguing that it was better for them to have one ruler (himself) than the seventy sons of Gideon (Judges 8:30). The "threescore and ten pieces of silver" mentioned in this verse is highly symbolic, representing one piece for each of Gideon's legitimate sons whom Abimelech would soon brutally murder (Judges 9:5), save for Jotham.

The money came "out of the house of Baalberith," which was a temple dedicated to Baal-berith, a local Canaanite deity worshipped in Shechem. This indicates that Abimelech's ascent to power was not only through manipulation and violence but also directly funded by idolatry, setting a dark tone for his reign.

Key Themes and Messages

• Unchecked Ambition and Usurpation: Abimelech's actions are driven by a ruthless desire for power, willing to eliminate family and utilize any means to achieve his goal.
• The Corrupting Influence of Idolatry: The funding from the temple of Baal-berith underscores how pagan worship was deeply entrenched in Shechem and contributed to the moral decay that allowed such a violent coup to occur. This highlights the dangers of turning away from God's commands.
• Ungodly Alliances: Abimelech hired "vain and light persons." These were idle, worthless, and reckless individuals, willing to commit violence for money. This demonstrates the character of those who align themselves with unrighteous causes.
• Foreshadowing of Divine Justice: Though Abimelech successfully takes power, the nature of his rise, funded by idolatry and executed by "vain and light" mercenaries, foreshadows the eventual downfall and judgment that would come upon him and the people of Shechem, as narrated later in Judges 9.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Baal-berith" (בַּעַל בְּרִית) literally means "Lord of the Covenant" or "Master of the Covenant." This is ironic, as the true God of Israel is the God of the covenant, yet the people of Shechem were relying on a pagan deity. The use of this name for a false god highlights the spiritual apostasy of the time.

The phrase "vain and light persons" translates the Hebrew rêqı̂ym wᵉpōḥăzı̂ym (רֵקִים וּפֹחֲזִים). Rêqı̂ym means "empty" or "worthless," often implying idleness or lack of substance. Pōḥăzı̂ym means "reckless," "insolent," or "wanton." Together, they describe individuals who are morally bankrupt, desperate, and easily swayed by financial gain to commit wicked deeds.

Practical Application

Judges 9:4 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corrupting influence of idolatry, and the perils of aligning oneself with those of questionable character. It reminds us that means matter as much as ends; pursuing power or personal gain through unrighteous methods, especially those funded by or connected to ungodly practices, ultimately leads to destruction. Believers are called to seek God's will and to partner with those who uphold righteousness, rather than relying on worldly or corrupt resources to achieve their goals, remembering the principle of not being unequally yoked.