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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 9:48 vividly portrays Abimelech's ruthless and direct leadership as he orchestrates the final destruction of the fortified tower in Thebez. Having previously devastated Shechem, Abimelech personally demonstrates a brutal siege tactic—cutting and carrying a large bough—to compel his troops to follow his destructive example, ensuring the annihilation of the remaining inhabitants and the chilling fulfillment of Jotham's curse. This verse powerfully illustrates his hands-on, merciless approach to warfare and his expectation of immediate, unquestioning obedience from his men.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse marks a pivotal and grim moment in the narrative of Abimelech, the ambitious and violent son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). The preceding chapters detail his ruthless rise to power, initiated by the murder of his seventy brothers in Ophrah, with only Jotham escaping to deliver a scathing parable and curse against Abimelech and the men of Shechem, as recorded in Judges 9:1-21. The subsequent narrative describes Abimelech's three-year reign, characterized by conflict and treachery, culminating in the Shechemites' rebellion and Abimelech's brutal retaliation, including the destruction of Shechem and its temple in Judges 9:22-45. Judges 9:48 specifically follows Abimelech's pursuit of the remaining Shechemites to Thebez, where they sought refuge in a strong tower, setting the stage for his final, decisive act of siege warfare against them.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period of the Judges was a tumultuous era in Israelite history, marked by political instability, moral decline, and frequent inter-tribal conflicts or clashes with surrounding peoples. Fortified towers were common defensive structures in ancient Near Eastern cities, serving as a last refuge for a city's inhabitants during a siege. These towers were typically robust, constructed of stone or brick, and difficult to breach. Ancient siege warfare often involved various tactics, including undermining walls, using battering rams, or, as dramatically depicted here, setting fires against wooden gates or the base of walls to weaken them. Mount Zalmon, likely a wooded hill or mountain near Thebez, would have provided the necessary timber for such a tactic. Abimelech's actions reflect the brutal realities of warfare in this era, where total destruction and annihilation of enemies were often pursued without mercy. His direct, "from the front" involvement also speaks to the nature of leadership in a tribal society, where commanders frequently led by personal example, even in the most arduous tasks.
Key Themes: Judges 9:48 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Judges and specifically in Abimelech's tragic story. Firstly, it highlights Leadership by Destructive Example: Abimelech doesn't merely issue commands; he physically demonstrates the destructive action he expects from his troops. This hands-on approach underscores his ruthless efficiency and the absolute obedience he demands, serving as a stark warning about the corrupting influence of power and leadership used for wicked ends. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Calculated Annihilation: The act of cutting branches to create a bonfire against the tower walls was a well-known and effective siege tactic designed for total destruction. Abimelech's methodical approach reflects his character—a man driven by ambition and willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his destructive goals. Finally, this episode serves as a chilling fulfillment of the Consequences of Sin and Rebellion, particularly Jotham's curse. The "fire" that would consume Abimelech and the men of Shechem (Judges 9:20) is vividly enacted here, with Abimelech himself initiating the fiery destruction, albeit ironically, upon others before it ultimately consumes him. The violence and bloodshed of Abimelech's reign are a direct outcome of Israel's spiritual apostasy and political fragmentation during the Judges period, as seen in Judges 2:11-19.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 9:48 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its stark message. The most prominent is Leadership by Example, though in a profoundly negative and destructive sense. Abimelech's actions are meticulously detailed—taking an axe, cutting a bough, laying it on his shoulder—before his verbal command. This visual demonstration serves as a direct, non-verbal instruction, making his expectations unequivocally clear to his soldiers and ensuring immediate and precise replication. There is also a strong element of Irony at play. Abimelech, the self-proclaimed king, is seen performing manual labor, a task typically associated with common soldiers or laborers, not royalty. This irony highlights his brutal pragmatism and his willingness to stoop to any level to achieve his destructive aims. Furthermore, the passage contributes to the pervasive Symbolism of fire throughout Judges 9, particularly in relation to Jotham's curse (Judges 9:15). Abimelech, the "fire" that came out of the bramble, is now actively gathering fuel to unleash fire upon others, chillingly foreshadowing the very judgment that will ultimately consume him. The precise, almost ritualistic description of his actions also lends a sense of Foreshadowing to his own violent and ignominious end, where he himself will be consumed by fire and a millstone in Judges 9:53.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:48 stands as a stark biblical illustration of the power of example, particularly when wielded for destructive purposes. Abimelech's leadership, characterized by personal demonstration of violence and an expectation of immediate, uncritical imitation, serves as a profound warning against unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Theologically, it underscores the consequences of Israel's spiritual decline during the Judges period, where a lack of righteous leadership led to chaos, bloodshed, and a cycle of sin and judgment. Abimelech's actions here are a direct fulfillment of Jotham's curse, demonstrating divine justice at work, even through the wicked acts of men. It highlights how human sin (the Shechemites' rebellion and Abimelech's tyranny) can become the very instrument of divine judgment, bringing about a destructive end for all involved. This passage challenges us to consider the nature of true leadership, which, in contrast to Abimelech's, should build up, not tear down, and should lead by examples of righteousness and service.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abimelech's grim demonstration on Mount Zalmon provides a chilling, yet potent, lesson on the nature of leadership and influence. While his example is undeniably negative, the principle remains timeless: actions often speak louder than words, and those in positions of authority—whether in families, churches, workplaces, or communities—exert a profound influence through their behavior. Abimelech's men followed his destructive lead precisely because he modeled it first, illustrating how easily people can be swayed to participate in harmful acts when led by a charismatic but corrupt figure. This passage compels us to critically examine the examples we set for others and the leaders we choose to follow. It serves as a sober reminder that true, godly leadership is characterized by self-sacrifice, service, and integrity, building up rather than tearing down. We are called to discern carefully, to resist complicity in wickedness, and to strive to be positive influences who inspire others towards righteousness and constructive action, rather than destructive ends.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the strategic purpose of Abimelech cutting down a bough and laying it on his shoulder?
Answer: Abimelech's action was a direct, practical demonstration of a common ancient siege tactic. By personally cutting down a large bough (a substantial branch) and carrying it, he was showing his soldiers exactly what he wanted them to do. The purpose of these boughs was to be piled against the wooden gates or the base of the fortified tower in Thebez, then set on fire. This intense heat would weaken the structure, burn through wooden components, or create smoke and chaos, forcing the inhabitants out or causing the tower to collapse. His "hands-on" approach ensured his troops understood the task and instilled a sense of urgency and collective participation in the destructive act. It was a brutal but effective method of leading by example in warfare.
How does this verse connect to Jotham's curse in Judges 9?
Answer: Judges 9:48 is a chilling fulfillment of Jotham's curse, particularly the part found in Judges 9:20. After Abimelech murdered his brothers and was made king by the men of Shechem, Jotham, the sole surviving brother, delivered a parable of the trees, concluding with a curse: "If not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and Beth-millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech." Here, Abimelech, the "fire" from the bramble, is actively gathering fuel to unleash literal fire upon the very people (the remaining Shechemites in Thebez) who had made him king. This act of setting fire to the tower directly embodies the destructive "fire" that came from Abimelech, fulfilling the first part of the curse. Later, Abimelech himself will die by a millstone dropped by a woman from the tower, an ironic twist of fate that completes the curse's reciprocal judgment, as detailed in Judges 9:53-54.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Abimelech's leadership in Judges 9:48 is a dark testament to human depravity and destructive ambition, it serves as a profound negative archetype that illuminates the perfect, self-sacrificial leadership of Jesus Christ. Abimelech leads by example, but his example is one of violence, self-aggrandizement, and the destruction of others for personal gain. He commands his followers to "do as I have done" in an act of annihilation. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, also leads by example, but His example is one of humble service, radical love, and ultimate self-sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. He did not come to destroy but to save, as affirmed in John 3:17. He commanded His disciples to "do as I have done" not in acts of violence, but in acts of washing feet (John 13:15), loving one another (John 13:34), and bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel (Acts 1:8). Abimelech's reign ends in ignominious death, consumed by the very violence he propagated, as seen in Judges 9:53, while Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross leads to resurrection, eternal life, and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom that brings peace and reconciliation, not destruction (Colossians 1:19-20). Thus, Judges 9:48, in its portrayal of a corrupt and destructive leader, powerfully foreshadows the desperate need for a righteous King, one who would truly lay down His life for His people, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.