Judges 9:5

And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

And he went {H935} unto his father's {H1} house {H1004} at Ophrah {H6084}, and slew {H2026} his brethren {H251} the sons {H1121} of Jerubbaal {H3378}, being threescore and ten {H7657} persons {H376}, upon one {H259} stone {H68}: notwithstanding yet Jotham {H3147} the youngest {H6996} son {H1121} of Jerubbaal {H3378} was left {H3498}; for he hid {H2244} himself.

He went back to his father's house in 'Ofrah and killed his brothers the sons of Yeruba'al, all seventy of them, on a single rock, except for Yotam Yeruba'al's youngest son, who stayed alive because he hid himself.

He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself.

And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: but Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

Commentary

Judges 9:5 records a brutal act of treachery and ambition by Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) by his concubine in Shechem. This verse details his violent consolidation of power following his father's death, eliminating potential rivals in a horrific manner.

Context

This verse immediately follows Abimelech's cunning manipulation of the men of Shechem, appealing to their tribal loyalty and convincing them to support his bid for power over the other sons of Gideon. Gideon, a prominent judge, had previously refused to rule as king over Israel (see Judges 8:23), declaring that the Lord should rule. However, Abimelech, driven by selfish ambition, sought to establish himself as king by force, leading to this shocking act of fratricide at his father's house in Ophrah.

Key Themes

  • Usurpation and Treachery: Abimelech's actions are a clear example of seizing power through betrayal and extreme violence, demonstrating a ruthless disregard for family and moral law.
  • The Corrupting Nature of Ambition: The verse vividly illustrates how unchecked desire for power can lead to unimaginable cruelty and bloodshed. Abimelech's ambition blinds him to any sense of kinship or justice.
  • Divine Justice (Foreshadowed): While Abimelech seemingly succeeds in this moment, his actions set the stage for the tumultuous and ultimately destructive reign described later in Judges 9, where divine retribution eventually overtakes him and the men of Shechem (see Judges 9:56).
  • Survival of the Righteous: The escape of Jotham, the youngest son, is crucial. His survival allows him to deliver a powerful and prophetic parable (the "Parable of the Trees") that condemns Abimelech's actions and foretells the coming judgment (Jotham's parable in Judges 9:7-20).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Threescore and ten persons": This archaic KJV phrasing means seventy persons. The sheer number emphasizes the scale of Abimelech's brutal purge, intending to eliminate all potential rivals for the throne.
  • "Upon one stone": This detail highlights the premeditated, unified, and likely public or ritualistic nature of the massacre. It suggests a single location for the slaughter, emphasizing the absolute and swift nature of his consolidation of power.

Significance and Application

Judges 9:5 serves as a stark warning against the dangers of self-appointed authority and the pursuit of power outside of God's design. It contrasts sharply with the humility and dependence on God often seen in true biblical leadership. The chaos and violence that follow Abimelech's reign underscore the importance of righteous governance and the tragic consequences when humanity rejects divine order in favor of selfish ambition. For believers, it's a reminder that true leadership is about service, not domination, and that God ultimately brings justice, even if it seems delayed.

Reflection

This verse stands as a grim testament to the destructive potential of human ambition when untethered from moral constraint and divine guidance. It sets a dark tone for Abimelech's brief and violent rule, foreshadowing the inevitable downfall that awaits those who build their power on treachery and bloodshed.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 11:1

    ¶ And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

  • 2 Kings 11:2

    But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons [which were] slain; and they hid him, [even] him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:4

    Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and [divers] also of the princes of Israel.

  • Judges 6:24

    Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

  • Judges 9:2

    Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether [is] better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, [which are] threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I [am] your bone and your flesh.

  • Judges 8:30

    And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives.

  • Matthew 2:16

    ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.