Judges 9:6

Context of Judges 9:6

Judges 9:6 marks a pivotal and dark turn in the narrative of Israel during the period of the Judges. Following the death of Gideon, who had famously refused an offer of kingship for himself and his descendants (Judges 8:23), his son Abimelech—born of a concubine from Shechem—aspired to power. Driven by ruthless ambition, Abimelech had just orchestrated the murder of all but one of his seventy half-brothers on one stone (Judges 9:5). This verse details the immediate aftermath: the men of Shechem, Abimelech's maternal kin, and the influential "house of Millo" (likely a prominent clan or fortified area within Shechem) gathered to legitimize his violent seizure of power by making him king. This act stands in stark contrast to God's intended leadership for Israel and sets the stage for the tragic events that follow.

Key Themes and Messages

• Usurpation and Illegitimate Authority: The verse highlights Abimelech's forceful and ungodly ascent to power. He was not chosen by God or the tribes of Israel collectively but seized control through violence and political maneuvering, representing a clear rejection of divine order.
• Human Ambition and Its Consequences: Abimelech's actions are a stark example of unchecked human ambition leading to bloodshed and ultimately, self-destruction. His reign was marked by conflict and ended tragically, demonstrating the destructive nature of power sought for selfish gain.
• The Dangers of Ungodly Alliances: The men of Shechem's willingness to align with Abimelech, despite his heinous crime, underscores the moral decay of the time. Their alliance was based on political expediency and family ties rather than justice or divine will, leading to their own eventual downfall.
• Rejection of God's Ideal Leadership: By "making Abimelech king," the people of Shechem actively chose a human-appointed, violent ruler over the spirit-led judges God had provided. This foreshadows Israel's later desire for a human king, often leading to negative outcomes when not aligned with God's will.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The phrase "the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem" is significant. Shechem was a historical and religious hub for Israel, a place where Abraham built an altar (Genesis 12:6) and where Joshua renewed the covenant with Israel, setting up a great stone (pillar) as a witness (Joshua 24:26). Making Abimelech king at such a historically sacred site might have been an attempt to imbue his illegitimate rule with a sense of tradition or divine approval, ironically defiling the very ground of covenant and faithfulness. The term "Millo" (מִלּוֹא, millô') typically refers to a fortified structure or citadel, suggesting that powerful elements within Shechem's military or political elite were instrumental in Abimelech's coronation.

Practical Application

Judges 9:6 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for all generations. It reminds us:

• The Importance of Righteous Leadership: True leadership, especially in spiritual or community contexts, should be characterized by integrity, service, and a submission to higher principles, not by force or selfish ambition.
• Beware of Expedient Alliances: Aligning with individuals or causes that are morally compromised, even if seemingly beneficial in the short term, can lead to disastrous long-term consequences. The men of Shechem paid dearly for their endorsement of Abimelech.
• Discerning True Authority: We are called to discern between authority that is established by human will and that which aligns with divine principles. Not all power is legitimate, and not all popular choices are righteous.
• The Cycle of Sin and Its Consequences: This verse is part of a larger narrative in Judges illustrating the destructive cycle of sin, apostasy, judgment, and deliverance. Abimelech's reign highlights the internal strife and chaos that arise when a people abandon God's ways. This is further elaborated in the ultimate consequences of Abimelech's evil.