Judges 9:47

Context

Judges 9:47 is set during the tumultuous reign of Abimelech, the ambitious and ruthless son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). After Gideon's death, Abimelech conspired with the men of Shechem, his mother's relatives, to establish himself as king over Israel. His rise to power was marked by a brutal massacre of his seventy half-brothers at Ophrah, with only Jotham escaping (Judges 9:5). Jotham then delivered a prophetic parable condemning Abimelech and the men of Shechem for their treachery (Judges 9:7-21), foretelling their eventual downfall.

True to Jotham's prophecy, a spirit of discord arose between Abimelech and the men of Shechem after three years (Judges 9:23). The Shechemites rebelled, and Abimelech responded with extreme violence. He attacked the city, destroyed it, and sowed salt upon it, signifying its utter desolation (Judges 9:45). Verse 47 describes the desperate situation of the remaining Shechemites: those who had survived the initial assault had fled to the strongest point of defense, the "tower of Shechem" or the "stronghold of the house of El-berith" (mentioned in the preceding verse, Judges 9:46), a fortified temple or citadel within the city.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Treachery and Violence: This verse highlights the culmination of Abimelech's violent path and the Shechemites' complicity in his rise. Their alliance, built on bloodshed and ambition, ultimately collapses in mutual destruction.
• Divine Retribution: The narrative strongly suggests that the unfolding events are a form of divine judgment for the wickedness of both Abimelech and the people of Shechem, fulfilling Jotham's curse (Judges 9:57).
• Futility of Ungodly Ambition: Abimelech's attempt to establish a human kingship outside of God's anointing proves to be a short-lived, destructive, and ultimately self-defeating endeavor.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "tower of Shechem" translates from the Hebrew `Migdal Shechem` (מִגְדַּל שְׁכֶם), which refers to a fortified structure, likely a citadel or a strong defensive tower associated with the city. It signifies a last resort, a place where people would gather for protection when all other defenses had fallen. This specific "tower" might have been the same as the "hold of the house of the god Berith" mentioned in Judges 9:46, indicating a fortified temple complex where the inhabitants sought refuge.

Practical Application

The events surrounding Judges 9:47 serve as a stark reminder of several timeless principles:

• The Destructive Nature of Sin: Sin, especially violence, treachery, and ungodly ambition, often leads to cycles of destruction and ultimately consumes those who practice it. This narrative illustrates the truth that what one sows, one will also reap.
• Divine Justice Prevails: Even when justice seems delayed, God's moral order ensures that wickedness does not go unpunished indefinitely. The chaos and destruction in Shechem reveal a world where actions have consequences, often leading to a fitting end for those who defy God's ways.
• The Importance of Godly Leadership: Abimelech's story stands as a cautionary tale against leadership driven by self-interest and power rather than divine guidance and humble service. It emphasizes the need for leaders to be chosen and empowered by God, not by human ambition and violence.