Judges 9:21

Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech.

Study Bible

Then Jotham
Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, stands as a figure of righteousness and truth amidst the corruption and ambition of his brother Abimelech. His name, meaning "Yahweh is perfect" or "Yahweh is complete," reflects his role as a prophetic voice. In the context of Judges, Jotham's actions and words serve as a moral counterpoint to the chaos and idolatry that have overtaken Israel. His presence in this narrative reminds us of the importance of standing firm in faith and truth, even when surrounded by opposition.

ran away
The Hebrew root for "ran away" is "barach," which conveys a sense of fleeing or escaping from danger. Jotham's flight is not merely a physical act but also a symbolic gesture of distancing himself from the evil and treachery of Abimelech's rule. This action underscores the theme of divine justice and protection, as God often provides a way of escape for those who are faithful to Him. Jotham's escape is a testament to God's providence and the belief that He watches over the righteous.

escaping to Beer
Beer, meaning "well" in Hebrew, is a place of refuge for Jotham. The mention of Beer is significant as it symbolizes a place of sustenance and life, contrasting with the destructive ambition of Abimelech. In the broader biblical narrative, wells often represent God's provision and blessing. Jotham's retreat to Beer can be seen as a move towards safety and divine provision, away from the corruption of Shechem. This highlights the biblical principle that God provides for His people even in times of trial.

and he lived there
The phrase "and he lived there" indicates a period of dwelling and possibly a time of reflection and waiting. In the Hebrew context, "lived" (yashab) implies settling or abiding, suggesting that Jotham found a temporary home in Beer. This period of living away from the immediate threat of Abimelech's tyranny can be seen as a time of preparation and trust in God's timing. It serves as a reminder that sometimes God calls His people to wait and trust in His plans, even when the future seems uncertain.

for fear of his brother Abimelech
The fear of Abimelech, whose name ironically means "my father is king," is a driving force in Jotham's decision to flee. Abimelech's ruthless ambition and violent rise to power create an atmosphere of fear and instability. This fear is not just personal but reflects the broader consequences of Israel's departure from God's ways. Jotham's fear is a realistic response to the threat posed by Abimelech, yet it also highlights the need for reliance on God in the face of human evil. The narrative invites readers to consider the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the importance of seeking God's protection and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jotham
The youngest son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who survived the massacre of his brothers by Abimelech. He is known for his parable of the trees, which he delivered from Mount Gerizim.

2. Abimelech
The son of Gideon and a concubine from Shechem, who killed his seventy brothers to become king. His rule is marked by treachery and violence.

3. Beer
A location where Jotham fled to escape Abimelech. The name "Beer" means "well" in Hebrew, indicating a place with a water source, possibly a refuge or a place of safety.

4. Mount Gerizim
The mountain from which Jotham delivered his parable. It holds historical and religious significance in Israelite history.

5. Shechem
A city of great historical importance, where Abimelech was made king. It is a central location in the account of Judges 9.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Ambition
Abimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the lengths to which people might go to achieve power. It serves as a reminder to seek God's will rather than personal gain.

The Power of Words
Jotham's parable is a powerful example of using words to convey truth and warn others. Believers are encouraged to speak truth courageously, even in the face of danger.

Seeking Refuge in God
Jotham's flight to Beer symbolizes seeking refuge and safety. In times of trouble, believers are reminded to find their refuge in God, who is our ultimate protector.

The Importance of Righteous Leadership
The account highlights the need for leaders who are righteous and just. It challenges believers to pray for and support godly leadership in their communities.

God's Justice Prevails
Despite the temporary success of the wicked, God's justice ultimately prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jotham's response to Abimelech's actions reflect a godly approach to dealing with injustice?

2. In what ways can unchecked ambition lead to destructive outcomes in our personal lives and communities?

3. How can we use our words to speak truth and bring about positive change, as Jotham did with his parable?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek refuge in God during times of fear or uncertainty?

5. How does the account of Abimelech and Jotham challenge us to evaluate the leadership we support and the qualities we value in leaders?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel parallels the fratricide committed by Abimelech, highlighting the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition.

1 Samuel 8
The Israelites' desire for a king, despite God's warnings, connects to the account of Abimelech, illustrating the dangers of human leadership when it is not aligned with God's will.

Matthew 23
Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflects the consequences of rejecting God's messengers, similar to how the people of Shechem rejected Jotham's warning.