So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, "Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. He sent messengers secretlyThe act of sending messengers "secretly" indicates a covert operation, suggesting the presence of political intrigue and the need for discretion. In the Hebrew context, the word for "secretly" (בַּצָּפֻן, batsaphun) implies hidden or concealed actions, reflecting the tension and danger in the political landscape of ancient Israel. This secrecy underscores the fragile alliances and the constant threat of betrayal that characterized the period of the Judges, where leadership was often contested and unstable. to Abimelech
Abimelech, whose name means "my father is king," was a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). His rule was marked by ambition and violence, as he sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and the surrounding areas. Historically, Abimelech's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-promotion and the lust for power, which often leads to destructive outcomes. His reign is a stark reminder of the consequences of deviating from God's ordained leadership and the chaos that ensues when human ambition overrides divine guidance. saying, 'Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers
Gaal, whose name means "loathing" or "abhorrence," emerges as a challenger to Abimelech's authority. The mention of "Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers" highlights the familial and tribal dynamics at play. In ancient Israel, family and tribal affiliations were crucial in determining political alliances and rivalries. Gaal's presence in Shechem suggests a brewing rebellion, as he and his brothers represent a faction dissatisfied with Abimelech's rule. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of Israel's cyclical pattern of rebellion against God and the resulting internal strife. have come to Shechem
Shechem holds significant historical and spiritual importance in Israel's history. It was a city of refuge and a place where covenants were made, including the renewal of the covenant under Joshua. The arrival of Gaal and his brothers in Shechem indicates a strategic move to gain support from a city with deep-rooted historical and religious significance. This setting amplifies the gravity of the conflict, as Shechem becomes the stage for a power struggle that challenges the existing order and tests the people's allegiance to God and His appointed leaders. and are stirring up the city against you
The phrase "stirring up the city" suggests incitement and agitation, indicating that Gaal and his brothers were actively working to undermine Abimelech's authority. The Hebrew root for "stirring up" (וַיָּסִיתוּ, vayasitu) conveys the idea of inciting rebellion or causing unrest. This reflects the volatile nature of leadership during the time of the Judges, where charismatic leaders could easily sway public opinion and incite rebellion. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the need for the people to seek God's guidance in times of political and social upheaval. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who declared himself king over Shechem after the death of his father. His rule is marked by treachery and violence. 2. Gaal son of EbedA newcomer to Shechem who challenges Abimelech's authority, stirring up dissent among the people of the city. 3. ShechemAn ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. 4. ZebulThe ruler of the city under Abimelech, who secretly informs Abimelech of Gaal's rebellion. 5. The MessengersIndividuals sent by Zebul to inform Abimelech of the brewing rebellion in Shechem. Teaching Points The Dangers of Ambition and PowerAbimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The Role of LeadershipGodly leadership is crucial for the well-being of a community. Abimelech's failure as a leader contrasts with the biblical ideal of servant leadership. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human schemes and rebellion, God's purposes prevail. The events in Shechem demonstrate how God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His will. The Consequences of DivisionGaal's rebellion and the ensuing conflict illustrate the dangers of division and strife within a community, emphasizing the need for unity and peace. The Importance of DiscernmentZebul's actions remind us of the need for discernment and wisdom in dealing with conflicts and challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abimelech's rise to power reflect the spiritual state of Israel at the time, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of godly leadership? 2. In what ways does the conflict between Abimelech and Gaal illustrate the consequences of ambition and division? How can we apply these lessons to conflicts in our own lives? 3. How does the account of Abimelech and Gaal connect to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over human affairs? 4. What can we learn from Zebul's role in this account about the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership? 5. How do the events in Shechem serve as a warning against the dangers of turning away from God, and how can we ensure that our communities remain faithful to Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 8:33-35Provides context for Abimelech's rise to power, highlighting the Israelites' unfaithfulness after Gideon's death, which sets the stage for Abimelech's rule. 1 Samuel 8:4-9Relates to the Israelites' desire for a king, which parallels the people's acceptance of Abimelech despite his unrighteousness. Proverbs 29:2Discusses the impact of wicked rulers on a nation, relevant to the consequences of Abimelech's leadership. People Abimelech, Ebed, Gaal, Hamor, Jerubbaal, Jotham, Ophrah, Zalmon, ZebulPlaces Arumah, Beer, Beth-millo, Diviners' Oak, Lebanon, Midian, Mount Gerizim, Mount Zalmon, Ophrah, Shechem, Thebez, Tower of ShechemTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Arumah, Aru'mah, Behold, Brethren, Brothers, Constrain, Craftily, Deceitfully, Ebed, Fortify, Fortifying, Gaal, Ga'al, Incite, Kinsmen, Messengers, Privately, Privily, Relatives, Saying, Shechem, Stirring, Tormah, Town, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 9:26-41 5575 talk, idle Library Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ...
Here, by way of objection, several questions are raised. Scripture relates that God sometimes complied with certain prayers which had been dictated by minds not duly calmed or regulated. It is true, that the cause for which Jotham imprecated on the inhabitants of Shechem the disaster which afterwards befell them was well founded; but still he was inflamed with anger and revenge (Judges 9:20); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervour …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of FaithTrials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Hence is Also that which Thou Hast Mentioned that they Speak Of...
28. Hence is also that which thou hast mentioned that they speak of, that the Lord Jesus, after He was risen, walked in the way with two disciples; and upon their drawing near to the village whither they were going, He made as though He would have gone farther: where the Evangelist, saying, "But He Himself feigned that He would go further," [2435] hath put that very word in which liars too greatly delight, that they may with impunity lie: as if every thing that is feigned is a lie, whereas in a truthful …
St. Augustine—Against Lying The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible An Exhortation to Love God
1. An exhortation. Let me earnestly persuade all who bear the name of Christians to become lovers of God. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm xxxi. 23). There are but few that love God: many give Him hypocritical kisses, but few love Him. It is not so easy to love God as most imagine. The affection of love is natural, but the grace is not. Men are by nature haters of God (Rom. i. 30). The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under His rules, nor within His reach. They fear God, …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits Derived from It.
1. A general summary of what is contained in the previous part of the work. A transition to the doctrine of prayer. Its connection with the subject of faith. 2. Prayer defined. Its necessity and use. 3. Objection, that prayer seems useless, because God already knows our wants. Answer, from the institution and end of prayer. Confirmation by example. Its necessity and propriety. Perpetually reminds us of our duty, and leads to meditation on divine providence. Conclusion. Prayer a most useful exercise. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 9:31 NIVJudges 9:31 NLTJudges 9:31 ESVJudges 9:31 NASBJudges 9:31 KJV
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