Judges 9:24

in order that the crime against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come to justice and their blood be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the leaders of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

Study Bible

in order that the crime
The phrase "in order that the crime" indicates a divine purpose or intention. The Hebrew word for "crime" here is "חֲמָס" (chamas), which often denotes violence or wrongdoing. This sets the stage for understanding that the events unfolding are not random but are part of a divine retribution for the violent acts committed. Theologically, this reflects the biblical principle that God is just and will not allow sin to go unpunished.

against the seventy sons of Jerubbaal
"Seventy sons of Jerubbaal" refers to the sons of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal. Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the people to victory against the Midianites. The number seventy often symbolizes completeness or totality in the Bible, suggesting the full extent of the family that was wronged. Historically, this highlights the tragic loss of a significant lineage in Israel due to Abimelech's ambition and treachery.

and their blood might be avenged
The concept of "blood" being "avenged" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of justice. The Hebrew word for "avenged" is "נָקַם" (naqam), which implies a rightful retribution or repayment for wrongdoing. This reflects the biblical principle that innocent blood cries out for justice, as seen in Genesis 4:10 with Abel's blood. It underscores the seriousness with which God views the shedding of innocent blood.

on their brother Abimelech
"Brother Abimelech" highlights the familial betrayal involved in this crime. Abimelech, a son of Gideon, sought power at the expense of his own family, violating the sacred bonds of kinship. This betrayal is reminiscent of other biblical accounts of fraternal conflict, such as Cain and Abel, and Joseph and his brothers, emphasizing the destructive nature of envy and ambition.

who killed them
The phrase "who killed them" is a stark reminder of Abimelech's direct responsibility for the massacre. The Hebrew verb "הָרַג" (harag) is used here, meaning to kill or slay, indicating the deliberate and violent nature of his actions. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can result from a lust for power.

and on the leaders of Shechem
The "leaders of Shechem" were complicit in Abimelech's crime, providing him with support and resources. This phrase highlights the communal aspect of sin, where leaders and communities can become entangled in wrongdoing. Historically, Shechem was a significant city in Israel, and its leaders' involvement underscores the widespread corruption and moral failure present at the time.

who had helped him murder his brothers
The phrase "who had helped him murder his brothers" emphasizes the shared guilt between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. The Hebrew word for "helped" is "חָזַק" (chazaq), meaning to strengthen or support, indicating that their assistance was crucial to the crime. This collaboration in evil serves as a warning against the dangers of aligning with wickedness and the inevitable judgment that follows.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. He sought power and killed his seventy brothers to become king.

2. Jerubbaal (Gideon)
A judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. He is the father of Abimelech and the seventy sons who were murdered.

3. Seventy Sons of Jerubbaal
The legitimate sons of Gideon, who were murdered by their half-brother Abimelech in his quest for power.

4. Leaders of Shechem
The men who supported Abimelech in his conspiracy to kill his brothers and establish himself as king.

5. Shechem
A significant city in the hill country of Ephraim, where Abimelech was made king and where the conspiracy against his brothers took place.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Ambition and Sin
Abimelech's account is a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and sin. His desire for power led to heinous acts and ultimately his own destruction.

Divine Justice
The passage underscores the biblical principle that God will avenge wrongdoing. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, and God ensures that justice is served.

The Role of Community in Sin
The leaders of Shechem's complicity in Abimelech's crime highlights the responsibility of communities to stand against evil rather than support it.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Abimelech's illegitimate rule contrasts with the godly leadership exemplified by his father, Gideon. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking leaders who align with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abimelech's ambition compare to other biblical figures who sought power, and what were the outcomes of their actions?

2. In what ways can we see the principle of sowing and reaping in our own lives, and how does this passage encourage us to live righteously?

3. What role did the leaders of Shechem play in Abimelech's rise to power, and how can we apply this to our understanding of community responsibility?

4. How does the account of Abimelech and his brothers reflect the broader theme of divine justice found throughout Scripture?

5. What lessons can we learn from the contrast between Gideon's leadership and Abimelech's rule, and how can we apply these lessons in choosing leaders today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 4
The account of Cain and Abel, where Cain's murder of his brother Abel parallels Abimelech's fratricide, highlighting the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition.

2 Samuel 11-12
David's sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah, which, like Abimelech's actions, demonstrates the consequences of sin and the eventual divine justice.

Galatians 6:7
The principle of sowing and reaping, which is evident in Abimelech's account as his violent actions eventually lead to his downfall.