Background: Abimelech, a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), was a ruler who sought power through treachery and violence. After the death of his father, Abimelech killed his seventy brothers, except for Jotham, to establish himself as king over Shechem and the surrounding region (Judges 9:1-6). His reign was marked by tyranny and bloodshed, fulfilling Jotham's curse that fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:20).

The Rebellion at Thebez: Following his brutal suppression of Shechem, Abimelech turned his attention to the city of Thebez. The people of Thebez had rebelled against him, and Abimelech sought to quash this uprising as he had done in Shechem. The inhabitants of Thebez fled to a strong tower within the city for refuge (Judges 9:50-51).

The Siege of the Tower: Abimelech and his men attacked the tower, intending to set it on fire and destroy the people inside. As Abimelech approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, crushing his skull (Judges 9:52-53).

Abimelech's Death: Mortally wounded, Abimelech called urgently to his armor-bearer, saying, "Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” So his young armor-bearer ran him through, and he died (Judges 9:54). This act was intended to preserve his honor, as dying at the hands of a woman was considered disgraceful.

Aftermath: Abimelech's death marked the end of his violent reign. When the Israelites saw that Abimelech was dead, they returned home, and thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers (Judges 9:55-56). The curse of Jotham, the son of Jerubbaal, came upon Abimelech and the men of Shechem, fulfilling the divine retribution for their treachery and bloodshed (Judges 9:57).

Significance: The account of Abimelech's death at Thebez serves as a narrative of divine justice and the consequences of ruthless ambition. It highlights the themes of retribution and the fulfillment of prophetic curses within the biblical text. The account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking power through violence and treachery, and it underscores the belief in divine justice prevailing over human wickedness.