Background: Abimelech, a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), is a significant figure in the Book of Judges. After Gideon's death, Abimelech sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding areas. His account is primarily found in Judges 9. Abimelech's rise to power was marked by treachery and violence, including the murder of his seventy brothers, except for Jotham, the youngest, who escaped.

Abimelech's Rise to Power: Abimelech's ambition led him to Shechem, where he convinced the leaders to support his claim to kingship. He appealed to their shared lineage, as his mother was a Shechemite. With financial backing from the citizens of Shechem, Abimelech hired mercenaries and killed his brothers on a single stone, securing his rule. Judges 9:5 states, "He went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself."

Jotham's Parable: After Abimelech's coronation, Jotham delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. He likened Abimelech to a thornbush, unfit to rule, and prophesied mutual destruction between Abimelech and the Shechemites. Judges 9:20 records Jotham's curse: "But if not, may fire come out from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come out from the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo and consume Abimelech."

The Fulfillment of Jotham's Curse: Abimelech's rule lasted three years before God sent an evil spirit between him and the leaders of Shechem, leading to treachery and conflict. Judges 9:23 notes, "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and they acted treacherously against Abimelech." This divine intervention set the stage for Abimelech's downfall.

The Revolt of Shechem: The leaders of Shechem, disillusioned with Abimelech, supported Gaal son of Ebed, who incited rebellion. Abimelech responded with brutal force, destroying Shechem and sowing it with salt. Judges 9:45 describes the destruction: "Abimelech fought against the city all that day, captured it, and killed the people who were in it. Then he demolished the city and sowed it with salt."

Abimelech's Death: Abimelech's campaign of retribution continued to Thebez, where he met his demise. As he attacked the city's tower, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. To avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman, Abimelech ordered his armor-bearer to kill him. Judges 9:53-54 recounts, "But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. He quickly called his armor-bearer, saying, 'Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, "A woman killed him."' So his armor-bearer ran him through, and he died."

Divine Retribution: The narrative concludes with a reflection on divine justice. Abimelech's violent end is seen as retribution for his fratricide and the evil he perpetrated. Judges 9:56-57 summarizes, "In this way God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal."

Significance: Abimelech's punishment serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition, treachery, and fratricide. His account illustrates the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophetic curses within the biblical narrative.