The Seventy Sons of Gideon are a significant aspect of the narrative surrounding Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, a major judge of Israel. Gideon's account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 6 through 8. After delivering Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, Gideon became a prominent leader, and his family grew considerably.

Biblical Context

Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. After his victory, the Israelites asked him to rule over them, but he declined, saying, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). Despite this, Gideon amassed wealth and influence, which is reflected in the size of his family.

The Seventy Sons

Judges 8:30 states, "Gideon had seventy sons of his own, for he had many wives" . This large number of offspring indicates Gideon's significant status and wealth, as polygamy and large families were often associated with power and prosperity in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The mention of "many wives" suggests that Gideon's household was extensive, a common practice among leaders of that era to secure alliances and strengthen familial ties.

Abimelech and the Tragedy at Shechem

The narrative of Gideon's sons takes a dark turn with the account of Abimelech, one of Gideon's sons by a concubine from Shechem. Abimelech sought to establish himself as king and, in a brutal bid for power, murdered his seventy brothers, as recorded in Judges 9:5: "He went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone" . This act of fratricide was a direct violation of the familial and covenantal bonds that were supposed to hold the tribes of Israel together.

Jotham's Parable

Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, escaped Abimelech's massacre. He later delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, condemning the people of Shechem for supporting Abimelech's murderous rise to power. In Judges 9:7-21, Jotham's parable of the trees serves as a prophetic warning against choosing a bramble, or unworthy leader, like Abimelech, over more noble options.

Theological Implications

The account of Gideon's seventy sons and the subsequent events highlight several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the dangers of power and ambition unchecked by divine guidance. Gideon's refusal to become king was a recognition of God's sovereignty, yet his son Abimelech's actions illustrate the chaos that ensues when human ambition overrides divine order.

Secondly, the narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of polygamy and familial discord. The fragmentation and violence within Gideon's family reflect the broader disunity and moral decline in Israel during the period of the judges, a time characterized by the repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

Lastly, the account emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness. Gideon's initial faithfulness to God brought deliverance to Israel, but the subsequent events involving his sons reveal the fragility of human leadership and the need for Israel to remain steadfast in their covenant relationship with God.