How can Judges 9:28 guide us in evaluating our leaders today? Setting the Scene • After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelek murdered seventy of his brothers and persuaded the leaders of Shechem to crown him king (Judges 9:1-6). • His rule rested on bloodshed and selfish ambition, not on God’s calling. • Gaal, a newcomer, saw through the façade and publicly questioned Abimelek’s legitimacy. The Verse “Then Gaal son of Ebed said, ‘Who is Abimelek, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerub-baal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem; but why should we serve Abimelek?’” (Judges 9:28) Observations from Judges 9:28 • Authority should be examined, not blindly accepted. • A leader’s origin and methods matter; Gaal points to Abimelek’s violent rise. • Partnership with corrupt officers (Zebul) exposes deeper systemic compromise. • People long for leaders who genuinely represent them—not those who exploit them. Cautions from Abimelek’s Story • Self-promotion and violence pave the way to tyranny (Judges 9:5). • Leaders who secure power through manipulation eventually turn on their supporters (Judges 9:22-25). • God ultimately judges unrighteous rule—Abimelek dies by the very violence he practiced (Judges 9:54-57). Biblical Standards for Leaders • Fear of God, truthfulness, hatred of covetousness (Exodus 18:21). • Justice and reverence for God (2 Samuel 23:3). • Above reproach, self-controlled, not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:2-3). • When the righteous lead, people rejoice; when the wicked rule, they groan (Proverbs 29:2). • Stability is built by justice, not exploitation (Proverbs 29:4). Three Tests for Leaders Today 1. Character – Do they display integrity, humility, and moral courage? 2. Calling – Have they come to leadership by lawful, ethical means that align with God’s principles? 3. Conduct – Do their actions serve the people sacrificially, or serve themselves first? Practical Steps for Discernment Today • Compare candidates’ words and deeds with Scriptural qualifications. • Look beyond charisma to track record—does it reflect righteousness or self-interest? • Evaluate the company they keep; Zebul-type advisers signal future compromise. • Pray for discernment and for leaders who will govern in the fear of the Lord (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Use God’s Word as the plumb line; if a leader consistently contradicts it, heed Gaal’s example and ask, “Why should we serve him?” |
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