What does Judges 9:56 teach about the consequences of sin and disobedience? Setting the Scene Abimelech, a son of Gideon, slaughtered his seventy brothers to seize power in Shechem (Judges 9:5). He ruled violently, prompting God to send discord between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, leading to his downfall. The Verse “Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father in murdering his seventy brothers.” (Judges 9:56) What This Teaches about Sin’s Consequences • Sin never escapes God’s notice—He “repaid” Abimelech. • The repayment matched the crime: Abimelech shed blood, and his own blood was shed (cf. Genesis 9:6). • God’s justice may appear delayed, yet it is inevitable (Ecclesiastes 8:11; Hebrews 10:30–31). • Divine judgment can operate through ordinary events—civil strife, a millstone, and a woman’s hand (Judges 9:53). God rules every detail. God’s Justice Is Certain • Galatians 6:7—“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Numbers 32:23—“Be sure your sin will find you out.” • Romans 6:23—“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin Boomerangs Back Abimelech sowed violence; violence returned. This reaping principle applies universally—whether private compromise or public wrongdoing, sin circles back with interest. God Uses His Own Timetable and Tools • Three years passed before judgment fell (Judges 9:22). • A divided alliance and an unnamed woman became instruments of justice—showing God does not lack means. Take-Home Applications • Guard the heart: unchecked ambition and envy breed deadly outcomes (James 3:16). • Trust God’s moral order: wrongs will be righted even when courts or culture fail. • Live repentantly: when sin is confessed, mercy is available (1 John 1:9); when sin is concealed, consequences follow (Proverbs 28:13). |
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