Topical Encyclopedia Abimelech, a figure from the Old Testament, is a notable example of ambition driven by self-interest and power. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 8 and 9. Abimelech was the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and his concubine from Shechem. His narrative is a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition and its destructive consequences.Background and Rise to Power After the death of Gideon, who had delivered Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, the Israelites once again turned to idolatry, worshiping the Baals. Gideon had refused kingship, declaring, "The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). However, Abimelech, driven by ambition, sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and eventually over Israel. Abimelech's ambition led him to exploit his maternal connections in Shechem. He appealed to his mother's relatives and the leaders of Shechem, arguing that it was better for them to be ruled by one man, himself, rather than by the seventy sons of Gideon. His persuasive argument was rooted in familial ties, as he was their flesh and blood (Judges 9:2-3). The Seizure of Power With the support of the Shechemites, Abimelech hired reckless and worthless men to follow him. In a brutal act of ambition, he went to his father's house in Ophrah and murdered his seventy brothers on a single stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who managed to hide (Judges 9:5). This massacre was a stark demonstration of Abimelech's ruthless ambition and desire for power. Following this atrocity, the men of Shechem and Beth-millo gathered and made Abimelech king by the oak of the pillar in Shechem (Judges 9:6). His coronation was not divinely sanctioned, contrasting sharply with the theocratic leadership model established by God for Israel. Jotham's Parable and Prophecy Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. He likened Abimelech to a bramble, a worthless plant, chosen to rule over the trees, symbolizing the leaders of Shechem. Jotham prophesied that fire would come from Abimelech to consume the leaders of Shechem and vice versa (Judges 9:7-15). The Downfall of Abimelech Abimelech's reign was marked by treachery and violence. After three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual distrust and conflict (Judges 9:23). The leaders of Shechem betrayed Abimelech, and in retaliation, he destroyed the city and sowed it with salt (Judges 9:45). Abimelech's ambition ultimately led to his downfall. During an attack on the city of Thebez, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, crushing his skull. In his final moments, Abimelech commanded his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword to avoid the disgrace of being slain by a woman (Judges 9:53-54). Legacy Abimelech's account serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of ambition unchecked by moral and divine guidance. His pursuit of power led to fratricide, tyranny, and ultimately his own destruction. The narrative underscores the biblical principle that ambition, when driven by selfish desires and devoid of righteousness, leads to chaos and divine judgment. Nave's Topical Index Judges 9:1-6And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's brothers, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, Nave's Topical Index Library "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . The Sovereignty of God in Operation From Abraham to Egypt. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Homiletical. Discussion of the Subject of Permission The First Book Exposition of the Moral Law. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What does the Bible say about selfishness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org How can a church achieve a true, biblical unity? | GotQuestions.org Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ambition: Connected With: Covetousness Ambition: Connected With: Cruelty Ambition: Connected With: Pride Ambition: Falsely Charged Against Moses Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Ambition: Leads to Strife and Contention Ambition: Parable of the Thistle, Illustrating Ambition: The Builders of Babel Ambition: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |
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