Abimelech, a significant yet tragic figure in the Book of Judges, is a prime example of fratricide in the biblical narrative. His account is primarily found in Judges 9, where he emerges as a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and a concubine from Shechem. Abimelech's ambition and ruthless pursuit of power led to the murder of his seventy brothers, an act of fratricide that stands as a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lust for power.

Background and Rise to Power

After the death of Gideon, Israel lacked centralized leadership, and the people turned to idolatry, worshiping the Baals. Abimelech seized this opportunity to assert his dominance. He approached the leaders of Shechem, his maternal relatives, and proposed that it would be better for them to be ruled by one man, himself, rather than by the seventy sons of Gideon. He appealed to their kinship, saying, "Remember that I am your own flesh and blood" (Judges 9:2).

The leaders of Shechem were persuaded by Abimelech's argument and provided him with seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith. With this money, Abimelech hired reckless and worthless men who became his followers. He then went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers on one stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who managed to hide (Judges 9:5).

Jotham's Parable

Jotham, the sole surviving brother, later stood on Mount Gerizim and delivered a parable to the people of Shechem. In this parable, he likened the leaders of Shechem to trees seeking a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine all refused the offer, but the bramble accepted, warning that if the people had acted in good faith, they would find refuge in the bramble's shade. However, if not, fire would come from the bramble to consume the cedars of Lebanon (Judges 9:7-15). This parable served as a prophetic warning of the destructive consequences of their choice.

Reign and Downfall

Abimelech's reign was marked by tyranny and violence. His rule lasted three years before God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual distrust and conflict (Judges 9:22-23). The leaders of Shechem eventually rebelled against Abimelech, and a series of battles ensued.

In a final confrontation at the city of Thebez, Abimelech attempted to burn down a tower where the city's inhabitants had taken refuge. However, 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).

Theological Implications

Abimelech's account is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the destructive nature of fratricide. His actions led to his own downfall and the suffering of many. The narrative underscores the biblical principle that God is just and will not allow wickedness to go unpunished. As Jotham's parable foretold, the fire of Abimelech's ambition ultimately consumed him, fulfilling the divine retribution for his heinous acts.Judges 9:5
And he went to his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being three score and ten persons, on one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxvi
... As "Abimelech" is the standing title of the Philistine kings (see on v ... parted with
the birthright now so firmly resolves to commit murder, even fratricide. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

The First Book
... For though he thought his fratricide unseen by God, his condemnation taught him ... again
fear, the hatred of the Philistines, the rapine of Abimelech"many evils ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

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