The narrative of the Shechemites, as recorded in the Old Testament, serves as a poignant example of ingratitude, particularly in their dealings with Gideon and his family. The Shechemites were inhabitants of the city of Shechem, a significant location in the tribal allotment of Ephraim, and their account is intertwined with the period of the Judges in Israel's history.

Gideon's Deliverance and the Shechemites' Response

Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was raised by God as a judge to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Through divine intervention, Gideon led a small army to a miraculous victory over the Midianites, securing peace for Israel (Judges 6-8). After this deliverance, the Israelites, including the Shechemites, enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity.

Despite Gideon's significant role in their deliverance, the Shechemites displayed profound ingratitude towards him and his family. After Gideon's death, the Israelites quickly turned away from God and failed to show loyalty to Gideon's family. Judges 8:33-35 states, "As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. They also failed to show kindness to the family of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good he had done for Israel."

Abimelech and the Shechemites' Betrayal

The Shechemites' ingratitude is further exemplified in their relationship with Abimelech, Gideon's son. Abimelech sought to establish himself as king over Shechem by exploiting his maternal connections to the city. He persuaded the Shechemites to support his claim by reminding them of his shared kinship, saying, "Remember that I am your own flesh and blood" (Judges 9:2).

The Shechemites agreed to support Abimelech, providing him with seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith, which he used to hire reckless adventurers to kill his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, on a single stone (Judges 9:4-5). This act of treachery and murder was a stark betrayal of the loyalty and gratitude they owed to Gideon's family.

The Downfall of the Shechemites

The Shechemites' alliance with Abimelech was short-lived. After three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual distrust and conflict (Judges 9:23). This divine retribution culminated in the destruction of Shechem and the death of Abimelech, fulfilling Jotham's curse, the only surviving son of Gideon, who had warned them of the consequences of their ingratitude and treachery (Judges 9:56-57).

The account of the Shechemites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ingratitude and betrayal. Their failure to honor the legacy of Gideon and their subsequent alliance with Abimelech led to their downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that ingratitude and disloyalty often result in divine judgment and ruin.Judges 9:17,18
(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:
Nave's Topical Index

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... needs avenge their sister Dinah, and slay the Shechemites: they never ... violence,
oppression, and robbery, selfishness, unkindness, and ingratitude; all these ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

What were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

Where/how do you draw the line between helping someone and allowing someone to take advantage of you? | GotQuestions.org

Ungrateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus