The account of the wicked and unfaithful servant of Abimelech is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 9. This narrative provides a cautionary tale about betrayal, ambition, and the consequences of wickedness.

Context and Background

Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding areas after the death of his father. Unlike Gideon, who refused kingship, Abimelech was driven by ambition and a desire for power. He convinced the leaders of Shechem to support him by appealing to their kinship, as his mother was a Shechemite. With their backing, he hired reckless and worthless men to kill his seventy brothers, securing his position as ruler (Judges 9:1-5).

The Wicked Servant

The narrative of Abimelech's reign is marked by treachery and violence, and it is within this context that the wicked and unfaithful servant is introduced. After Abimelech's initial success, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to discord and betrayal (Judges 9:23). This divine intervention set the stage for the unraveling of Abimelech's rule.

Gaal son of Ebed, a new figure in Shechem, began to challenge Abimelech's authority, stirring up the people against him. Zebul, the governor of the city and a supporter of Abimelech, informed him of Gaal's intentions. In response, Abimelech set an ambush outside the city. When Gaal went out to fight, he was defeated and driven out of Shechem (Judges 9:26-41).

The Role of the Servant

The servant's role becomes pivotal during the siege of Thebez, a city that resisted Abimelech's rule. As Abimelech attempted to burn down the tower where the people of Thebez had taken refuge, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, severely injuring him. In his desperation, Abimelech called to his armor-bearer, a servant, to kill him with a sword so that it would not be said that a woman had killed him. The servant complied, and Abimelech died (Judges 9:52-54).

Moral and Theological Implications

The actions of Abimelech's servant highlight themes of loyalty and the consequences of wickedness. The servant's willingness to kill his master at Abimelech's request underscores the lack of fidelity and moral integrity that characterized Abimelech's reign. This act of betrayal, even at the behest of Abimelech, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and ambition unchecked by righteousness.

The narrative concludes with the fulfillment of Jotham's curse, the only surviving brother of Abimelech, who had prophesied that fire would come out from Abimelech and consume the leaders of Shechem, and vice versa (Judges 9:20). The death of Abimelech and the destruction of Shechem illustrate the divine justice meted out against those who act wickedly and betray God's covenant.

Biblical References

· Judges 9:1-5: Abimelech's rise to power and the murder of his brothers.
· Judges 9:23: The evil spirit sent by God to sow discord.
· Judges 9:26-41: Gaal's challenge and Abimelech's response.
· Judges 9:52-54: The death of Abimelech at the hands of his servant.
· Judges 9:20: Jotham's curse and its fulfillment.Genesis 21:25
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
Nave's Topical Index

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... a foolish man) much less for a servant, (ie men ... Ver.19 shows what the employment
of unfaithful men, who ... Wicked rulers (look the margin(401)) grieve and molest ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... and that he may not be found unfaithful, he endeavours ... Would it be hideously wicked
to expose them to the knife ... praise""O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master ... in his stead; just as an unfaithful
wife stings ... Therefore, when God punishes the wicked and flagitious for ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Thus David committed his soul to God, when he said "Arise, O Lord, disappoint him,
cast him down: deliver my soul, O Lord, from the wicked, which is thy sword ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Spirit for having assisted his honoured servant to write ... So, again, speaking of the
wicked, he saith, 'Ye ... Thus Abimelech saw that God was with Abraham (Genesis ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Doctrine
... O wicked wretch! ... And secondly, He would be unfaithful to His Word, His written Word,
and ... law will never say, "Well done"; never say, "My good servant"; no; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unforgiving / Unmerciful Servant? | GotQuestions.org

Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What do I need to do to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" when I arrive in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Servant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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