Thebez is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is most notable for being the location where Abimelech, a son of Gideon, met his demise. Thebez is situated in the region of ancient Israel, although its exact location remains uncertain. It is often associated with the Shechem area due to its proximity and the events surrounding Abimelech's rule.

Biblical Account

The account of Thebez is found in Judges 9. After Abimelech declared himself king and ruled over Israel for three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to a revolt against him. Abimelech responded by attacking the city of Shechem and subsequently turning his attention to Thebez.

Judges 9:50-54 describes the events at Thebez: "Then Abimelech went to Thebez, encamped against it, and captured it. But there was a strong tower inside the city, and all the men and women of the city fled there. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower. When Abimelech came to attack the tower, he approached its entrance to set it on fire. But a woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. He quickly called his armor-bearer and said, 'Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, "A woman killed him."' So his armor-bearer ran him through, and he died."

Historical and Theological Significance

Thebez serves as a significant example of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophecy. Abimelech's death at Thebez is seen as a direct consequence of his violent and treacherous actions, including the murder of his seventy brothers. The manner of his death, at the hands of a woman, was considered particularly humiliating in the cultural context of the time, fulfilling Jotham's curse that Abimelech's reign would end in disgrace (Judges 9:20).

The account of Thebez also highlights the theme of God's sovereignty and justice. Despite Abimelech's initial success and power, his downfall was orchestrated by divine intervention, demonstrating that God ultimately holds authority over the affairs of men and nations.

Archaeological Insights

While the precise location of Thebez is not definitively identified, some scholars suggest it may be modern-day Tubas, located northeast of Shechem. Archaeological evidence in the region has not conclusively linked any specific site to the biblical Thebez, but ongoing research continues to explore potential connections.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities often had strong towers used as places of refuge during sieges. Thebez's tower played a crucial role in the narrative, providing a strategic defensive position for its inhabitants. The use of a millstone by the woman to kill Abimelech underscores the resourcefulness and desperation of those defending the city.

Thebez's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and ambition unchecked by righteousness. It illustrates the biblical principle that those who live by violence often meet a violent end, reinforcing the moral teachings found throughout the Scriptures.Judges 9:50-56
Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 11:21
Who smote Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, that he died in Thebez? why went you near the wall? then say you, Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.
Nave's Topical Index

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... to you, 'Why did you go so near to the city to fight ... Who struck down Abimelech the
son of Jerubbaal ... millstone upon him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm

Who was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.org

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