The treason of the Shechemites against Abimelech is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 9. This episode highlights themes of ambition, betrayal, and divine justice within the narrative of Israel's history during the time of the judges.

Background

Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding regions after the death of his father. Unlike Gideon, who refused kingship, Abimelech ambitiously pursued power. He was the son of Gideon by a concubine from Shechem, which gave him a connection to the city and its leaders.

Abimelech's rise to power was marked by treachery. He convinced the leaders of Shechem to support him by appealing to their kinship, saying, "Remember that I am your own flesh and blood" (Judges 9:2). With their backing, he hired reckless and worthless men to kill his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, ensuring no rivals to his claim. Only Jotham, the youngest son, escaped the massacre.

The Parable of Jotham

Jotham, having survived, delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. He likened Abimelech to a thornbush, unfit to rule over the trees, symbolizing the leaders of Israel. Jotham's parable was a prophetic warning of the destruction that would follow their choice to support Abimelech.

The Treason

The treason against Abimelech began when the leaders of Shechem grew discontented with his rule. God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, causing distrust and animosity (Judges 9:23). This divine intervention set the stage for the unfolding conflict.

Gaal, son of Ebed, capitalized on the growing discontent and led a rebellion against Abimelech. He incited the people of Shechem by questioning Abimelech's legitimacy and urging them to follow him instead. The leaders of Shechem, swayed by Gaal's words, plotted against Abimelech.

The Downfall of Shechem and Abimelech

Abimelech responded to the treason with brutal force. He attacked Shechem, capturing the city and killing its inhabitants. In a final act of vengeance, he destroyed the city and sowed it with salt, a symbolic gesture of utter desolation.

The conflict culminated at the tower of Thebez, where Abimelech met his demise. As he attempted to burn the tower, a woman dropped a millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. 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 9:54).

Theological Implications

The treason of the Shechemites against Abimelech serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition, betrayal, and the consequences of turning away from God's guidance. It underscores the biblical principle that God is sovereign and just, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. The narrative demonstrates that those who pursue power through treachery and violence ultimately face divine retribution, as seen in the downfall of both Abimelech and the city of Shechem.Judges 9:22-25
When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,
Nave's Topical Index

The Doctrine
... of eternal fire" (Jude 7). Also the male Shechemites, for the ... death; now if any man
doth transgress against any one of these ten, he doth commit treason, as if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

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