Topical Bible: Murder: Abimelech

◄ Murder: Abimelech ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Abimelech, a son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), is a significant figure in the Book of Judges, particularly noted for his violent and murderous actions. His account is primarily found in Judges 9, where he emerges as a central character in a narrative of ambition, betrayal, and divine retribution.

Background and Rise to Power

Abimelech was one of the seventy sons of Gideon, born to a concubine in Shechem (Judges 8:31). After Gideon's death, Abimelech sought to establish himself as ruler over Shechem and its surrounding areas. He appealed to his maternal relatives and the leaders of Shechem, arguing that it would be better for them to be ruled by one man, himself, rather than by the seventy sons of Gideon. His appeal was successful, and he received financial support from the leaders of Shechem, which he used to hire reckless and worthless men to follow him (Judges 9:1-4).

The Massacre of Gideon's Sons

In a ruthless bid for power, Abimelech went to his father's house in Ophrah and murdered his seventy brothers on a single stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who managed to hide and escape (Judges 9:5). This act of fratricide was a blatant violation of the sanctity of family and life, and it set the stage for Abimelech's short-lived reign.

Reign and Downfall

Abimelech was declared king by the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo, but his rule was marked by treachery and conflict. Jotham, the surviving son of Gideon, delivered a parable from Mount Gerizim, warning the people of Shechem of the consequences of their actions in supporting Abimelech (Judges 9:7-21).

Abimelech's reign lasted three years before God sent an evil spirit between him and the leaders of Shechem, leading to mutual distrust and hostility (Judges 9:22-23). This divine intervention was a response to the bloodshed Abimelech had caused, fulfilling Jotham's curse.

The Siege of Thebez and Abimelech's Death

Abimelech's downfall came during his campaign against the city of Thebez. As he attempted to burn down a tower where the city's inhabitants had taken refuge, a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. In an effort to avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman, Abimelech ordered his armor-bearer to kill him, and the young man complied (Judges 9:50-54).

Theological Implications

Abimelech's account is a stark reminder of the consequences of murder and the pursuit of power through violence. His actions led to divine judgment, illustrating the biblical principle that God avenges the innocent bloodshed and holds individuals accountable for their sins. The narrative of Abimelech serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition unchecked by moral and spiritual considerations.

Scriptural References

· Judges 8:31 · Introduction of Abimelech as Gideon's son.
· Judges 9:1-6 · Abimelech's rise to power and the murder of his brothers.
· Judges 9:7-21 · Jotham's parable and warning.
· Judges 9:22-24 · God's judgment through an evil spirit.
· Judges 9:50-54 · Abimelech's death at Thebez.

The account of Abimelech is a vivid illustration of the destructive nature of murder and the inevitable divine justice that follows such acts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Judges
... probably in the stories of Ehud, iii.12ff., Deborah and Barak (iv.), Abimelech
(ix.), and ... Jael is praised for a murder which was a breach of the common Semitic ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/judges.htm

Discussion of the Subject of Permission
... the second mode, Balaam was prevented from cursing Israel, Ahaziah from the murder
of Elijah, Sennacherib from the capture of Jerusalem, and Abimelech from sin ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 3/discussion of the subject of.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... The murder of Abel was not punished solely on Cain, but also on his family ... We know
of none chargeable on Abimelech, or the other priests who were slain by order ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Genesis
... Disobedience in the first generation becomes murder in the next, and it is to the ...
eg with a treaty made, in one case, between Abraham and Abimelech, xxi.31, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/genesis.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... (2 Kings ) God permitted Joseph to be sold, when he hindered his murder. ... (1 Kings )
But Abimelech was hindered from violating the chastity of Sarah"both as ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... So far as we know from the Scripture record, no human eye witnessed the dastardly
murder of Abel, and doubtless Cain deemed himself secure from ... 6. Abimelech. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

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

Sources of the Pentateuch.
... hand and Abraham and Sarah on the other; in the second Abimelech is represented ... The
law of blood vengeance, though in terms it authorized murder, yet in effect ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iii sources of the.htm

The Historical Books.
... in succession, and allowing three years for the reign of Abimelech, three hundred
and ... it brought upon him and his kingdom"Amnon's incest, the murder of Amnon ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... Abimelech, the king, would have taken her for his wife as Abraham's sister, had ... hopes;
plotting at the same time, in his awakened enmity, the murder of Jacob. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm