Introduction

The anger of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a divine response to sin, disobedience, and injustice. One notable instance of God's anger is exemplified in the account of Abimelech, a figure whose actions provoked divine retribution. This entry explores the biblical narrative surrounding Abimelech, highlighting the circumstances that led to God's anger and the subsequent consequences.

Background of Abimelech

Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges. After the death of his father, Abimelech sought to establish himself as a ruler over Shechem and its surrounding areas. Unlike his father, who refused kingship, Abimelech ambitiously pursued power, leading to a series of events that would ultimately incur the wrath of God.

The Sin of Abimelech

Abimelech's path to power was marked by treachery and bloodshed. He conspired with the leaders of Shechem to eliminate his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, to secure his position as ruler. Judges 9:5 recounts, "He went to his father’s house in Ophrah and killed his brothers, the seventy sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself."

This act of fratricide was not only a grave sin against his family but also a violation of God's commandments. Abimelech's ruthless ambition and disregard for the sanctity of life set the stage for divine judgment.

God's Anger Manifested

God's anger against Abimelech is manifested through a series of events that unfold in Judges 9. After three years of Abimelech's rule, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to discord and betrayal. Judges 9:23 states, "God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and they acted treacherously against Abimelech."

This divine intervention was a direct response to the bloodshed and treachery that Abimelech had initiated. The leaders of Shechem, once his allies, turned against him, setting in motion a chain of events that would lead to his downfall.

The Consequences of Divine Anger

The culmination of God's anger against Abimelech is vividly depicted in the latter part of Judges 9. As conflict erupted between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, Abimelech's reign of terror continued. However, his end came during an assault on the city of Thebez. As he attempted to burn down a tower where the people had taken refuge, a woman dropped a millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. Judges 9:53-54 narrates, "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."

This dramatic end to Abimelech's life serves as a testament to the seriousness of God's anger and the inevitable justice that follows. The narrative concludes with a reflection on divine retribution, as Judges 9:56-57 states, "Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelech had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. And God also brought all the wickedness of the men of Shechem back upon their own heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham son of Jerubbaal."

Conclusion

The account of Abimelech in the Book of Judges serves as a powerful example of God's anger against sin and injustice. Through the narrative, the Bible underscores the consequences of violating divine commandments and the certainty of divine justice. Abimelech's account is a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the inevitable consequences that follow.Judges 9:56
Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did to his father, in slaying his seventy brothers:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... exerts upon the wicked was strikingly exemplified in the ... Another equally striking
illustration of God directing the ... O Assyrian, the rod of Mine anger, and the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... the fierceness of his wrath, wherewith his anger was kindled ... quits his charge, and
their guardian God becomes the ... We see this exemplified in the history of the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... parents, and this more from the implacable anger than the ... not in accordance with
the justice of God that a ... and that nothing of the kind was exemplified in what ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Anti-Pelagian Writings
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 1 [I.]--The Occasion
of Publishing This Work; What God's Righteousness is. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/anti-pelagian writings/

The Seventh Book
... they by their abuse have labored to arouse his anger. ... terms and we rejected them;
they honored God even in ... the words of our Lord were clearly exemplified in us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

part ii
... look upon the images of God's saints, believe ... without falling into despondency, without
anger, meekly and ... existence and most malicious snares against men prove ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

What does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it says in your anger do not sin (Ephesians 4:26)? | GotQuestions.org

Anger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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