Adults sts Lesson 174 The conspiracy of Abimelech in Judges 9
Memory Verse:
“Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren.” (Judges 9:56)
Text: Judges 9:1-57
Understanding the Tragic Consequences of Ambition and Polygamy in Israel
The story of Abimelech is one of the most gripping narratives in the Book of Judges, highlighting the devastating effects of unchecked ambition, betrayal, and turning away from God’s righteous path. This lesson, drawn from Judges 9:1-57, unfolds the dark saga of Abimelech, son of Gideon by a concubine, whose ruthless pursuit of power led to fratricide, civil unrest, and his eventual downfall.
Abimelech’s rise to power sharply contrasts with his father Gideon’s humble refusal to become king after Israel’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 8:22-23). This narrative serves as a cautionary tale illustrating the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7), the destruction that prideful ambition invites (Proverbs 16:5), and the spiritual dangers of forsaking God’s will (Jeremiah 45:5; James 1:14-16).
In this article, we will explore the deadly conspiracy Abimelech orchestrated, Jotham’s prophetic parable, and the divine retribution that befell Abimelech and his supporters. May believers glean vital lessons on humility, leadership, and faithfulness to God.
The Deadly Conspiracy of Abimelech with the Shechemites
(Judges 9:1-6; Proverbs 1:10-16; 2 Samuel 15:10-12; Isaiah 14:12-14; Proverbs 13:10; 1 John 3:15)
After Gideon’s death, Abimelech sought to claim power for himself. He traveled to Shechem, his mother’s hometown, leveraging his maternal connections to secure support. Abimelech convinced the Shechemites to finance his bid for kingship, agreeing to pay seventy pieces of silver (Judges 9:4). To clear his path to power, he murdered his seventy half-brothers, potential rivals, except for Jotham who escaped.
This act of violence reflects the danger of carnal ambition and self-exaltation, condemned throughout Scripture (cf. the story of Absalom in 2 Samuel 15:10-12). Such lust for power often leads to unethical behavior—assassination, slander, and manipulation—that believers must reject. The complicity of the Shechemites, despite their covenant renewal with God (Joshua 24:32), shows the peril of endorsing rebellion against God’s order.
Believers are warned to avoid partaking in evil, whether overtly or covertly (Exodus 23:2; 1 Timothy 5:22; Proverbs 1:10-11). True leadership requires humility and a heart saturated with God’s Word (James 4:6).
Jotham’s Parable: A Divine Warning to the People of Shechem
(Judges 9:7-21; 2 Samuel 12:1-13; Luke 3:9; Matthew 13:3)
Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, spoke a prophetic parable to expose Abimelech’s wickedness. The trees symbolized Gideon’s seventy sons, while the bramble represented Abimelech—offering shade but ultimately destructive (Judges 9:7-15).
This parable was a call to the people of Shechem to reconsider their choice, warning them of the consequences of appointing a leader driven by ambition rather than righteousness. It highlights the importance of godly leadership free from favoritism, tribalism, or sectionalism, and chosen by spiritual discernment (1 Samuel 16:7).
Leaders should serve selflessly, focused on benefiting others and glorifying God—not pursuing power for personal gain.
Divine Retribution on Abimelech and the Shechemites
(Judges 9:22-57; Exodus 9:1-7; Acts 9:1-9; Psalm 9:17; Zephaniah 2:9; 1 Samuel 31:3-6; 2 Samuel 11:17-21; 18:9-17; Proverbs 20:17; Galatians 6:7-8; Luke 23:33,39-43; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:13-15)
After three tumultuous years, God sent an evil spirit to stir conflict between Abimelech and the Shechemites, fracturing their alliance (Judges 9:22-23). This discord culminated in rebellion led by Gaal, which Abimelech quashed through strategic warfare, showing that alliances formed in sin are unstable and doomed.
Eventually, Abimelech’s violent reign ended in disgrace. Attempting to burn a strong tower, a woman dropped a millstone on his head, fatally wounding him. Pride prevented him from seeking God’s mercy even at death, instructing his armor-bearer to kill him so no one would say a woman slew him (Judges 9:50-54).
This grim conclusion underscores the principle of divine justice: the wicked will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7). The story reminds believers of the dangers of self-will, the importance of repentance, and the certainty of God’s judgment on evil (Proverbs 11:21; Ezekiel 18:32).
Lessons for Believers from the Conspiracy of Abimelech
- Sin and ambition unchecked lead to destruction (Jeremiah 45:5; James 1:14-16).
- True leadership involves selflessness and humility (James 4:6).
- Supporting evil, even indirectly, implicates believers in its consequences (Exodus 23:2).
- God’s justice is sure, and His patience invites repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
- Idolatry and forsaking God’s covenant bring spiritual ruin (Jeremiah 2:13).
Review Questions
- Who was Abimelech?
- Explain Abimelech’s conspiracy with the Shechemites and how he succeeded in killing his brothers.
- In Jotham’s parable, what do the trees and the bramble signify?
- Clarify the law of sowing and reaping in relation to the conspiracy in the text.
- Mention four persons in the Scriptures who exalted themselves and state what happened to them.
- What can believers learn from the treachery of Gaal and Zebul before Abimelech conquered Shechem?
- Why do sinners and backsliders die in sin even when they have the opportunity to repent?
Related Articles on this site:
- How to Walk Daily in God’s Will
- The Power of Confession and God’s Forgiveness
- The Danger of Pride and How to Overcome It
- True Repentance: The Key to Spiritual Renewal
- How to Serve God After Failure
