Abimelech’s Conspiracy (chapter 9) This is a story of a tragically FLAWED attempt at kingship during the Judges era Abimelech, illegitimate son of Gideon, asks the question Which is better 70 RULERS or 1 ruler (9:2) Through his mother’s persuasive powers he convinces the leaders of Shechem to make him ruler. He then hired a group of mercenaries and KILLED his 70 brothers and was made King! (9.5-6)

Jotham’s Parable Jotham, Gideon’s youngest son, hoped to persuade people that Abimelech was a poor choice to be their king If they would reject Abimelech, God would answer their prayers. Jotham spoke as a prophet might speak, but he is never called a prophet

Jotham’s Parable See Judges 9:8 – 15 Johtam’s parable features plants that can speak – represent different RULERS Jotham’s parable doesn’t oppose kingship but simply REJECTS Abimelech The olive tree, fig tree, and vine produced abundant food, but the bramble was worthless and its thorns harmful. – Abimelech is the bramble

Jotham’s Parable Jotham questions their MOTIVES Did you “act” in good faith and INTEGRITY? (9:16) Did you treat others properly as they have treated you? (9:17) Di you respect the past and honor those who fought for you? (9:18-19) If not then DESTRUCTION is your future (9:20 – 21)

The Downfall of Abimelech He ruled for only 3 years (9:22) God sent an EVIL spirit to create a wedge between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (9:23) The LORD ALLOWS Satan and his evil angels to inspire an attitude of distrust and bitterness The leaders of Shechem CONSPIRED against Abimelech with acts of treachery – ambush travelers along the mountaintops (9:25)

Gaal’s Big Mouth (9: ) A man by the name of Gaal moves into Shechem and the LEADERS of Shechem take a liking to him (v. 26) In his attempt to incite the CROWD against Abimelech his ticks of commander Zebul (9:27 – 30) Zebul conspires with Abimelech to set an AMBUSH in the mountaintops (9:31 – 34) See 9:35 – 41

Abimelech’s Revenge and Downfall (9:42 – 57) Not satisfied with Gaal’s defeat, Abimelech attacked the unsuspecting Schechemites on their way out to their fields, because they supported his enemy (v 42 – 43) He stood at the city gate watching the attack and then fought against the city all day (v 45) All the remaining leaders took refuge in the Tower of Shechem, so Abimelech gathered BRUSHWOOD

Abimelch then attacked the city of Thebez…but a certain women who as in the strong tower threw a millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull

Jotham’s Curse Fulfilled Jotham’s curse was fulfilled God avenged the blood of his servant GIDEON The first attempt at kingship in Israel fails miserably, because Abimelech is an unworthy candidate Government requires leaders of INTERGRITY Luther – “a wise prince is a rare bird” We gave thanks to KING Jesus who always walks with integrity

Lincoln Cathedral

Tola and Jair (10:1 – 5) Tolah – a man of Issachar and lived in the hill country of Ephraim – He judged Israel 23 years – He died and was buried at Shamir Jair – a Gileadite – He judged Israel 22 years – He had 30 sons and a donkey for each – He died and was buried in Kamon

Israel Sinks Even Lower We are now about 300 years removed from the EXODUS Israel is once again doing “evil” in the eyes of the LORD (10:6) Israel is now worshipping… – Baals – Ashtaroth – Gods of Syria, Sidon, Moab, Ammonites, and Philistines They FORSAKE the LORD and didn’t SERVE HIM

God’s Righteous Anger He SOLD them into slavery to the Philistines and Ammonites (10:7) He CRUSHED and OPPRESSED Israel for 18 years by the hand of their enemies (10:8) Israel was severely DISTRESSED (10:9) Israel cries out the LORD (10:10) God is ready to be DONE with Israel – You want to worship foreign Gods let them save you (10:13 – 14)

ISRAEL’S DESPERATION We have SINNED Do to us whatever seems GOOD to you Only please deliver us this day So they destroyed their idols, repented, and turned back to Yahweh (10:15) Yahweh became IMPATIENT over the misery that Israel was experiencing (10:16) So God will raise up another JUDGE to rescue his people (see chapter 11)