Judges 6:1-10
Conditions in Israel
Judges 6:11-24
The Commission of Gideon
Judges 6:25-40
Destroying the Pagan Altar
Judges 6:30-40
Confirming the Will of God
Judges 7:1-15
Who is on the Lord’s Side?
Judges 7:16-25
The Defeat of Gideon’s Foes
Judges 8:1-12
The Surprise Attack
Judges 8:13-23
Gideon’s Sense of Justice
Judges 8:24-35
The Concluding Days of Gideon
Judges 9:1-15
The Renegade Who Lusted for Power
Judges 9:16-29
The Troubled Reign of Abimelech
Judges 9:30-41
The Destruction of Shechem
Judges 9:42-57
Abimelech Wanted to Get Revenge
Judges 10:1-9
Servitude Under the Philistines and Ammonites
Judges 10:10-18
The Repentance of Israel
Judges 11:1-17
Jephthah’s Call to Leadership
Judges 11:18-28
Jephthah’s History Lesson
The Destruction of Shechem
Judges 9:30–41
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Someone tells the story of a boy who was rebelling against his dad constantly. This boy was destroying his own life by his rebellion, but he refused to heed his father’s words. One day, the dad ... More
The central theme of this event shows how the Lord dealt in history with those who dared to transgress His moral laws. Abimelech had made his home at a fortress five miles southeast of Shechem. He had put Zebul, one of his officials in charge of Shechem. A new leader by the name of Gaal had arrived on the scene to challenge the authority of Abimelech at Shechem. The men of the city were listening to Gaal who was poisoning their minds against Abimelech and making plans to take over his position.
Zebul was angry when he found out what Gaal was up to, so he sent some messengers to inform Abimelech of the rebellion (vv. 30-31). He not only warned of the potentially dangerous situation but urged a certain source of action, that would not allow Gaal to consolidate his position (vv. 32-33). Abimelech followed the advice of his deputy and sent his forces by night to avoid being detected. He divided them into four groups, and they all hid near the town (v. 34). The advantages of surprise and initiative lay with Abimelech, and Gaal and his supporters were chased from the city (vv. 35-41). The insurrection had been nipped in the bud by the prompt action of Zebul.
Application
What is my reaction when someone rises to challenge the authority of the person I am working for? Do I remain loyal to my employer, or do I join in the rebellion? I must remember that it is never right to do wrong to accomplish what I think is right.
Judges 9:30-41 (English Standard Version)
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