A Legacy of Evil
Abimelek (2) is the son of Gideon (also called Jerub-Baal). The Bible first lists his mother as Gideon’s concubine and later as his slave.
Either way, the boy has a less-than-ideal start to life. But this does not excuse his behavior as an adult. He could have risen above the circumstances of his birth. But, as we will soon see, he does not.
Abimelek has seventy half-brothers. Yes, seventy. This means Gideon fathered children with many women.
Abimelek goes to Shechem, where his mother is from, and asks if they want him to rule them—as one of their own—or if they want Gideon’s seventy sons. The people choose him and give him money.
King
He uses the funds to raise an army of “reckless scoundrels.” He returns home to Ophrah, where he murders his half-brothers. Only the youngest, Jotham (1), escapes.
The people of Shechem make Abimelek their king.
After three years, God causes a rift between Abimelek and the people. He does this to bring about the punishment of Abimelek for murdering his brothers—and the people of Shechem for their indirect role.
A man named Gaal moves to Shechem. He opposes Abimelek. The two go into battle, with Gaal leading the people of Shechem against Abimelek and his hired army. Abimelek prevails.
The next day, he takes revenge on the town of Shechem. He kills all the people. Since all his mother’s relatives live there, he presumably kills them too. He destroys the city.
Then Abimelek attacks the city of Thebez. He besieges it and captures it. Inside the city, the people flee to a tower.
Legacy
As Abimelek approaches the stronghold to burn it and the people inside, a woman drops an upper millstone. It hits him and cracks his skull.
Lest it be said a woman killed him, he instructs his armor-bearer to run him through. The servant does.
Abimelek dies having done nothing positive in his life. He leaves a legacy of evil, having caused the death of many—and himself.
How can we rise above our past to make a better future for ourselves and others?
What sort of legacy are we leaving?
[Read about Abimelek in Judges 9. Discover more about Shechem in Genesis 34.]
Learn about 100 more biblical characters in More Old Testament Sinners and Saints, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Get your copy today.
More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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