Jotham Curses Abimelek and Runs Away
When Abimelek returns home to murder his seventy brothers, only Jotham (1), the youngest one, survives. He hides to escape execution.
When Jotham learns the people of Shechem have made his half-brother their king, he climbs a mountain. From this lofty position, he shouts to them.
He shares a story about trees looking for a king to rule over them. Each one they ask, declines. At last, the thornbush agrees.
In doing so, he implies that Abimelek is the thornbush, as well as the least desirable choice as Shechem’s ruler.
Then he criticizes their foolishness in making Abimelek king instead of letting his brothers continue their father Gideon’s legacy.
To conclude, Jotham proclaims curses on Abimelek for the murder of his brothers and on Shechem for helping.
Then he flees and hides in fear. This is the last we hear of Jotham.
Scripture concludes the pathetic tale of Abimelek’s life noting this was how God punished the evil man for killing his brothers, as well as destroying the wicked city of Shechem for facilitating it.
This fulfills Jotham’s curse.
What do we think about Jotham pronouncing a curse on Abimelek?
What is an area where we should proclaim truth like Jotham?
[Read about Jotham in Judges 9:5–21. Discover more in Judges 9:56–57.]
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.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.