Here is a chart comparing Gideon to his son Abimelech
Gideon | Abimelech |
Called by YHVH to liberate Israel | Designates self as king |
Sacrifices bull on alter to YH | Slays 69 brothers on one stone to honor self |
Spirit of YHVH energizes him | YH sends discord around him |
YH/Gideon + 300 men – no more needed for battle | YH fought against Abimelech |
Refuses kingship | Seizes kingship and worships Baal |
40 yrs peace, dies ripe old age | After 3 yrs, killed ignominiously by woman |
CHAPTER 9
· 9:1-5 Abimelech is from Shechem, from the land of his father’s pilgesh (second wife or concubine). This probably reflects the troubled transition from Canaanite stronghold to Israelite city. Abimelech gathers his mother’s people, the men of Shechem, to kill the 70 sons of Gideon who have gone astray after Baalim. 69 are killed, all but Jotham.
· 9:6 – Abimelech is made king by Shechemites.
· 9:7-21 – Jotham is the 70th son of Gideon, the one who was not killed by Abimelech. He calls out to the men of Shechem a prophesy/curse - let fire come between Abimelech and the men he has recruited from Shechem if they have not acted uprightly with Jerubbaal (Gideon). Remember Chapter 8 ended with the people forgetting to honor Gideon who had fought for them and brought them a long peace. Jotham says his curse and runs away.
· 9:22-52 – Abimelech is the prince for 3 years. Then God sends evil spirit – treachery between Abimelech and Shechemites so that all will bear the blood guilt of the 69 slain. The Shechemites lay an ambush for Abimelech. Gaal son of Ebed (a Shechemite) takes up arms against Abimelech. Zebul is a Shechemite who remains loyal to Abimelech.
· 9:53 – A woman breaks Abimelech’s skull
