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 (9:26 - 41)

• 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)