Wickedness Repaid

"Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in killing his seventy brothers. Also God returned all the wickedness of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came upon them." -Judges 9.56-57

Gideon dies an old man, and leaves 70 sons, the text says that he had many wives. One son was not born from a wife, but a concubine. Abimelech was the son of this woman. He goes to the town of his mother and convinces them that he should rule out of all of his brothers. The people of Shechem follow him and he then goes and puts all of his brothers to death, removing the competition. However, one of them, Jotham, the youngest, hides and escaped.

Abimelech has done a pretty despicable thing. I'm guessing he was probably an outcast among his brothers because of his mother. He waited and found an opportunity to get even, and when he could, took advantage of it. Initially he seems to have succeeded. He has achieved something for himself, but it hasn't been gained honestly and he will not keep it.

For three years he rules, but God sends and evil spirit the divides Abimelech and the men of Shechem, who begin to deal treacherously with him. Shechem is taken, battles follow and Abimelech is killed after a woman throws an upper millstone on his head. The wickedness of Abimelech is repaid to him by God.

Abimelech did whatever it took to get ahead, and in the process intentionally killed his own brothers. In the end he was betrayed and died a painful and humiliating death. Dishonest gain does not bring peace or satisfaction. Anything not is not built on trust and honesty cannot stand. Betrayal follows betrayal, dishonesty follows dishonesty. And God does not allow wickedness to go unchecked.

Men, this story brings a warning of dishonest gain and wickedness. Have you followed the model of Abimelech? Have you betrayed those closest to you to get ahead? God sees it, so do others, and it will not be overlooked forever.

Let us be men of honesty and integrity. May we never rely on deception and betrayal to advance ourselves.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor