Judges 9:2-3

2 "Speak, now, in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem, 'Which is better for you, that ¹seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or that one man rule over you?' Also, remember that I am ²your bone and your flesh."

3 And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, "He is ³our relative."

Judges 9:2-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES 9

This chapter contains an account of the craft and cruelty of Abimelech, by which he got himself made king of the Shechemites, Jud 9:1-6 of the parable of Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, concerning the trees, in which he exposes their folly in making Abimelech king, and foretells the ruin of them both, Jud 9:7-21 of the contentions which arose between Abimelech, and the men of Shechem, increased by Gaal the son of Ebed, Jud 9:22-29 who was drawn into a battle with Abimelech, and beaten and forced to fly, Jud 9:30-41 but the quarrel between Abimelech and the men of Shechem ceased not, but still continued, which issued in the entire ruin of the city and the inhabitants of it, Jud 9:42-49 and in the death of Abimelech himself, according to Jotham's curse, Jud 9:50-57.

Cross References

• 1. Judges 8:30; Judges 9:5, 18
• 2. Genesis 29:14
• 3. Genesis 29:15

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "brothers"
• [b]. Lit "their hearts inclined after"
• [c]. Lit "brother"