Judges 9:23

23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem; and the citizens of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

Judges 9:23 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:23

Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of
Shechem
Permitted, yea, gave a commission to Satan, the evil spirit, to go among them, who stirred up suspicions, jealousies, hatred, and ill will to one another, and sowed the seeds of discord and contention among them; or God gave them up to their own hearts' lusts, to think ill of one another, grow jealous, and meditate revenge:

and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech;
did not openly declare their minds, but secretly conspired against him, and privately consulted ways to find means to get rid of him, and shake off his government.

Judges 9:23 In-Context

21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, because of Abimelech his brother.

22 And Abimelech ruled over Israel three years.

23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem; and the citizens of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

24 that the violence [done] to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, who slew them, and upon the citizens of Shechem, who had strengthened his hands to slay his brethren.

25 And the citizens of Shechem set liers in wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them. And it was told Abimelech.

Footnotes

• [a]. Strictly, 'masters,' 'possessors,' and throughout this chapter, 14 times. See Josh. 24.11.