Gideon's story continues as his many sons, including Abimelek—born of a concubine from Shechem—play key roles in the unfolding drama. After Gideon's death, Abimelek uses his maternal ties to Shechem, a city with a mixed Israelite and Canaanite population, to seize power. He manipulates the people and elites, securing seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith to hire mercenaries. Abimelek kills his brothers and is crowned king under a great tree near Shechem, marking the first Israelite kingship over a city with a complex cultural and religious backdrop. Meanwhile, the youngest son of Gideon condemns this rise to power with a fable illustrating Abimelek’s destructive rule. This episode explores themes of ambition, political intrigue, and the consequences of leadership outside God’s anointing.

Scripture

Judges 8:34-35 and Judges 9:1-15

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Sources

ESV Study Bible

ESV Archaeology Study Bible

Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV)

New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT)

BlueLetterBible.com

Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines

Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel

The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History

WorldHistory.org