Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Daniel McClure from Red Lion, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Judges 9:22-25.

Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. And the leaders of Shechem put men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed all who passed by them along that way. And it was told to Abimelech. — Judges 9:22-25

Abimelech's reign lasted only three years. Then, the massive cracks started to show. God himself sent an "evil spirit" between Abimelech and Shechem. Suddenly, the people who once crowned him turned against him. They set ambushes, stirred rebellion, and worked betrayal behind his back.

Don't be confused. This was not a random political drama—it was divine judgment. In fact, every political drama is a divine judgment. God was holding Abimelech and Shechem accountable for the murder of Gideon's sons and choosing other gods and an evil king over Him. What Jotham had forewarned was now coming true: the fire of bad leadership was beginning to consume both king and people.

God will not let evil stand. Even when it looks like corruption has the upper hand, God has a way of unraveling it from the inside out.

Abimelech and Shechem thought their alliance made them strong, but sin always breeds suspicion, mistrust, and division. It's only a matter of time before selfish ambition turns allies into enemies. Yet along the way, there are losses because of these bad decisions.

The same is true today. Bad partnerships of any kind—whether in politics, business, friendships, or spiritual life—don't last. Why? Because they are built on self-interest, not God's truth. And sooner or later, the cracks show, and with them come gossip, ambushes, rebellion, and betrayal.

Beware of the alliances you make. If they're not rooted in God's truth, they will rot from within and burn you down.

ASK THIS:

1. Where am I tempted to form alliances that are convenient but not godly?
2. How have I seen selfish ambition create division in my life or others'?
3. Do I trust that God will eventually bring justice to corrupt systems?
4. How can I pursue relationships built on truth and faith instead of convenience?

DO THIS:

Take inventory of your closest partnerships. Ask: are these drawing me closer to God—or leading me toward compromise and division?

PRAY THIS:

Lord, reveal the alliances in my life that are not from You. Help me walk in truth and trust that You will unravel corruption in Your timing. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"King of My Heart."