“And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.”
Context:The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua when they were governed by various judges. Judges 9 focuses on the story of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who sought to become a king.
Abimelech’s background:Abimelech was born to Gideon through one of his concubines from Shechem. After Gideon’s death, Abimelech convinced the people of Shechem that he should become their ruler.
Influence of Abimelech’s relatives:In Judges 9:3, we see that Abimelech’s mother’s relatives, who were also from Shechem, spoke in favor of Abimelech to the men of Shechem. Their words had a significant impact on the people, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech. The people saw Abimelech as their brother, and this familial connection likely played a role in their decision to support him.
The power of influence:This verse highlights the power of influence and the impact it can have on people’s decisions. The words spoken by Abimelech’s relatives were persuasive and influential, leading the people of Shechem to follow him. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious about the sources of influence in our lives and the need to discern wisely.
God’s perspective:Although the verse doesn’t directly mention God, the events that follow in the story of Abimelech reveal the consequences of the people’s choice. Abimelech’s reign was marked by violence, deceit, and eventual downfall. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing personal ambitions and following leaders who are driven by selfish motives rather than God’s guidance.
Lessons for us today:The story of Abimelech and the influence of his relatives prompt us to consider our own sources of influence. It reminds us to be discerning and to seek wisdom and guidance from God when making decisions. We should be cautious about following leaders who may be driven by personal ambition or ulterior motives, rather than those who demonstrate godly character and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
