“And ye are risen up against my father’s house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;”
In this verse, we find a portion of a speech delivered by Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal. Jotham is addressing the men of Shechem after Abimelech, his half‑brother, had orchestrated a violent coup and made himself king.
To understand the significance of this verse, we need to look at the broader context of the passage. The Book of Judges records a turbulent period in the history of the Israelites, characterised by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
Following the death of Gideon, Abimelech seeks to seize power and consolidate his rule. Jotham’s speech serves as a parable or fable in which he rebukes the men of Shechem for their unwise decision to support Abimelech’s rise to power.
Jotham highlights their betrayal and the violence committed against his family, as symbolised by the slaying of Gideon’s seventy sons upon one stone. The use of seventy stones is significant because it emphasises the thoroughness and magnitude of the massacre. It indicates that all of Gideon’s sons, except Jotham who managed to escape, were killed.
By drawing attention to this brutal act, Jotham aims to expose the evil and treachery of Abimelech and the complicity of the men of Shechem. Jotham points out the irony of the situation by mentioning that Abimelech was made king over the men of Shechem because he was their brother.
While the men of Shechem may have viewed their support for Abimelech as a unifying act, Jotham reveals that their actions were fuelled by greed, ambition, and a disregard for the rightful leadership of the Israelite nation.
Ultimately, Jotham’s parable serves as a warning to the men of Shechem about the consequences of their actions. He prophesies that Abimelech’s reign will be short‑lived and filled with strife. This prophecy is later fulfilled as Abimelech’s rule becomes marred by violence, leading to his downfall.
The broader message conveyed in Judges 9:18 is one of the consequences of acting unjustly, betraying family ties, and pursuing power at any cost. It emphasises the importance of integrity, loyalty, and God’s sovereignty in the governance of His people.
