Judges 9:48

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

Judges 9:48 (KJV)

Context

Judges 9 tells how Abimelech, a son of Gideon, seized power by killing his brothers. After the people of Shechem turned against him, he captured their city. The survivors fled into a strong tower for safety. In this verse, Abimelech climbs Mount Zalmon with his men, takes an axe, cuts down a tree branch, and puts it on his shoulder. He then tells his followers to do the same quickly.

Meaning

Abimelech does not just give orders; he shows his men what to do. His words, “What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done,” call for immediate imitation. By carrying the branch himself, he proves he is willing to share the dangerous work. Yet his purpose is destructive: he plans to use the branches to set the tower on fire and kill everyone inside. His example is efficient but cruel, and his leadership depends on fear and force. This account shows how a leader’s personal example can move followers, but also how ambition and violence can corrupt that influence.

Biblical connections

This event fulfills Jotham’s curse in Judges 9:20, where fire from Abimelech would devour the men of Shechem. God uses Abimelech’s evil ambition to bring judgment, but He still holds Abimelech accountable. The verse warns that people often follow their leader’s example, whether that example leads to life or to ruin. In contrast, Christ leads by serving and sacrificing, not by self-aggrandizement.

Application

Believers should examine the example they set for others. Influence is powerful, and haste in following a leader can bring harm if that leader is not guided by God’s wisdom. True leadership serves and sacrifices, unlike Abimelech’s self-seeking rule. Christians are called to imitate Christ, who leads by humility and love, not by manipulation. Consider the influence you have on family, friends, and coworkers. Does your example draw them toward righteousness or away from it?

Reflection

This passage reminds us that God sees the proud and the violent. He allows their schemes to unfold, but He also judges them. Abimelech’s downfall shows that selfish ambition ends in destruction. Followers of Christ should choose leaders whose example honors God and seek to be examples that draw others toward righteousness. Even when human plans are evil, God remains sovereign and just.