Judges 9:5
And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
Judges 9:5 (KJV)
Context
Judges 9 continues the history of Israel after the people entered the Promised Land. During this period, God raised up judges to deliver the nation from its oppressors. After Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) died, his son Abimelech sought to rule. In Judges 9:1-4, Abimelech persuaded the leaders of Shechem to support him, using seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith to hire reckless and worthless men to follow him. This conspiracy sets the stage for the violent act recorded in Judges 9:5.
Meaning
Abimelech went to his father’s house at Ophrah, Gideon’s hometown, and killed his seventy brothers on one stone. The act was a brutal elimination of every rival claim to leadership. The detail that they were killed on one stone emphasizes the deliberate, total nature of the slaughter. Only Jotham, the youngest son, escaped by hiding himself. His survival is significant because he later confronts the men of Shechem and Abimelech with a parable (Judges 9:7-20), directly referencing this massacre.
Biblical connections
The narrative shows how quickly Israel descended into chaos after Gideon’s death. Gideon had been a judge whom God used to deliver Israel from Midian (Judges 6-8), but his son chose treachery and murder to gain power. The event fulfills the pattern of unrighteous leadership seen throughout Judges, where human ambition replaces trust in God. Jotham’s escape also demonstrates God’s preservation of a remnant, even amid human wickedness.
Application
Abimelech’s ambition destroyed his family and eventually led to his own downfall. This warns us to examine our motives: ambition and power-seeking should never drive our actions. Instead, we should align our desires with God’s will and serve others selflessly. The account also teaches us to value family relationships, resolving disputes in a godly manner rather than through harm. Even when evil seems to prevail, we can trust God’s sovereignty; He protects His people and His plans are not thwarted. Sin carries far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us, so we must be mindful of our choices.
Reflection
Jotham’s survival reminds us that God preserves a faithful remnant even in dark times. Though Abimelech succeeded temporarily, his victory was hollow. We can take comfort that God’s purposes stand, and He is able to protect those who hide in Him.
