Judges 9

Bible Passage:  Judges 9

After the death of Gideon (in Chapter 8), his son, Abimelech, aggressively sought to rule Israel by force and proclaimed himself King of Israel (only the people of Shechem recognized him as their king). This was in stark contrast to his father’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty as the King of the chosen race, who then declined Israelites’ request to be made a ruler (Judges 8:22-23). Not only Abimelech resorted to violence in achieving his arrogant and self-seeking agenda during the 3-years reign, he sought vengeance on the people of Shechem for slighting him later on.

Abimelech was known to be the self-installed King in the history of God’s chosen race. Below are some of the pointers that I can relate for our mutual sharing:

The Lord is the King of Kings (Rev 19:16)

I read with great interest the fable related by Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, about the trees that sought a king (v8-15). The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine rejected the offer of kingship but the bramble agreed to be king. The intriguing part being the bramble forewarned that he would be an oppressive ruler and destroy anyone who disobeyed him.

They are all trees which the Lord has planted. All the fruit-bearing trees refused to be promoted over the other trees. Why so?

Olive Tree says: Should I cease giving my oil, with which they honor God and men, and go to sway over trees?

Fig Tree says: Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go sway over trees?

Vine Tree says: Should I cease my new wine, which cheers both God and men, and go to sway over trees?

The olive, fig and vine trees strive to continue their offerings for the benefits of men and glory of God. They were content to produce the kind of fruit God desired. On the other hand, Abimelech, who was compared to the fruitless bramble, craved for power and prestige.

This fable does not mean to discourage us to assume leadership or certain positions of church work. Rather, it reminds us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts and knowing the King who rules all is none but God. We must not allow the slightest motive of personal agenda, pride and advantages to rule our service and offering to God.

He is the God of Righteousness who Judges (Rev 16:5-7)

God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech (v56-57).

We heard and read of how corruptible and immoral the world has become (by God’s standard of course) and some people do wonder why did God let certain unfortunate things happened to innocent people. We may even question if God truly watches over us and even lose patience.

God never promises a smooth-sailing life. For all that he went through, Job described the troubles of the world as the “sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Though wickedness and the injustice surrounding us may seem to prosper, it will not prosper always (Prov 11:31; 13:9). Therefore, we shall stay focused on the Lord and let Him be the Judge against all (Prov 20:22).

In all that we do and say, God judges, for He is righteous and just. So, be still.

May the peace and love of our Lord be with you.