God's Millstone on a Coup d'état. Judges 9:1-57Gideon's decline to take up kingship created a vacuum exploited by Abimelech who, ambitious and bloodthirsty, led one of the first coup-D'etas depicted in the Bible. His ascension was only possible because of the greed and depravity Israel had fallen into. The leaders of Shechem were corrupt and supported Abimelech and his murder of his seventy brothers to consolidate power. Abimelech's plan boomeranged as surviving Jotham struck back, supported by the citizens, he was able to sway to his righteous cause. Abimelech experienced a triple disgrace: (1) He was killed, but not really in a battle; (2) He was killed by a woman, which was a disgrace to a soldier; and (3) He was killed with a millstone, not a sword.The fact that his armor bearer finished the job with a sword didn't change anything; for centuries later, Abimelech's shameful death was remembered as being accomplished by a woman (2 Sam. 11:21).A person reaps exactly what he sows. If a person sins, he will reap the results of sin. If evil is committed by a person, that person will reap evil. This is what is known as the just judgment of God. A person reaps exactly what he sows, no more no less. We need never fear, for God will never punish us beyond what we deserve. Unless, of course, we genuinely receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ has paid the penalty for our sin, but we have to sincerely receive Him and obey Him, following Him wholeheartedly.Abimelech violated God's plan by being king and the results were damaging consequences. Abimelech meets with triple disgrace. He is killed but not in battle. He is killed by a woman. You reap what you sow.
