Abimelech: The man who would be king

In his son, Abimelech, we see the foul spiritual legacy of Gideon.

I. Understanding the story.

1. Abimelech becomes king (vv. 1-6);

2. Jotham's Parable of the Trees (vv. 7-21);

3. Abimelech's downfall (vv. 22-57).

II. Spiritual observations:

1. Note how Israel is plagued by internal divisions.

2. Note God's sovereign presence in vv. 23, 56.

God allows leader and people to be agents of mutual destruction and chastisement.

3. Note the gospel in Judges 9.

Contrast Amimelech as the man who would be king with Jesus as king of kings.

Here we see God's wrath and justice on Abimelech and Israel. In Jesus we see his kindness and mercy (see Romans 5:6; 1 Peter 3:18).