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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 9:18 but you have risen up against my father's house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother--</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/07_Jdg_09_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:18 - Jotham's Parable" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="but you have risen up against my father's house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother--" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/9-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/9-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/9-17.htm" title="Judges 9:17">◄</a> Judges 9:18 <a href="/judges/9-19.htm" title="Judges 9:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/judges/9.htm">New International Version</a> But today you have revolted against my father&#8217s family. You have murdered his seventy sons on a single stone and have made Abimelek, the son of his female slave, king over the citizens of Shechem because he is related to you. <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> But today you have revolted against my father and his descendants, killing his seventy sons on one stone. And you have chosen his slave woman’s son, Abimelech, to be your king just because he is your relative. <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> and you have risen up against my father’s house this day and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> but you have risen up against my father’s house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother— <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;) <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> but you have risen up against my father’s house this day, and killed his seventy sons on one stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother— <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but in fact you have risen against my father’s house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female slave, king over the leaders of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> but you have risen against my father&#8217s house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but you have risen against my father’s house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but you have risen against my father’s house today and have killed his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but you have risen against my father’s house today and have murdered his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, son of his maidservant, king over the people of Shechem, because he is your relative— <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and now you have attacked my father’s family today, killed his seventy sons on top of a large stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave woman, king over the citizens of Shechem ‘because he is your brother’— <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and now you have attacked my father&#8217s house today, killed his 70 sons on top of a large stone, and made Abimelech, the son of his slave, king over the lords of Shechem &#8216because he is your brother— <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> and ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maid-servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother); <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> and ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;) <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But today you have attacked my father's family. You have executed his 70 sons. You have made Abimelech, who is the son of my father's slave girl, king over the citizens of Shechem just because he's your brother. <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> But today you turned against my father's family. You killed his sons--seventy men on a single stone--and just because Abimelech, his son by his servant woman, is your relative, you have made him king of Shechem. <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But now as for you, you've rebelled against my father's house today. You've murdered his sons—70 men—in one place, and you've installed Abimelech, the son of his mistress, as king to rule over the "lords" of Shechem, since he's related to you. <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> but you have risen up against my father?s house this day and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the leaders of Shechem because he is your brother? <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> But you have attacked my father's family today. You murdered his seventy legitimate sons on one stone and made Abimelech, the son of his female slave, king over the leaders of Shechem, just because he is your close relative. <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and you are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, seventy persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your brother). <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And ye have risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, seventy persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maid-servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother:) <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> and you have risen up against my father’s house today and have slain his sons, seventy persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his female servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother); <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you have risen against the house of my father today, and slay his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and cause Abimelech son of his handmaid to reign over the masters of Shechem, because he [is] your brother— <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and ye have risen against the house of my father to-day, and slay his sons, seventy men, on one stone, and cause Abimelech son of his handmaid to reign over the masters of Shechem, because he is your brother -- <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And ye rose up against the house of my father this day, and ye will kill his sons, seventy men, upon one stone; and ye will make Abimelech, son of his maid, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your brother:)<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And you are now risen up against my father's house, and have killed his sons seventy men upon one stone, and have made Abimelech the son of his handmaid king over the inhabitants of Sichem, because he is your brother: <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> though you now have risen up against my father’s house, and have killed his sons, seventy men, upon one stone, and have appointed Abimelech, the son of his handmaid, as a king over the inhabitants of Shechem, since he is your brother, <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> but you have risen against my father’s house today and killed his seventy sons upon one stone and made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your kin— <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but you have risen up against my father’s house this day, and have killed his sons, seventy men on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his slave woman, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your kinsman—<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And you have risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, seventy men, upon one stone, and have made Abimeleck, the son of his maidservant, king over the lords of Shechem, because he is your brother;) <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you are risen over the house of my father today and you have murdered his sons, seventy men on one rock, and you set King Abimelek, son of his Handmaid, over the Lords of Shekeem because he is your brother<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> and ye are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maid-servant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother-- <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> and ye are risen up this day against the house of my father, and have slain his sons, being seventy men, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech the son of his bondwoman king over the men of Sicima, because he is your brother: <a href="/parallel/judges/9-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2784" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Jotham's Parable</a> …17for my father fought for you and risked his life to deliver you from the hand of Midian, 18<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tem (Conj-w:: Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">but you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qam·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">have risen up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">this day</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: wat·ta·har·ḡū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2mp) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">and killed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7657.htm" title="7657: šiḇ·‘îm (Number-cp) -- Seventy (a card. number). Multiple of sheba'; seventy.">his seventy</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāṯ (Number-fs) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">a single</a> <a href="/hebrew/68.htm" title="68: ’e·ḇen (N-fs) -- A stone. From the root of banah through the meaning to build; a stone.">stone,</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">and you have made Abimelech,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/519.htm" title="519: ’ă·mā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A maid, handmaid. Apparently a primitive word; a maid-servant or female slave.">of his maidservant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4427.htm" title="4427: wat·tam·lî·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to reign; inceptively, to ascend the throne; causatively, to induct into royalty; hence to take counsel.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">the leaders</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">is your brother—</a> 19if you have acted faithfully and honestly toward Jerubbaal and his house this day, then may you rejoice in Abimelech, and he in you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8</a> Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/2_samuel/11-14.htm">2 Samuel 11:14-15</a> The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. / In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” <a href="/1_kings/21-8.htm">1 Kings 21:8-13</a> Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” ... <a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a> His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. <a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a> A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. <a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20</a> Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter. <a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a> Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. <a href="/ezekiel/22-27.htm">Ezekiel 22:27</a> Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain. <a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Hosea 6:9</a> Like raiders who lie in ambush, so does a band of priests; they murder on the way to Shechem; surely they have committed atrocities. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a> For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” <a href="/luke/22-47.htm">Luke 22:47-48</a> While He was still speaking, a crowd arrived, led by the man called Judas, one of the Twelve. He approached Jesus to kiss Him. / But Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. <a href="/acts/7-52.htm">Acts 7:52</a> Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And you are risen up against my father's house this day, and have slain his sons, three score and ten persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;)are risen<a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Judges 9:5,6</a> 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… <a href="/judges/8-35.htm">Judges 8:35</a> Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.<a href="/psalms/109-4.htm">Psalm 109:4</a> For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.Abimelech<a href="/judges/9-6.htm">Judges 9:6,14</a> And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem… <a href="/judges/8-31.htm">Judges 8:31</a> And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-16.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-16.htm">House</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-14.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-14.htm">Maid-Servant</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/judges/8-13.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/8-19.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Threescore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/19-19.htm">Maidservant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm">Maid-Servant</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Persons</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/judges/9-54.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/judges/9-20.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-45.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/judges/9-53.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Threescore</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>but you have risen up against my father’s house this day This phrase highlights the betrayal and rebellion against Gideon's family. Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, was a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Midianite oppression. The "house" refers to his family lineage, which was expected to be respected and honored. The act of rising up against them signifies a grave violation of familial and societal norms in ancient Israel, where family loyalty was paramount.and killed his seventy sons on a single stone The murder of Gideon's seventy sons is a brutal act of fratricide, emphasizing the extent of Abimelech's ambition and ruthlessness. The "single stone" suggests a methodical and public execution, possibly as a sacrificial act or to make a statement of power. This event echoes the violence and chaos prevalent in the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). It also foreshadows the instability and moral decline that would lead to the demand for a monarchy in Israel.and you have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king Abimelech's rise to power is marked by illegitimacy, as he is the son of Gideon's concubine, not a legitimate wife. This detail underscores the tension between legitimate heirs and those of lower status, reflecting the complex social hierarchies of the time. Abimelech's kingship is not divinely appointed, contrasting with the later anointing of kings like Saul and David, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-appointed leadership.over the leaders of Shechem Shechem was a significant city in the tribal confederation of Israel, with historical and religious importance dating back to the time of Abraham. The leaders of Shechem's decision to support Abimelech indicates political motivations and alliances that were common in the tribal period. This alliance is strategic, as Shechem was a central location, but it also reveals the opportunistic nature of political power plays in ancient Israel.because he is your brother— The appeal to kinship is a powerful motivator in the ancient Near East, where family ties often dictated political alliances and social obligations. The leaders of Shechem support Abimelech not out of loyalty to Gideon's legacy but because of their shared familial connection. This highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the narrative, as well as the potential for familial relationships to be manipulated for personal gain.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) and his concubine from Shechem. He sought power and became king by killing his seventy brothers. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon (Jerubbaal)</a> A judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Midianite oppression. He had many sons, including Abimelech. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> An ancient city in the land of Canaan, significant in Israel's history. It was the place where Abimelech was made king. 4. <a href="/topical/s/seventy_sons_of_gideon.htm">Seventy Sons of Gideon</a> The legitimate sons of Gideon, who were murdered by Abimelech to secure his rule. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jotham.htm">Jotham</a> The youngest son of Gideon who escaped Abimelech's massacre and later cursed the people of Shechem and Abimelech.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition_and_power.htm">The Dangers of Ambition and Power</a> Abimelech's account warns against the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_betrayal.htm">Consequences of Betrayal</a> The betrayal of Gideon's family by the people of Shechem serves as a reminder that betrayal often leads to ruin and divine judgment. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a> The chaos and bloodshed resulting from Abimelech's rule underscore the need for leaders who fear God and uphold His commandments. <a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_prevails.htm">God's Justice Prevails</a> Despite human schemes, God's justice ultimately prevails, as seen in the eventual downfall of Abimelech and the Shechemites. <a href="/topical/f/family_and_legacy.htm">Family and Legacy</a> The tragic end of Gideon's family highlights the importance of leaving a godly legacy and the impact of family dynamics on future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a> <a href="/q/why_send_an_evil_spirit_in_judges_9_23.htm">Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_a_millstone_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does a millstone symbolize in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Threescore and ten persons.--See Note on. <a href="/judges/9-5.htm" title="And he went to his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being three score and ten persons, on one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.">Judges 9:5</a>.The son of his maidservant.--The term is intentionally contemptuous. It seems clear from <a href="/judges/8-31.htm" title="And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bore him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.">Judges 8:31</a>; <a href="/judges/9-1.htm" title="And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's brothers, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,">Judges 9:1</a>, that she was not a slave, but even of high birth among the Canaanites. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>but you וְאַתֶּ֞ם (wə·’at·tem) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you have risen up קַמְתֶּ֨ם (qam·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against my father's אָבִי֙ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father house בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house this day הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and killed וַתַּהַרְג֧וּ (wat·ta·har·ḡū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To smite with deadly intent his seventy שִׁבְעִ֥ים (šiḇ·‘îm) Number - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7657.htm">Strong's 7657: </a> Seventy (a cardinal number) sons בָּנָ֛יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against a single אֶחָ֑ת (’e·ḥāṯ) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first stone, אֶ֣בֶן (’e·ḇen) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_68.htm">Strong's 68: </a> A stone and you have made Abimelech, אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of his maidservant, אֲמָתוֹ֙ (’ă·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_519.htm">Strong's 519: </a> A maidservant, female slave king וַתַּמְלִ֜יכוּ (wat·tam·lî·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4427.htm">Strong's 4427: </a> To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the leaders בַּעֲלֵ֣י (ba·‘ă·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner of Shechem שְׁכֶ֔ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor because כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction he הֽוּא׃ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are is your brother? אֲחִיכֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥî·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-18.htm">Judges 9:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-18.htm">OT History: Judges 9:18 And you are risen up against my (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>