Bible Commentary on Judges 9:56

Verse: "Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren."

Introduction

The narrative of Abimelech in Judges 9 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the pursuit of power through unethical means. In this particular verse, we see a divine reckoning for Abimelech's actions against his brothers. This commentary synthesizes insights from several public domain sources to provide clarity and depth to our understanding of this text.

Historical Context

• The Rise of Abimelech: Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to position himself as king after the death of his father. His brutal attempts to consolidate power included the infamous fratricide—killing his seventy brothers (Judges 9:5), which represents a significant moral and familial transgression that would have dire consequences.
• The Cycle of Sin in Judges: The book of Judges frequently highlights a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The actions of Abimelech are emblematic of this cycle, where sin leads to further moral decay and divine judgment.

Theological Implications

Divine Justice: Judges 9:56 specifically addresses the theme of divine justice. Commentary from Albert Barnes notes that God, in His righteousness, ensures that wicked deeds do not go unpunished. The reference to “rendering wickedness” indicates an active involvement of God in moral affairs and consequences. This verse serves to remind the faithful that God's justice is inevitable, and He will not overlook transgressions.

Retribution for Evil: Matthew Henry emphasizes the notion of retribution, stating that God certainly will visit the sins committed against His chosen. Abimelech’s actions against his family, driven by ambition and a lust for power, underscore the principle that God will right the wrongs perpetrated by those who harm others. This serves as a powerful warning against pursuing personal gain at the expense of others.

Moral Lessons

• Consequences of Ambition: The tale of Abimelech illustrates the destructiveness of unchecked ambition. The pursuit of power can lead to moral compromise and destructive actions, which ultimately invite divine judgment.
• Family and Community: The verse also alludes to the broader implications for family and community. Abimelech’s heinous act of murdering his own brothers speaks to the catastrophic effects of sin on familial bonds and communal integrity. Adam Clarke points out that personal sins often have communal repercussions, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.

Application for Today’s Believers

This verse calls for self-reflection among pastors, students, and theologians. How do we measure our ambitions against the moral compass set forth in scripture? In an age where ambition can drive individuals to unethical decisions, the faithful are reminded to seek God’s guidance in their pursuits.

Conclusion

Judges 9:56 encapsulates a central theme of the Biblical narrative: the consequences of wickedness. The insights from public domain commentators highlight the overarching principle of divine justice and the moral lessons that emerge from Abimelech's story. Believers are encouraged to pursue righteousness in their ambitions, recognizing that God observes our actions and will ultimately render justice.