Abimelech’s birth reveals the potential consequences of family decisions made outside God’s ideal structure.
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) This short verse introduces the birth of Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also called Jerubbaal), one of the most notable judges of Israel who lived around 1191-1151 BC. Though Gideon had numerous children, this statement highlights a son born from a concubine, which implies a less formal marital situation than a wife. The mention of Shechem, an ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, draws significance from its history in the book of Genesis, where it first appears as a place where Abraham built an altar to the Lord. Nestled to the north of Jerusalem in central Canaan, Shechem was strategically located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, places deeply intertwined with God’s covenant blessings and curses for Israel (Deuteronomy 27-28).
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) sets the stage for Abimelech’s future role, hinting at the complex relationships within Gideon’s family. Gideon, who courageously led Israel to victory against the Midianites (Judges 6-7), now sees the growth of his household through this concubine. In Old Testament culture, a child born of a concubine still belonged to the household and could inherit or lead if so designated. Abimelech’s name, meaning “my father is king,” is significant—though Gideon declined kingship, the name foreshadows Abimelech’s ambition to seize power in Israel, which unfolds tragically in subsequent chapters.
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) reveals a family tie that will alter the course of Israelite history. Abimelech steps onto the biblical stage with a lineage that roots him both in Gideon’s bloodline and the influential city of Shechem. While Gideon's influence aimed at leading Israel in faithfulness to God, Abimelech’s story later shows a very different path reflecting conflict and personal ambition (Judges 9). This background anticipates how imperfect individuals stand in need of God's redemptive plan, a theme ultimately culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24).
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Judges 8:31 meaning
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) This short verse introduces the birth of Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also called Jerubbaal), one of the most notable judges of Israel who lived around 1191-1151 BC. Though Gideon had numerous children, this statement highlights a son born from a concubine, which implies a less formal marital situation than a wife. The mention of Shechem, an ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, draws significance from its history in the book of Genesis, where it first appears as a place where Abraham built an altar to the Lord. Nestled to the north of Jerusalem in central Canaan, Shechem was strategically located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, places deeply intertwined with God’s covenant blessings and curses for Israel (Deuteronomy 27-28).
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) sets the stage for Abimelech’s future role, hinting at the complex relationships within Gideon’s family. Gideon, who courageously led Israel to victory against the Midianites (Judges 6-7), now sees the growth of his household through this concubine. In Old Testament culture, a child born of a concubine still belonged to the household and could inherit or lead if so designated. Abimelech’s name, meaning “my father is king,” is significant—though Gideon declined kingship, the name foreshadows Abimelech’s ambition to seize power in Israel, which unfolds tragically in subsequent chapters.
“His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.” (v.31) reveals a family tie that will alter the course of Israelite history. Abimelech steps onto the biblical stage with a lineage that roots him both in Gideon’s bloodline and the influential city of Shechem. While Gideon's influence aimed at leading Israel in faithfulness to God, Abimelech’s story later shows a very different path reflecting conflict and personal ambition (Judges 9). This background anticipates how imperfect individuals stand in need of God's redemptive plan, a theme ultimately culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24).