Judges 8:31
*“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 NASB-95).
*“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 NASB-95), 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 NASB-95). 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 NASB-95).
Abimelech’s birth reveals the potential consequences of family decisions made outside God’s ideal structure.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 5:6-8 meaning. The second segment of the song to the Lord in Judges 5 reflects the turmoil and oppression that Israel faced before the victory led by Deborah and Barak. The people had been living in fear and desolation. Yet, through Deborah’s faithfulness, God began to restore Israel, leading to the defeat of their enemies.
- Judges 5:28-31 meaning. In the final verse of Deborah and Barak’s song, we witness a stark contrast between the vain expectations of Sisera’s mother and the actual fate of Israel’s enemies. Ultimately, the passage concludes with a prayerful declaration that all of God’s enemies should perish, while those who love Him shine like the rising sun.
- Deuteronomy 17:8-13 meaning. Moses advises local judges to appeal to the Levitical priests or to the judge in office at the central sanctuary in order to seek guidance when some cases seem too difficult for them to handle.