Judges 9:24
*so that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on all the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers* (v.24).
Here we see the unfolding of divine justice in the aftermath of Abimelech’s brutal conspiracy to eliminate his siblings, the sons of Jerubbaal (whose other name is Gideon, a judge of Israel who led the people around 1160–1140 BC). By conspiring with the men of Shechem to slaughter Gideon’s sons, Abimelech secured both power and influence, yet this verse clarifies that God holds every participant accountable. In their collective treachery, Abimelech and the Shechemites brought upon themselves the very judgment they hoped to avoid, illustrating the principle that those who choose violence cannot escape the consequences of their actions (Matthew 26:52 NASB-95, though supporting verses are not italicized).
The reference to Shechem, an ancient city centrally located in the hill country of Ephraim, highlights its long history as a place of pivotal covenant decisions. In earlier times, it was at Shechem that Abram built an altar to the Lord near the oak of Moreh, marking a significant spiritual moment (Genesis 12:6–7 citeturn0file18). Later, as Israel inhabited the land, Shechem served as a gathering spot for reaffirming national covenants under Joshua. In Abimelech’s day (circa 1150 BC), the city’s leaders turned away from righteousness to support the murder of Gideon’s heirs, aligning themselves with Abimelech’s quest for power and, in so doing, sealing their own fate under God’s just hand.
This verse demonstrates the seriousness of shedding innocent blood—especially among one’s own people. It also shows that God’s judgment will ultimately expose and repay all wrongful deeds. Though Christ, in the New Testament, offers redemption and reconciliation for all who repent (Colossians 1:13–14 NASB-95), this passage from Judges reminds us that unrepentant wrongdoing does not go unnoticed. God seeks justice for the innocent, holding transgressors accountable for their acts and ensuring that evil does not triumph forever.
God’s justice will eventually repay those who commit violence and betrayal.
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 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 5:19-23 meaning. In the final part of the song of Deborah and Barak, they continue to celebrate Israel's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The narrative shifts to a poetic description of the battle and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.
- Hosea 9:15-17 meaning. The LORD states that Israel’s bad leaders and wicked behavior will cause her to be dried up like a tree whose growth depends on a strong root system. Because of her wickedness, Israel will be exiled and wander among the nations.