Judges 9:27
*They went out into the field and gathered the grapes of their vineyards and trod them, and held a festival; and they went into the house of their god, and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech.* (Judges 9:27)
In this verse, the people of Shechem venture out to harvest grapes at the time of vintage. The act of gathering and treading grapes was typically a joyful event associated with celebration in ancient Israel, as grapes were a precious commodity often used for wine and trade. Biblical law permitted gleaning for the needy (Deuteronomy 23:24), yet here the emphasis is on a harvest for themselves, carried out in the open fields. Their activity conveys a mood of festivity since they not only process the grapes but also go on to hold a lively gathering.
Once they have processed their harvest, they proceed into the house of their god. Archaeological and textual evidence shows that many Canaanite or pagan cultures worshiped deities of fertility and success, sometimes celebrating festivals connected to the harvest. In Israelite history, this reverence for false gods created conflict and led to spiritual compromise (Judges 2:11-13). Here, the Shechemites act in defiance toward Gideon’s son Abimelech, a self-declared ruler who had seized power violently just prior to this. By cursing Abimelech in their worship place, they not only show rebellion against his rule but also commit themselves to religious practices at odds with faithful allegiance to Israel’s true God.
Furthermore, their cursing of Abimelech underscores the tension and instability in the region. Abimelech was the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who served as a judge in Israel around 12th century BC. After Gideon’s death, Abimelech murdered his brothers to secure power (Judges 9:1-6). The Shechemites’ mocking and cursing of him reveal a deep hatred and rejection of his leadership. In a broader sense, this passage illustrates how quickly alliances formed by force can crumble and how worshiping false gods tied to local harvest festivals often drew people away from the path God had laid out in His covenant.
These actions demonstrate the tumultuous atmosphere of the time and the dangers of forsaking the Lord’s ways.
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:
- Leviticus 4:27-31 meaning. Sin offerings in the case of a common person committing a sin, where a female goat is the offering.
- Deuteronomy 1:9-15 meaning. Moses recounts the story of Israel’s journey from Mount Horeb (Sinai). He had the people choose wise and respected men and appointed them as leaders because the Israelites had become so numerous.
- Judges 3:15-25 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Ehud, a Benjamite, as a deliverer. Using a clever and daring strategy, Ehud assassinates Eglon, the oppressive king of Moab, motivating Israel’s return to the Lord.