Judges 9:48

Here we see how Abimelech, who was the son of Gideon and lived during the period of the Judges in the 12th century BC, led his followers in a destructive campaign against the citizens of Shechem. Scripture tells us: *So Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a branch from the trees, and lifted it and laid it on his shoulder. Then he said to the people who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do likewise.”* (v.48). Abimelech’s leadership style here is direct and forceful. He personally shows his men how to cut branches in order to set them against the stronghold they are attacking, prompting them to “do likewise.” This highlights his desire to make a strong and violent impression, using collective action to accomplish his ends. Although Abimelech was named king in Shechem (Judges 9:6), his reign was marked by cruelty and ambition rather than by God-honoring guidance. Shechem itself was an important city in the middle of Canaan, identified with the modern Tel Balatah, about forty miles north of Jerusalem. It lay at the pass between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, a terrain intended to bless God’s people when used according to His covenant, but misused here by Abimelech to consolidate power citeturn0file14.

When Abimelech cuts down the branch, placing it on his shoulder, he sets the example of destruction for his men, literally carrying the instrument of ruin on his back. At a deeper level, we see a man guided by ambition and vengeance rather than humble obedience to the Lord. Shechem, the very place where Abraham once built an altar to God (Genesis 12:6-7), is now the scene of militant aggression. Abimelech not only rallied troops to attack but personally showed them what to do. In contrast to faithful leaders like Moses or Gideon, who saw themselves as instruments of God’s deliverance, Abimelech’s actions reveal a self-serving mindset that leads to oppression and misuse of authority (Judges 9:22-57).

Spiritually, this verse shows how someone endowed with opportunity—Abimelech was Gideon’s son, after all—could nonetheless pursue a course driven by pride rather than reliance on God. His ruthless behavior foreshadows his eventual downfall at the hands of a woman who drops a millstone on him (Judges 9:53-54). In the larger biblical story, God desires leaders who shepherd His people in righteousness, pointing us ultimately to Jesus Christ, the righteous King who uses His power to serve and save (Mark 10:45 NASB-95). In stark contrast, Abimelech’s destructive display from Mount Zalmon highlights humanity’s need for a leader characterized by humility and godly compassion rather than force and brutality.

Abimelech’s destructive example at Mount Zalmon reminds us that violence born from pride results in ruin for everyone involved.