Judges 9:7
In *“Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and called out and said to them, ‘Listen to me, O men of Shechem, that God may listen to you.’”* (v.7), Jotham is introduced as the lone surviving son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who lived during the period of the Judges in Israel’s history around the 12th century BC. By standing atop Mount Gerizim, a significant elevation near the city of Shechem, he takes a bold stance to address the people below. Mount Gerizim is located in the region of Samaria—north of Jerusalem—and overlooks Shechem, which served as a central gathering place for trade and governance in ancient Israel. Jotham’s voice from this vantage point both literally and symbolically rises above the region, delivering a warning from God to the newly unified people under the suspicious leadership that had just claimed authority in Shechem.
When *“he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim”* (v.7), Jotham chose a site long associated with blessing (Deuteronomy 27:12), a place where Israel had declared their commitment to the covenant with the LORD. By positioning himself on this mountain, Jotham underscores the serious covenantal dimensions of his message: *“Listen to me, O men of Shechem, that God may listen to you”* (v.7). He essentially reminds them that fidelity to God’s righteousness, and fair treatment of others, is directly connected to whether God will bless or curse them. His words echo the broader biblical principle that when leaders and people act in deceit, they invite judgment, while faithful obedience yields blessing (Galatians 6:7 NASB-95).
Jotham’s dramatic gesture also reveals how communication from God sometimes comes through unlikely instruments. As Gideon’s youngest son, his existence signified a challenge to the newly established rulers who had violently asserted power. In proclaiming, *“Listen to me, O men of Shechem”* (v.7), Jotham offers them an opportunity for repentance and reflection—invoking the name of God to impress upon them that their actions carry profound consequences. Throughout Scripture, from the ancient period of the Judges to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, warnings and promises of blessing are often entwined, urging recipients to heed God’s call and follow His ways (Luke 11:28 NASB-95).
This verse emphasizes God’s call to heed wise counsel and remain faithful to covenant promises.
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:
- Hosea 9:7-9 meaning. Hosea tells Israel that the time of judgment has arrived. It has come upon her because she has been hostile toward God’s prophets and has sunk very low in morals, even to the level of gross exploitation and murder, as evidenced by reference to a story from Judges.
- Amos 9:7-10 meaning. The Suzerain God dismisses Israel’s arrogance and false confidence in themselves and says that He will shake the sinners of His people and kill them by the sword.
- Genesis 2:7-9 meaning. God makes man from the dust of the ground and he becomes a living being. Man is placed in a beautiful garden with food, the tree of life, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.