Judges 9:22

When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,

When Abimelech had reigned three years. His reign did not probably at first extend beyond Shechem; but by stealthy and progressive encoachments he subjected some of the neighbouring towns to his away. None could 'reign' in Israel except by rebellious usurpation; and hence, the reign of Abimelech is expressed in the original by a word signifying 'despotism;' not that which describes the mild and divinely-authorized rule of the judge.