CONTENTS This chapter prosecutes the history of Israel, after the death of Gideon. Abimelech, the natural son of Gideon, usurps the government; slays all his brethren, except the youngest, who hid himself from him. His reign, did not, however, terminate according to his wishes, for his evil conduct... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how by iniquity, the plan is laid for obtaining the government. Here is no lawful right, no just claim, no call of God; and at the same time it is in direct opposition to his father ' s own promise. See Judges 8:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
Take notice, how the scheme was carried on. It began in man ' s ambition, unauthorized by God, and was kept up by bribes from an idol. Thus laid in sin; what can the end be but vanity and vexation of spirit? The wages of sin is death.... [ Continue Reading ]
See how the dreadful pursuit is marked. It is all written in blood. And to such a wretched state is Israel at this time, as a nation, reduced that instead of punishing, according to God's righteous law, the murderer, he is advanced with one voice to the throne. Oh, gracious God! how infinitely to be... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord, by his providence, had saved Jotham, from the general massacre of his brethren, and no doubt, the same gracious God, which had saved him from destruction, led him to make the declaration to the Shechemites, for there was much of a prophetic spirit in what he spake.... [ Continue Reading ]
It was a very favorite way in the Eastern world, to deliver weighty subjects by parable. And hence, in accommodation to this general mode of instruction, our adorable Redeemer chiefly delivered his precious discourses, under the cover of similitudes; so much so indeed, that at one time without a par... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing can be more evident, from the sequel of Abimelech's history, and which this chapter relates, than that there was a great deal of a prophetic spirit in this declaration of Jotham. The mutual destruction of Abimelech and the Shechemites, set forth this very strikingly.... [ Continue Reading ]
It was prudent to hasten away, when he had delivered his message in such faithfulness. How few are there that can be found faithful to God and souls!... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, it is not said that Abimelech governed Israel for their good, or that he was a blessing to the people, but that he reigned so long, perhaps in his own enjoyments.... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe, when the triumphs of the wicked begin to draw to an end, how we are taught to mark the Lord's hand in it. An evil spirit sowed dissention among them: but it was the Lord which sent this evil spirit. The Lord never wants instruments to accomplish the purposes of his own righteous will. It is... [ Continue Reading ]
One general observation runs through the whole of this history, and meets the Reader in every part of it: namely, that God's judgments, sooner or later, overtake the sinner. The Shechemites are first punished by the apparent victory of Abimelech, but this victory only becomes the prelude to the deat... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS WHILE I beg the Reader to reflect with me on the sad account of human sin and transgression which this chapter affords, I desire him no less to remark, how various the ways the Lord is pleased to adopt, to punish the sins of his people. Sometimes by the scourge of the enemy, and sometime... [ Continue Reading ]