Judges 9
Introduction
Judges 9 is one of the darkest chapters in the book of Judges. After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech murders seventy of his brothers and seizes power in Shechem through violence and manipulation. What follows is a tragic tale of betrayal, civil war, and self-destruction. The people choose a murderous tyrant as king instead of submitting to the Lord as their true King. This chapter warns us that when God’s people look to men instead of to God, the result is always chaos and ruin. As the main point of this series states, we want to be committed to God in a compromising culture. Being committed to God means looking to Jesus to be your King when everyone else looks to men. Every election feels like “the most important one,” but the most important election was when God chose to save you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
1) When We Remember Who Is Really King We Won’t Fall for Stupid Tricks (9:1-2)
Abimelech goes to his mother’s family in Shechem and convinces them to support him as king, asking, “Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one man rule over you?” (Judges 9:2). He acts as if someone must rule over them when God Himself is supposed to be their King. When we remember who is really King, we won’t fall for stupid political tricks or manipulative promises. Our King will never change (Hebrews 13:8). Elections matter because they affect many people, but we should never act as if they are the end of the world. Our ultimate hope and allegiance belong to the Lord alone (Psalm 146:3-5).
2) Faith in the Wrong People Kills Faith in God (9:3-6)
The men of Shechem choose Abimelech, fund his violent rise to power, and crown him king. Right now, Christians around the world must choose God in spite of their government. You cannot have a thriving culture when the foundations of biblical virtues are destroyed. When we put our faith in the wrong people — whether political leaders, cultural icons, or even religious figures — it eventually kills our faith in God. No human ruler can replace the Lord as King (1 Samuel 8:7; Psalm 118:8-9).
3) Virtuous Culture Is Built on Faith in the God of the Bible (9:38-45)
The story turns tragic as Abimelech destroys the city of Shechem and sows it with salt. God’s people had completely lost their way. Those on the left lose their way when they deny the God who created them. Those on the right lose their way when they look to men to do what only God can do. A virtuous culture can only be built on faith in the God of the Bible. When that foundation is removed, chaos and destruction follow (Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 33:12).
4) When It Feels Like the Good Guys Are Losing, Trust God’s Justice (9:56-57)
In the end, God repays Abimelech and the men of Shechem for all their wickedness. The chapter closes with the clear statement that God repaid them for their evil. I don’t know who will rule our government ten years from now, but I know God will rule my life from now until forever. When it feels like the good guys are losing, trust God’s justice. He sees everything, and He will make all things right in His perfect time (Romans 12:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
Application
Being committed to God in a compromising culture means looking to Jesus to be your King when everyone else looks to men. Prideful thinking leads to destruction, but humble trust in the Lord leads to life.
Examine your heart: Where are you placing your hope — in political leaders, cultural trends, or your own plans? Remember that the most important election was when God chose you in Christ before the foundation of the world. Let that truth free you from fear and from putting ultimate trust in any human ruler.
Fear God, not man. Build your life and your family on the unchanging foundation of Scripture. When evil seems to be winning, trust God’s justice. And above all, make Jesus your King — not just in theory, but in daily surrender and obedience.
Small Group Questions
· How much does your family worry about who wins elections? Why do you think that is?
· What is the proper relationship between God and government for a Christian?
· How should Christians act when someone evil is in power over them?
· How should Christians act when someone good is in power over them?
For Further Study
Read Judges 9 alongside 1 Samuel 8:4-9 to see the danger of demanding a human king instead of trusting God as King.
Study Romans 13:1-7 and Acts 5:29 to understand the balance between honoring government and obeying God above all.
Meditate on Psalm 146:3-5 and Proverbs 21:1 to be reminded that our ultimate trust belongs to the Lord, not to human rulers.
