Judges 9:15-21 – Jotham’s Curse
In Joshua 8, fulfilling God’s Word to Moses in Deuteronomy 27:12, Mount Gerizim was the place from which blessings Israel would receive if the nation kept covenant with the LORD were pronounced. Now, Mount Gerizim is the site of the pronouncement of a curse. In Jotham’s parable, when the trees choose the worthless bramble to be their king, the bramble declares “If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.”
Jotham declares that if the men of Shechem have made Abimelech king in good faith and integrity then they should rejoice in Abimelech and Abimelech should rejoice in them. However, if they have not done so with integrity, then may they destroy one another. In making this pronouncement, Jotham points out that they have not acted with integrity. Rather, Abimelech was made king out of selfish motives and it was accomplished through the murder and human sacrifice of the sons of the man who had led them in victory over their enemies. Thus, Jotham’s words are a curse. Because Abimelech and the men of Shechem have done wickedly, Jotham declares they will destroy one another. The rest of chapter nine shows that God heeded Jotham’s words and caused Abimelech and the men of Shechem to destroy one another.
Psalm 5:6 says of God “You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” God is not pleased when we fail to act with integrity. May our dealings with others be done with honesty and love of neighbor.
Questions
- Did Abimelech and his allies act with integrity?
- What did Jotham declare would be the result of their actions?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will help us to be honest and righteous in all our dealings.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.