Judges 9:22-25 – The LORD Sows Dissent
Today, we see Jotham’s curse begin to take effect. God was pleased to cause Abimelech and the men of Shechem to be His instrument of destruction, each for the other. He begins by sending an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. Whether this means a demonic spirit, specifically, or, more generally, a mood of suspicion and distrust is unclear. What is clear is that, by the LORD’s providence, when Abimelech has ruled three years in Israel, he and the men who made him king have a falling out. The leaders of Shechem send men into the mountains to rob everyone who pass by. No doubt this disrupts commerce that is enriching Abimelech, but it also likely sows discontent among the people. Why is Abimelech not keeping order in the land? Would not a good king be able to keep his people secure as they travel? Abimelech learns of what the Shechemites are doing, and thus the alliance which brought him to kingship begins to fall apart.
It is important to note that these circumstances are ordained by God. Verse 24 makes it clear that this is God’s judgment on Abimelech for the murder of his brothers and on the men of Shechem for giving him the support that made the murder possible. Once again, we see that God is Sovereign. He is in control of all events to such a degree that even the sinful motives and actions of mankind are used for His good purposes. God is not the Author of sin, but He sinlessly uses even the wickedness of man to carry out His plan.
We can take great comfort in knowing that our faithful God is in control, causing even the great evils mankind commits to work for the good of His people.
Questions
- How did God begin to bring about Jotham’s curse?
- Why did God do this?
- When God uses the sinful desires of men to bring about His plan, does that make God the Author of sin?
Prayer Points
- Praise God for His sinless use of sin.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.