From Abimelech to Jephthah

Intro: This study covers Judges chapters 9-12, focusing on the rise and fall of Abimelech, the leadership of lesser-known judges Tola and Jair, and the story of Jephthah's leadership and his tragic vow. This section of Judges is filled with themes of leadership, ambition, conflict, faith, and the consequences of personal and national decisions.

I. Abimelech's Ambition and Downfall - Judges 9:1–57

1. Background of Abimelech (Judges 9:1-6)

Abimelech was one of the many sons of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), born to him by a concubine in Shechem. His mother was not a legitimate wife, which placed Abimelech in a different social standing compared to Gideon's other sons. This background played a key role in shaping his ambition and desire for power.

Son of a Concubine

Abimelech's mother being a concubine meant that he did not have the same rights or status as the sons born to Gideon's wives. He was likely marginalized within his own family and by society. This sense of exclusion may have fueled his ambition to secure a position of authority.

Connection to Shechem

Abimelech's mother was from Shechem, and he used this connection to gain support from the leaders of Shechem. Shechem was an important city in Israel, and its leaders were willing to back Abimelech, as he was one of their own.

Ambition for Power

Unlike his father, Gideon, who refused to establish a hereditary kingship, Abimelech sought power for himself. He convinced the leaders of Shechem to support him in his bid for leadership, arguing that it would be better for them to have one ruler (himself) rather than all seventy of Gideon's sons.

Murder of His Brothers

To secure his position, Abimelech orchestrated the brutal murder of 70 of his half-brothers, killing all but one (Jotham, who escaped). This act of fratricide established Abimelech as a ruthless figure willing to eliminate anyone who stood in his way.

Before coming to power, Abimelech was driven by ambition, used his Shechemite heritage to gain support, and demonstrated a willingness to resort to extreme measures to seize control. His rise to power was marked by violence and treachery, setting the stage for his short and troubled rule.

2. Abimelech's Tyrannical Rule (Judges 9:7-21)

After Abimelech seizes power by killing 70 of his half-brothers, Jotham, the only surviving son of Gideon, delivers a parable and prophecy from Mount Gerizim, condemning Abimelech's rule and warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their choice.

A. Jotham's Parable of the Trees (Judges 9:7-15)

The Parable

Jotham tells a parable in which the trees seek a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine all refuse, preferring to serve their true purposes. Eventually, the trees crown the thornbush (bramble) as their king, even though it provides no shade and can easily cause harm.

Meaning

The noble trees represent leaders who rightly reject the role of king, while the thornbush (representing Abimelech) symbolizes a destructive leader who offers nothing of value but brings danger and destruction. Jotham uses this parable to criticize the people of Shechem for choosing such a worthless and harmful leader.

B. Jotham's Prophecy (Judges 9:16-21)

Warning to Shechem

Jotham warns that if Abimelech's rise to power and his violence toward his brothers was done in good faith, the Shechemites would prosper. However, if their support of Abimelech was unjust, a curse would come upon both Abimelech and the people of Shechem.

Prophecy of Mutual Destruction

Jotham prophesies that fire will come out from Abimelech and destroy Shechem, and fire will come from Shechem to destroy Abimelech. This foreshadows the eventual self-destruction of Abimelech's reign and the ruin of those who supported him.

Tyranny and Consequences

Abimelech's rule, symbolized by the thornbush in Jotham's parable, was marked by violence and treachery. He betrayed the trust of both his family and the people of Shechem, and Jotham's prophecy foretells the inevitable collapse of his leadership through internal conflict and divine judgment.

This section serves as a pivotal warning about the dangers of choosing corrupt, power-hungry leaders and foreshadows the downfall of Abimelech and his supporters.

3. Abimelech's Fall (Judges 9:22-57)

Abimelech's downfall is a story of betrayal, internal conflict, and divine judgment. After ruling Israel for three years, tension arises between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, leading to a series of violent events that ultimately result in his demise.

A. Divine Judgment Begins (Judges 9:22-24)

God's Intervention: After three years of Abimelech's reign, God sends an evil spirit to create discord between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. This was a form of divine judgment for the murder of Gideon's 70 sons. The Shechemites, who once supported Abimelech, now turn against him.

B. The Revolt of Shechem (Judges 9:25-41)

Leaders Turn Against Abimelech

The leaders of Shechem set ambushes for Abimelech's men and begin to undermine his rule.

Enter Gaal

Gaal, a new leader in Shechem, begins to rally the people against Abimelech. He insults Abimelech and challenges his authority.

Abimelech Strikes Back

Zebul, the ruler of the city under Abimelech, informs him of Gaal's plot. Abimelech sets an ambush and defeats Gaal and his followers, retaking control of Shechem.

C. Destruction of Shechem (Judges 9:42-49)

Abimelech's Revenge

After defeating Gaal, Abimelech turns his wrath on Shechem. He attacks the city, kills its inhabitants, and razes it to the ground.

The Tower of Shechem

Many Shechemites take refuge in the Tower of Shechem, but Abimelech sets it on fire, killing about 1,000 men and women. This fulfills Jotham's prophecy that fire would come from Abimelech and destroy Shechem (Judges 9:20).

D. Abimelech's Death (Judges 9:50-57)

Attack on Thebez

Abimelech then turns his attention to the nearby city of Thebez. As he besieges the city, the people take refuge in a strong tower.

Abimelech's Fatal Injury

As Abimelech approaches the tower to set it on fire, a woman drops a millstone on his head, severely injuring him.

Abimelech's Death

Mortally wounded, Abimelech commands his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword, so that he would not die at the hands of a woman. His servant does so, and Abimelech dies.

Divine Retribution

The passage concludes by stating that God repaid Abimelech and the men of Shechem for their wickedness, fulfilling Jotham's curse. Abimelech's violent rise and equally violent fall serve as divine justice for the massacre of his brothers.

Abimelech's life and fall serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition, violence, and betrayal, as well as the inevitable justice that comes from God.

II. Tola and Jair: Unsung Heroes – Judges 10:1-5

Following the violent reign and downfall of Abimelech, the biblical narrative briefly shifts to two lesser-known judges, Tola and Jair, who brought stability and peace to Israel for a combined 45 years. These judges are often considered "unsung heroes" because their stories lack the dramatic military conquests of other judges, yet their leadership provided much-needed respite for the nation.

1. Tola (Judges 10:1-2)

• Background: Tola, the son of Puah and a member of the tribe of Issachar, arose to save Israel after Abimelech's destructive rule. He lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, where he served as a judge for 23 years.
• Role: While the text does not detail any specific battles or acts of deliverance, Tola's leadership is described as one of restoration and stability, likely addressing the internal turmoil that followed Abimelech's rule.
• Death: After 23 years of judging Israel, Tola died and was buried in Shamir.

2. Jair (Judges 10:3-5)

• Background: Jair, from Gilead, became the next judge of Israel, ruling for 22 years.
• Role: Similar to Tola, Jair's leadership is not associated with major conflicts, but the text highlights his influence and prosperity. He had 30 sons who rode on 30 donkeys, and they governed 30 towns in Gilead, known as "Havvoth Jair" (meaning "the settlements of Jair").
• Death: Jair served as a judge for 22 years before his death and was buried in Kamon.

Tola and Jair may not have led Israel through dramatic battles, but their faithful and stable leadership were vital in maintaining peace and ensuring the continued governance of the nation during difficult times. Their stories remind us of the importance of everyday faithfulness and leadership, even when it doesn't involve grand acts of heroism.

III. Jephthah: The Outcast Judge - Judges 10:6-11:28

In Judges 10:6-16, Israel falls into a recurring cycle of sin, idolatry, and repentance, which leads to their oppression and eventual cry for deliverance.

1. Israel's Apostasy (Judges 10:6)

Worship of Foreign Gods

Once again, the Israelites turn away from God and worship the gods of the surrounding nations, including the Baals, Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines. This marks a deepening of their idolatry, as they embrace multiple foreign deities instead of worshiping the Lord.

Forsaking the Lord

In their apostasy, the Israelites abandon God completely, forgetting His covenant and the deliverance He had provided in the past.

2. God's Response: Oppression (Judges 10:7-9)

God's Anger

In response to their unfaithfulness, God's anger burns against Israel. He allows them to fall under the oppression of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who crush and oppress them for 18 years.

Severe Oppression

The oppression is especially severe in the eastern tribes, particularly in Gilead, but also affects all of Israel, bringing widespread suffering and humiliation.

3. Israel's Cry for Help (Judges 10:10-14)

Confession and Cry for Deliverance

In their distress, the Israelites cry out to God, confessing that they have sinned by forsaking Him and worshiping foreign gods. However, their repentance is not immediately accepted by God.

God's Rejection

God reminds them of all the times He delivered them from oppression in the past, from Egypt, the Amorites, and other enemies. This time, He tells them to go and cry out to the gods they have chosen to serve, rejecting their initial plea for help.

4. Israel's Genuine Repentance (Judges 10:15-16)

Sincere Repentance

Israel responds with genuine repentance, admitting their sin and expressing willingness to accept whatever punishment God deems fit, as long as He delivers them. They remove the foreign gods from their midst and turn back to the Lord.

God's Compassion

Moved by their genuine repentance and suffering, God becomes impatient with their misery and begins to prepare for their deliverance, even though His response is not immediate.

God's Justice and Mercy

This passage illustrates the balance between God's justice (in allowing Israel to suffer for their sin) and His mercy (in ultimately being moved by their suffering and repentance).

This section underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God and the need for sincere repentance when we stray from Him. It also reveals God's patience and willingness to deliver His people, even after repeated failures.

5. The Gathering of Armies (Judges 10:17-18)

Ammonites Prepare for War

The Ammonites, who had been oppressing the Israelites east of the Jordan, mobilize their forces and camp in Gilead, ready for battle. This intensifies the situation, as the threat of conflict is now imminent.

Israel's Response

The Israelites gather in Mizpah, ready to face the Ammonite threat. They are united in their desperation to defend themselves, but they lack a clear leader to guide them in battle.

A. The Call for a Leader

Leadership Crisis

The Israelites, specifically the leaders of Gilead, realize they need a capable leader to confront the Ammonites. They ask, "Who will begin to fight against the sons of Ammon?" This question reveals their uncertainty and need for strong, decisive leadership.

Offer of Leadership

The leaders of Gilead declare that whoever steps up to lead them in battle against the Ammonites will be made "head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." This promise of leadership over the region shows their desperation and willingness to follow anyone who can deliver them from their oppressors.

B. Significance of the Passage

1. Desperation for a Deliverer: The Israelites' leadership vacuum highlights the ongoing theme in the book of Judges, where Israel repeatedly falls into cycles of sin, oppression, and eventual deliverance by an unlikely leader. Their call for a leader demonstrates the desperation of the people, who are in need of someone to save them from the Ammonite threat, just as they had been saved by previous judges.
2. Foreshadowing Jephthah's Rise: These verses set the stage for Jephthah's emergence as the leader and judge of Israel. In the following chapter (Judges 11), Jephthah, an outcast and skilled warrior, will be approached by the leaders of Gilead to become their military leader. The offer to make the leader "head" over Gilead foreshadows Jephthah's unlikely rise to power, despite his troubled background.
3. The Importance of Leadership in Times of Crisis: The passage underscores the significance of leadership in times of national crisis. Israel's success or failure often hinges on the presence of a strong, God-appointed leader.

Conclusion

Judges 10:17-18 marks a critical moment of transition, where Israel is on the brink of war and in desperate need of a deliverer. It highlights the importance of strong leadership and sets the stage for Jephthah's rise, showing that God can use unexpected individuals to lead His people in times of crisis. The passage emphasizes that in moments of desperation, the right leadership can change the course of a nation's history.

IV. Summary of Jephthah's Background (Judges 11:1-3)

Jephthah is introduced in Judges 11 as a complex and unlikely leader who rises from rejection to become Israel's deliverer.

1. Illegitimate Son of Gilead (Judges 11:1)

Jephthah's Birth

Jephthah is described as a "mighty warrior" from Gilead, but he is the son of a prostitute. His father, Gilead, had other sons with his legitimate wife, making Jephthah's position in the family socially complicated and less secure.

Reputation as a Warrior

Despite his disadvantaged background, Jephthah is known for his fighting abilities, which later play a crucial role in his rise to leadership.

2. Rejection by His Brothers (Judges 11:2)

Inheritance Dispute

When Gilead's legitimate sons grow up, they drive Jephthah out of the family, telling him that he has no share in the inheritance due to his illegitimate birth. This rejection forces Jephthah to leave his home and live in exile.

3. Life in Exile (Judges 11:3)

Life in Tob

Jephthah flees to the land of Tob, where he gathers a band of "worthless" men around him. He becomes the leader of this group, essentially forming a band of mercenaries or outlaws.

Reputation Grows

During his time in exile, Jephthah's reputation as a skilled warrior and leader grows, setting the stage for his eventual call to leadership when the Israelites face a new threat.

4. Summary of Jephthah's Leadership (Judges 11:4-28)

In Judges 11:4-28, Jephthah, a previously outcast warrior, is called upon to lead the Israelites in their conflict against the Ammonites. This section focuses on Jephthah's negotiation with both the leaders of Gilead and the Ammonite king, displaying his leadership skills, knowledge of Israel's history, and attempts to avoid conflict through diplomacy.

A. The Elders of Gilead Call Jephthah (Judges 11:4-11)

The Ammonite Threat

The Ammonites wage war against Israel, and the leaders of Gilead are desperate for a leader to fight for them.

Jephthah's Return

Remembering Jephthah's reputation as a mighty warrior, the elders of Gilead seek him out in the land of Tob, where he had been living after being driven away by his brothers.

Jephthah's Conditions

Initially, Jephthah is hesitant, reminding the elders that they had previously rejected him. However, the elders agree to make him the head of Gilead if he leads them to victory.

Jephthah's Leadership Confirmed

Jephthah agrees and returns to Gilead, where the people make him their leader. He solidifies his role by making a vow before the Lord in Mizpah.

B. Jephthah's Diplomatic Negotiation (Judges 11:12-28)

Jephthah's Diplomacy

Before engaging in battle, Jephthah sends messengers to the king of the Ammonites, seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He asks the Ammonite king why they are attacking Israel.

The Ammonite King's Claim

The king of Ammon responds by claiming that Israel took their land when they came up from Egypt and demands its return.

Jephthah's Historical Rebuttal

Jephthah refutes the Ammonite claim by recounting Israel's history. He explains that when Israel came up from Egypt, they did not take land from Ammon, Moab, or Edom. Instead, Israel had taken the land from the Amorites, who had refused them passage and attacked them. Jephthah emphasizes that this land was given to Israel by God.

Appeal to God

Jephthah concludes by stating that the Lord, the true Judge, will decide the outcome of this dispute. He refuses to return the land, as it was given to Israel by God.

Rejection of Diplomacy

Despite Jephthah's efforts to avoid war through negotiation, the king of Ammon rejects his message, leading to the inevitable conflict.

Key Observations

Jephthah's Diplomatic Skill

Before resorting to war, Jephthah tries to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. His knowledge of Israel's history and his appeal to both reason and faith demonstrate his wisdom and leadership.

Leadership Confirmed by God

Jephthah's rise from an outcast to the leader of Gilead reflects a common biblical theme of God using unlikely individuals to lead His people. His leadership is not only recognized by the people but also affirmed through his vow to the Lord.

God's Role as Judge

By appealing to God as the ultimate judge of the land dispute, Jephthah shows his reliance on divine authority rather than solely on his military prowess.

Conclusion

In Judges 11:4-28, Jephthah demonstrates strong leadership by negotiating with both the elders of Gilead and the Ammonite king. His detailed knowledge of Israel's history and his appeal to God's authority as the final judge reveal him as a capable and God-fearing leader. Despite his diplomatic efforts, the Ammonite king's rejection of peace leads to the impending battle, setting the stage for Jephthah's military leadership.

5. Summary of Jephthah's Tragic Vow (Judges 11:29 – 40)

In Judges 11:29-40, Jephthah, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, leads Israel to victory over the Ammonites. However, the story takes a tragic turn due to a rash vow Jephthah makes before the battle.

A. Jephthah's Vow (Judges 11:29-31)

Empowered by God

The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jephthah, giving him the strength and guidance to lead Israel in battle against the Ammonites.

The Vow

Before going into battle, Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord, promising that if God grants him victory, he will sacrifice as a burnt offering whatever comes out of his house to greet him upon his return.

B. Jephthah's Victory (Judges 11:32-33)

Defeating the Ammonites

God delivers the Ammonites into Jephthah's hands, and Israel wins a decisive victory. Jephthah defeats the Ammonites across multiple cities, securing peace for Israel.

C. The Fulfillment of the Vow (Judges 11:34-35)

The Tragic Encounter

When Jephthah returns home to Mizpah, his only daughter comes out to greet him, dancing with tambourines in celebration of his victory. She is the first to emerge from the house, which means she is the one bound by his vow.

Jephthah's Grief

Realizing the implications of his rash vow, Jephthah tears his clothes in anguish. He tells his daughter that he cannot break his vow to the Lord, despite the deep sorrow it brings him.

D. Jephthah's Daughter's Response (Judges 11:36-40)

Her Acceptance

Jephthah's daughter accepts her fate with grace, acknowledging the vow made to God. She requests two months to go into the mountains to mourn her virginity with her friends, as she will die without marrying or having children.

The Fulfillment of the Vow

After two months, Jephthah fulfills his vow. Although the text does not explicitly describe her death, the context strongly suggests that Jephthah follows through with his promise, sacrificing his daughter (some scholars suggest that she was not killed but sacrificed her opportunity to ever marry and have children).

A Lasting Memorial

The event becomes a tradition in Israel, where the daughters of Israel annually commemorate the daughter of Jephthah for four days each year.

V. Conflict with Ephraim and Three Minor Judges (Judges 12:1-15)

1. Conflict Between Jephthah and Ephraim (Judges 12:1-6)

Ephraim's Complaint (Judges 12:1)

After Jephthah's victory over the Ammonites, the tribe of Ephraim confronts him angrily. They complain that Jephthah did not invite them to join the battle and threaten to burn his house down with him inside.

Jephthah's Defense (Judges 12:2-3)

Jephthah defends himself by explaining that he had indeed called for Ephraim's help, but they did not respond. He points out that he took matters into his own hands, trusting the Lord for victory. Jephthah then challenges the Ephraimites for unjustly criticizing him after God granted Israel victory.

Battle with Ephraim (Judges 12:4-6)

Tensions escalate, and a civil war breaks out between the Gileadites (Jephthah's people) and the Ephraimites. The Gileadites defeat Ephraim. To prevent Ephraimites from escaping, the Gileadites control the Jordan River fords, asking each man who tries to cross to say the word "Shibboleth." The Ephraimites, unable to pronounce the word correctly, are identified and killed. A total of 42,000 Ephraimites die in the conflict.

2. Jephthah's Leadership and Death (Judges 12:7)

Jephthah judges Israel for six years after the battle with Ephraim. Afterward, he dies and is buried in his hometown in Gilead.

3. Three Minor Judges (Judges 12:8-15)

Ibzan (Judges 12:8-10)

• Role: Ibzan of Bethlehem judges Israel for seven years.
• Family: He has 30 sons and 30 daughters, marrying them off outside his clan, suggesting he maintained extensive relationships across Israel.
• Death: Ibzan dies and is buried in Bethlehem.

Elon (Judges 12:11-12)

• Role: Elon the Zebulunite judges Israel for ten years.
• Death: He dies and is buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.

Abdon (Judges 12:13-15)

• Role: Abdon the son of Hillel, from Pirathon, judges Israel for eight years.
• Family: He has 40 sons and 30 grandsons, who ride on 70 donkeys, indicating wealth and influence.
• Death: Abdon dies and is buried in Pirathon in the hill country of Ephraim.

Conclusion

Judges 12:1-15 demonstrates the recurring theme of internal conflict within Israel, alongside periods of peace under different judges. Jephthah's leadership, while effective in delivering Israel from external enemies, ends in civil war, reflecting the deep divisions in Israel at the time. The rule of the three minor judges signals a brief period of peace and stability following this conflict.

Lessons

1. Great success easily breeds pride, jealousy and division.

The conflict between Jephthah and the tribe of Ephraim (Judges 12:1-6) highlights how pride and jealousy can lead to unnecessary division and conflict within a community. Instead of celebrating Jephthah's victory over the Ammonites, the tribe of Ephraim allowed their pride and jealousy to provoke a civil war, resulting in the death of 42,000 Israelites.

2. The result of great leadership is not size or success, but peace.

The minor judges (Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon) did not engage in dramatic battles or make extraordinary decisions, yet their leadership provided stability and peace in Israel (Judges 12:8-15). Their faithful and steady governance over Israel shows that sometimes the greatest impact comes from quiet, consistent leadership rather than grand, public achievements.