Was Abimelech A Judge?

Who Was Abimelech?

Abimelech is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament. In the book of Judges, there are three individuals named Abimelech, each with a different story. The most well-known of these is the son of Gideon, who is also known as Jerubbaal.

Abimelech’s Story

In Judges 9, we read about Abimelech’s rise to power. After his father Gideon died, Abimelech convinced the leaders of Shechem to make him their king. He then proceeded to murder all of his brothers, except for Jotham, who escaped.

Was Abimelech a Judge?

Despite his rise to power, Abimelech is not considered a judge in the traditional sense. The book of Judges describes a period of time when Israel was ruled by a series of judges, who were appointed by God to deliver the people from their enemies. These judges included individuals such as Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

Abimelech’s Rule

Abimelech’s rule over Shechem was marked by violence and instability. After he had been king for three years, the people of Shechem rebelled against him. Abimelech responded by attacking the city and burning it to the ground. He then went on to attack other cities in the region.

Abimelech’s Death

Abimelech’s reign came to an end when a woman dropped a millstone on his head, fracturing his skull. Rather than being killed by a warrior in battle, as was often the case with the judges, Abimelech died at the hands of a woman.

Conclusion

In summary, Abimelech was not a judge in the traditional sense. While he did rule over a portion of Israel, his reign was marked by violence and instability. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking power at any cost.