Abimelech Going to Ophrah - Judges 9:5

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.  And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him”, and in chapter nine and verse five of Judges, we learn how “he went unto his father's house at Ophrah” where we read,

And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, 

being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

The verse reads, “And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal,  …” The writer began with the words, “and he went unto his father’s house” which means “and he, Abimelech, left, departed and proceeded toward his, Abimelech’s, immediate male progenitor’s dwelling place, abode and habitation”, “at Ophrah” which means “in the city of Ophrah whose name means ‘fawn’ and was a place in Manasseh, native place of Gideon; probably located close to Shechem”, “and slew his brethren” or “and hit, beat, struck and killed his, Abimelech’s, male siblings” “the sons of Jerubbaal” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘let Baal contend’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal”. The writer shared how “Abimelech” departed toward his immediate male progenitor’s dwelling place located in the city of “Ophrah” and killed every one of his male siblings. 

The verse goes on to say, “… being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.” The writer continued with the words, “being threescore and ten persons” which means “existing as seventy human beings”, “upon one stone” or “on a single rock”: “notwithstanding yet Jotham” which means “however, nonetheless and moreover still Jotham whose name means ‘Jehovah is perfect’ and was” “the youngest son of Jerubbaal” or “the most youthful male offspring belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘let Baal contend’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal” “was left” which means “remained and continued”; “for he hid himself” or “because, since and on account that he, Jotham, withdrew and concealed his own self secretly”. The writer shared how “Abimelech” killed his seventy brothers on one rock, however, one son remained named “Jotham” who was the least in age of his brothers and was not killed because he concealed himself from the others. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Abimelek” and the men he “hired” killed his seventy brothers with the exception of “Jotham” who hid himself. What a horrible scene, and we should remember that while all this was going on, God knew what they were doing was sin and wrong. God is aware of our sinful acts and deeds as well, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us to understand that He is aware of all the nefarious deeds that are committed around the world, and He will deal with all of them. (See John 3:16:16:13; Acts 1:8; 15:18)

Next time we learn how “all the men of Shechem gathered together”, so read ahead …, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Seventy Pieces of Silver - Judges 9:4

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh” and in chapter nine and verse four of Judges, we learn how “they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith” where we read,

And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, 

wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

The verse reads, “And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith,  …” The writer began with the words, “and they gave him” which means “and they, the people of Shechem, granted, bestowed and provided to him, Abimelech”, “threescore and ten pieces of silver” which means “seventy silver metal ornaments or monies” “out of the house of Baalberith” or “”from the dwelling place and habitation belonging to Baalberith whose name means ‘lord of the covenant’ and was “a god of the Philistines”. The writer shared how the people of “Shechem” granted seventy silver monies from the dwelling place belonging to “Baalberith”.  

The verse continues, “… wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.” The writer aded the words, “wherewith Abimelech hired” which means “and with the use of the silver monies Abimelech whose name means ‘lord of the covenant’ temporarily purchased and obtained the services of” “vain and light persons” which means “empty, idle, worthless, reckless and frothy human beings” “which followed him” or “who went after and extended themselves toward him, Abimelech”. The writer shared how “Abimelech” obtained the service of human beings who were empty, idle, worthless and reckless, and they went after “Abimelech”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the people of “Shechem” got involved in “Abimelech’s” plan to be come the ruler of Israel. They provided “Abimelech” with seventy silver monies which he used to obtain the services of idle and reckless people who went after him. We shall see how he uses these people in our next verses, but for now, let us be mindful that nefarious acts are often performed by people who desire power and authority in this world. God knows that proclivity is within all of us, and when we surrender to His Son Jesus who died not the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Sprit within us to guide us into all truth and reveal the ideas of those who hate us and are opposed to God. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 5:8) 

Next time we learn how “all the men of Shechem gathered together”, so read ahead …, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Speaking to the Men of Shechem - Judges 9:3

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.…” and in chapter nine and verse three of Judges, we learn how, “his mother’s brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem” where we read,

And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.

The verse reads, “And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words:” The writer began with the words, “and his mother’s brethren spoke of him” which means “and his, Abimelech’s, brothers and family of his female progenitor made utterance speech, declaration and proclamation pertaining to him, Abimelech” “in the ears” or “within the physical ears for hearing” “of all the men” which means “pertaining to each, every and the whole of the male human beings” “of Shechem” or “belonging to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”, “all these words” which means “each, every and the whole of the utterances, declarations and sayings spoken by Abimelech”. The writer shared how the brothers and family of “Abimelech’s” mother complied with his request and made utterance according to his words within the physical “ears” of each and every one of the male human beings within “Shechem”. 

The verse goes on to say, “and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.” The writer continued with the words, “and their hearts” which means “and their, the men of Shechem’s, souls, minds and wills” “inclined to follow Abimelech” which means “stretched, extended and bent toward Abimelech whose name means "Melek is father" or "my father is king”: “for they said” or “because, since and on account that they uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “he is our brother” which means “he, Abimelech, exists as our male sibling”. The writer shared how the souls and minds of the people of “Shechem” were bent toward “Ahimelech” because he was their family and male sibling. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Abimelech’s” brothers talked about him with the other people within “Shechem”, and because their souls and minds were bent toward him and he was their relative, they extended themselves toward him. All of this happened because Israel once again turned away from Jehovah God, and God doesn’t want this for any of us. God loves us, and He proved His love toward us when He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Jesus rose from the dead after three days, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us to keep Him first in our live so scenarios like this one with “Abimelech” never need to happen to us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 6:33)

Next time learn how, “they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Speak to the Men of Shechem - Judges 9:2

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying …” and in chapter nine and verse two of Judges, we learn how Abimelech told his brothers and relatives, “Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem” where we read,

Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

The verse reads, “Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, …” The writer began with the words, “speak, I pray you” which means “declare, converse and talk I, Abimelech, entreat, beseech and beg you, brothers and family of Abimelech’s mother”, “in the ears” or “within the physical ears used for hearing” of all the men” which means “pertaining to each, every and the whole of the male human beings” “of Shechem” or “belonging to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”, “whether is better for you” which means “which exists as more pleasant, agreeable, appropriate and excellent on behalf of you, the brothers and family of Abimelech’s mother”, ”either that all the sons of Jerubbaal” or “in comparison that each, every and the whole of the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘contend with Baal” and was the name given to him by his father Joash who is also Gideon”, “which are threescore and ten persons” which means “who exist as seventy people”, “reign over you” “have dominion, govern and rule over you, Abimelech’s family”. The writer shared how “Abimelech” desired that his “mother’s” brothers commune with the male human beings within “Shechem” and ask theme whether is was more advantageous to them to have “Jerubbaal’s” seventy sons ruling over them or the following. 

The verse goes on to say, “… or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” The writer continued with the words, “or that one reign” which means “or to have one person have dominion, govern and rule” “over you” which means “above and in authority over you, the family of Abimelech’s mother”? “Remember also” or “recall and bring to mind even so and indeed” “that I am your bone and your flesh” which means “that I, Abimelech, exist as your, Abimelech’s brothers and family’s, essence, substance, limbs and body and lineage. The writer shared how “Abimelech” asked his mother’s brothers and family to consider whether it was more advantageous for them to have a single ruler, and they should recall that he was their “bone and flesh” or family. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how “Abimelech” is beginning to set himself up to be the ruler over the people of Israel. We shall see how his plan unfolds in our next verses, but for now, let us keep our minds on the fact that Jehovah God knew all of these tactics and plans. God works in the lives of people when they comply with Him and when they do not. Everyone who yields to His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth and give them the ability to see that God is at work even when it seems that people are making their own plans to rule. (See John 3:16:16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 11:15)

Next time learn how, “his mother's brethren spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Abimelech Went to Shechem - Judges 9:1

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side. Neither showed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had showed unto Israel.” and in chapter nine and verse one of Judges, we learn how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem” where we read,

And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren,

and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying … 

The verse reads, “And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, …” The writer began with the words, “and Abimelech” whose name means “"Melek is father" or "my father is king” “the son of Jerubbaal” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘contend with Baal’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father Joash” “went to Shechem” which means “departed and left to Shechem whose name means “back or shoulder” and was “a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria” “unto his mother’s brethren” or “to his, Abimelech’s, immediate female progenitor and ancestor’s brothers”. The writer shared how “Jerubbaal or Gideon’s” male offspring by his concubine named “Abimelech” departed to “Shechem” where the brothers of his “mother” were located.

The verse continues, “… and communed with them, and with all he family of the house of his mother’s father, saying ….” The writer added the words, “and communed with them” which means “and spoke, conversed and talked alongside his mother’s brothers”, “and with all the family” which means “and alongside each, every and the whole of the relatives” “of the house of his mother’s father” or “belonging to the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to his, Abimelech’s immediate female progenitor’s immediate male progenitor and ancestor or his grandfather on his mother’s side”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the words found in our next verse.. The writer shared how “Abimelech” talked with his “mother’s brothers” and everyone of his relatives who were part of the dwelling place of his “grandfather on his mother’s side” and said the words discovered in our next verse. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we notice not only that “Abimelech”, who was “Gideon’s” male progeny from his paramour, not only departed to “Shechem”, but he also went there to meet with his “mother’s” brothers and family. He spoke to them with words which we shall discover in our next verse. For now, let us agree that there was motive for “Abimelech” to make this move, and we should remember that God is not only watching over Israel at this time, but He also sees their turning away from Him again. God wants us to stay in fellowship with Him, and this relationship begins when we receive His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of us all, and when He rose from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us according to His plan and purpose for our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8: Revelation 4:11) 

Next time learn how Abimelech said, “Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

No Kindness to Gideon - Judges 8:35

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god. And the children of Israel remembered not the LORD their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side” and in chapter eight and verse thirty-five of Judges, we learn about the people of Israel, “neither showed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon” where we read,

Neither showed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon,

 according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.

The verse reads, “Neither showed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon,…” The writer began with the words, “neither showed they kindness” which means “no and not in any way did they, the children of Israel, fashion, accomplish or produce goodness, faithfulness or favor” “to the house of Jerubbaal” or “to the dwelling place, abode, habitation or family belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘let Baal contend’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal”, “namely” which means “whose given name by which he was called”, “Gideon” whose name means ‘hewer’ and was the youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites”. The writer shared how the people of “Israel” did not produce goodness and favor to “Jerubbaal” whose name was “Gideon” nor His household. 

The verse goes on to say, “… according to all the goodness which he had showed unto Israel.” The writer continued with the words, “according to all the goodness” which means “in keeping with each, every and the whole of the pleasantness, agreeableness, excellence and favor” “which he had showed” which means “that he, Gideon, fashioned, accomplished, produced and exhibited” “unto Israel” or “toward Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how the people of “Israel” did not extend to “Gideon” the same measure of pleasantness and favor that “Gideon” had provided to them. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Israel” did not provide the same measure of pleasantness and favor to “Gideon” and his family that he gave to them. Sometimes it seems this way for us as well, and it certainly was that way with Jesus as He extended His favor and love to everyone when He died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we make Jesus the priority of our lives and never neglect our relationship with Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Matthew 6:33)

Next time we begin a new chapter learn how, “Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".