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".