‍Judges // The King We Need

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Judges 9:1-6

[1] Now Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's relatives and said to them and to the whole clan of his mother's family, [2] “Say in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Jerubbaal rule over you, or that one rule over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.”

[3] And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” [4] And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. [5] And he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. [6] And all the leaders of Shechem came together, and all Beth-millo, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem.

Judges 9:22-23

[22] Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. [23] And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech

Judges 9:52-55

[52] And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. [53] And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech's head and crushed his skull. [54] Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. [55] And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, everyone departed to his home.

Judges 9:56-57

[56] Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers. [57] And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.

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1. Families

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‍Judges 8:27

[27] And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.

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Remember, Gideon was Abimelech’s dad. So Abimelech grew up in this hypocritical, idol-worshiping family. What are some possible consequences when a family doesn’t make Christ the center of their home?

Why does this matter for the health of our society?

So as Jesus-followers, how should we be different with our family and our homes?

If you don’t have kids at home, how can you support the spiritual development of the next generation?

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2. Leadership

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‍Why is it so rare to see humble and godly leadership these days?

This question may seem random, but it is very practical and applicable: What role do you think the internet has played in twisting our view of leadership in America?

As Christians, how can we better look to and become godly leaders?

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3. Justice

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Biblical justice is conformity to God’s moral standard by pursuing what he deems right and holy.

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What are some ways we can pursue biblical justice in our society right now?

Why is it important to not have an overly pessimistic or negative tone when we talk about our society?

What’s one thing you can do to better engage with non-Christians around you?