Judges 9

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ScriptureJudges 9:56-57⁵⁶ Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. ⁵⁷ God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness.Observation - What does it say?As one of the most powerful judges of Israel, Gideon was requested to be king over Israel. But that wasn’t God’s desire for his people. So Gideon tells them that he won’t rule over them and neither will any of his sons, so they can get the idea out of their heads. But, after Gideon died, his son Abimelek played on the people’s desire for a king and asserted himself into that position. Not only was he not appointed by God to lead the people, but he secured the throne by killing all 70 of his brothers (except for one who escaped). Not only was Abimelek in the wrong, but the people of Shechem had turned away from God and began worshiping idols as soon as Gideon died.The majority of Judges 9 chronicles the bloodshed, death and destruction that came to both Abimelek and the people of Shechem. And these last verses in the chapter give reason for all of it: God was repaying them for their wickedness.Understanding - What does it mean?You reap what you sow. When you look around, it can seem like the wicked are prospering. And at times, it can feel like the people of God are struggling. I’m sure that’s how Abimelek’s brother Jotham felt when, as an innocent man, he was fleeing for his life while his murderer of a brother was being crowned king. It feels backward.  King David was deeply troubled as he observed the same thing happening in his lifetime:Psalm 73:12-14¹² This is what the wicked are like—    always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.¹³ Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure    and have washed my hands in innocence.¹⁴ All day long I have been afflicted,    and every morning brings new punishments.In that present moment the wicked prospered and David, who had strived to honor God, was being afflicted. But as David sought the Lord about it he had a moment of clarity:Psalm 73:16-17¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this,    it troubled me deeply¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary of God;    then I understood their final destiny.

The wicked may seem to prosper for a season, but in the end their wickedness will come back on their own heads. The apostle Paul reminded the Galatian church, “⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

Life ApplicationGalatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

God, give us strength to do what pleases you. Thank you for the reminder that the day will come when everyone will reap what they have sown. We want to continue to do good and to serve you well that we may reap a harvest. May our decisions always be made in light of eternity. Amen.

 

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- Levi Thompson