Jud 9:1-6. ABIMELECH IS MADE KING BY THE SHECHEMITES.
1. Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem--The idolatry which
had been stealthily creeping into Israel during the latter years of
Gideon was now openly professed; Shechem was wholly inhabited by its
adherents; at least, idolaters had the ascendency. Abimelech, one of
Gideon's numerous sons, was connected with that place. Ambitious of
sovereign power, and having plied successfully the arts of a demagogue
with his maternal relatives and friends, he acquired both the influence
and money by which he raised himself to a throne.
communed . . . with all the family of the house of his mother's
father--Here is a striking instance of the evils of polygamy--one son
has connections and interests totally alien to those of his brothers.
JFB.
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