Abimelech

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew ’Ăvîmelekh, “my father is king,” a name fitting his claim to rule.
• Period/Era: Old Testament — United Monarchy (pre-monarchic era of the Judges).
• Main References: Judges 9.
• Key Connections: Son of Gideon/Jerubbaal by a Shechemite concubine; allied with leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo; opposed by Jotham and the house of Gideon.

Who was Abimelech?

Abimelech was a son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) born to a concubine from Shechem.
He sought kingship in the hill country of Ephraim after Gideon’s death.
His rule was centered at Shechem and is presented as a violent usurpation.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Persuaded Shechem’s leaders to fund his rise and had his brothers killed at Ophrah, with only Jotham escaping (Judges 9:1–6).
• Event 2: Received Jotham’s parable and curse from Mount Gerizim, framing his reign as a warning about destructive leadership (Judges 9:7–21).
• Event 3: Lost control of Shechem and died during the assault on Thebez when a woman dropped an upper millstone on him (Judges 9:22–57).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Abimelech’s short reign illustrates how power gained through bloodshed can destabilize a community and end in public ruin.

Key Verse

"Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers." — Judges 9:56, ESV