TITLE: Abimelech

TEXT: Judges 8:22-23; and 8:30-33

PROPOSITION: God keeps his promises and curses.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Plots

READING: Same

1. No king in Israel. All did what was right in their own eyes.

2. God keeps his promises.

3. HE ALSO KEEPS HIS CURSES!

THE PLOT

1. Gideon’s decision and error 22-27

   1. Took gold, made an ephod

   2. People used it as an idol – worshiped the garment

2. Lived away from Shechem - at Ophrah.

3. Abinelech had his 70 brothers killed so he can be king.

THE PROTEST - THE PARABLE

1. Jotham’s parable of the trees seeking a king. 9:7-15

2. He reigned for 3 years. 9:22

THE PLANS

1. Shechem sought to overthrow him. 22-24

2. All who killed his brothers in idol temple.

3. Cut branches - burned all men inside. (1,000 men and women)

4. Another tower attacked - millstone on head - wounded.

5. Asked armor-bearer to kill him. Not die by a woman.

THE END

1. Abimelech is dead. His great plans are buried.

2. Judges 9:56-57 -
   A. God rendered wickedness on Abimelech.
   B. Wicked men were punished for their part.
   C.Upon them came the curse of Jotham. (9:20)

Lessons to learn:
A. Good things can become bad - Gideon’s ephod
B. Bad things can become evil - Abimelech killed his brothers
C. If not stopped - bad becomes worse.
D. God is still in control.