Deeper Life Youth Search The Scripture Manual For August 17, 2025, Lesson 174: Title - The Conspiracy Of Abimelech

 Deeper Life Youth Search The Scripture Manual For August 17, 2025, Lesson 174: Title - The Conspiracy Of Abimelech

YOUTH STS

LESSON 174

THE CONSPIRACY OF ABIMELECH 

TEXT: Judges 9:1-57

MEMORY VERSE: “And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies” (Judges 9:34).

Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal in our study today plotted on how he would rule the children of Israel contrary to the father’s decision. “And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23). His plot and strategies to rule by all means led him to kill seventy sons of Gideon who were his brothers. This is a story of a desperate desire for power at the expense of basic reasoning and godly precepts.

Question 1: In what ways do youths today display the attitude of Abimelech?

In our schools and churches today, there are many who exalt leadership position, fame and popularity more than virtuous living. People tell lies to occupy places of honour and also commit all manner of evil in order to achieve such. God is interested in how we acquire any possession or position here on earth. If we do not walk in righteousness, He would be displeased with us. Our daily prayers should be, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness” (Psalm 143:10).

POLLUTION OF A HYPOCRITICAL LIFE (Judges 9:1-6; 2 Kings 12:20; Job 15:20-30; Psalm 71:4; 140:4; Proverbs 11:9; Luke 22:47,48)

Abimelech, with his deep and unrestrained desire for leadership, went subtly to his mother’s brethren to commune with them saying, “Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh” (Judges 9:2). His aim of asking this question was as a result of an inordinate desire. However, the people were misled by his statement, thinking that he had their interest in mind. This was hypocritical.

Question 2: Describe a hypocrite.

“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered” (Proverbs 11:9). A hypocrite is a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc. that he or she does not actually possess. Abimelech was a hypocrite. He had an interest in the leadership of Israel to be the judge. He was not interested in knowing what the will and desires of the Lord were concerning the leadership of Israel at this time. He worked carnally and subtly to pave his way to the top by playing on the intelligence of the people. He used emotional blackmail and tribal sentiments to woo them to his side. Abimelech mobilised the people who also helped to facilitate his acceptance by others. His mobilísation is also a point of concern as the seventy pieces of silver given to him were from the house of an idol (Baalberith). He accepted this offering and did not act like Daniel and the three Hebrew children who refused to defile themselves with food from the idolatrous table of Nebuchadnezzar. Christian youths should be wary of gifts they do not know the source (Greek gift). Abimelech who walked on the path to the throne in deceit worsened his situation by being empowered with resources from an idol house. His empowerment made him display his true colour when he polluted the city by killing his brothers to prevent any challenge to his getting to the throne. "And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself (Judges 9:5). After this wicked act, Abimelech was appointed as the king by his people at the house of Millo which was like the state house.

Question 3: What caution should believers exercise when approached by position seekers in our schools and homes?

As believers, we should be careful when dealing with position seekers and those who come to ask for our favour. Whenever we are not sure of someone’s intent, we should refuse until we seek counsel or get more clarification. Also, as believers, whenever we see anyone pursuing an evil agenda to position himself in a place of leadership, we should not give our support. Evil should never be encouraged in any form by any believer. “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2).

PERILS OF A HEARTLESS LEADER (Judges 9:7-33; Psalm 37:1- 5,9,10; Proverbs 24:19; 29:2; Job 27:8; Proverbs 11:21; Revelation 12:11)

Israel had provoked God by their support for the mindless killing of seventy children of Gideon who He had used as a judge and leader among them. The only recorded opposition to the imposition of Abimelech and his wicked act was a young lad called Jotham. Jotham was the youngest son of Gideon who hid himself when his brothers were killed. Even though Jotham was afraid of being killed, he reacted to the attitude of Shechem for making Abimelech king over Israel.

Question 4: What should a believing youth do when he is faced with a group of people who tell lies or support evil doers?

In the midst of the wicked act of Shechem and Abimelech, Jotham was bold and told the truth to the people. He was firm and told them a parable. However, He moved to a place of safety to tell them the truth. As Christian youths, we should not endanger our lives unnecessarily in trying to protect others or to tell people the truth. Jotham moved to the top of the mountain where he knew he was safe before lifting up his voice and cried out. After he finished his parable and presentation to Israel, he “ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother” (verse 21). It is important that youths seek advice from mature, godly leaders before taking crucial steps relating to their career and relationships at home and other places. Jotham was a wise lad who knew that the best way to express his grievances against the wicked act done against his brothers was to use a parable which would properly pass the message across. He told them the parable of the trees in search of a king. They spoke to the Olive, Fig Tree and Vine to come and lead them, but these trees were satisfied with the roles they had been appointed by God. They were contented with what they were given and did not want to be distracted from their vision. The trees then went to the bramble as a matter of last option in their search for a leader. The bramble, which is a stubborn woody weed with long thorny aching leaves, is very difficult to eradicate once it has established itself. The bramble in its usual thorny style then gave the trees some strict conditions to abide by if it was to be their king. The trees could not take a right decision, they therefore submitted to its leadership. After telling them the story, Jotham interpreted it for them, explaining the danger in their ungodly support of the inordinate passion for position by Abimelech and his cruel murder of his brothers. In concluding his speech, Jotham left them in the hand of God and gave them an opportunity to weigh their actions. He said, “If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech” (Judges 9:19,20).

Question 5: What do you learn from Jotham’s speech?

Jotham, though hurt, went about the issue with caution. He did not allow his wounded heart to becloud his sense of reasoning. His words were sensible, straight-forward and thought-provoking. No one who heard these words would say they were insulted by Jotham. Youths need to learn to avoid taking decisions based on their emotions. Also, we need to be careful on how we speak to people. Raised voice, painful ungraceful words, words with malicious intents, defiling words, argumentative and fight- provoking words should not be found among believers. Our words should be graceful and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Also, Jotham’s conditional pronouncement reminds us of the nature of God’s promises. The Lord says, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God…But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee” (Deuteronomy 28:2,15). The obedient will eat the good of the land while those who fail to be obedient will suffer. This also highlights the futility of believing in eternal security. God will judge sinners who fail to repent. Evil associations may seem to be succeeding in the immediate time, but shortcuts are not sure cuts. After Abimelech had reigned for three years, he and his confederates in wickedness suffered a major blow as they dealt unfaithfully with each other. This led to accusations, counter accusations and a chain of plans against each other. Abimelech’s short reign on the throne was coming to an end as the same people who fought gallantly to enthrone him have now lost confidence in him and sought a way to destroy him. Truly, how is the mighty fallen! “Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21). The kingdom became divided and God’s vengeance against these workers of iniquity came to reality. The wicked will never go unpunished. All the evil he has done will be paid back in multi-fold except he repents. God is not delighted in the death of a sinner (2 Peter 3:9), but His interest and joy lies in everyone living a life that is pleasing to Him. The question is, how are you living your life? Are you hiding your wickedness and plots to advance yourself against others and the will of God? God wants you to repent and amend your ways, so that you can be free. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19,20).

PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED (Judges 9:34-57; Proverbs 11:21; Romans 1:29-32; Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 29:23)

How short-sighted the natural man can be as he is void of the insight that comes from God only. Little did the Shechemites know that the false fellowship and joy that existed between them and Abimelech will be short-lived. They were so blindfolded by tribal sentiment to the extent of not considering the outcome of their evil affiliation and conspiracy with Abimelech. “And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies” (Judges 9:34). Christian youths should not come into any kind of fellowship with anyone or those who lobby for position or have inordinate ambitions. Such fellowship is void of divine support and will certainly collapse with time. Another character in the text is Gaal, a man on whom the Shechemites had put their confidence. Gaal himself, was eyeing the position Abimelech was occupying (verse 29). He had previously boasted against Abimelech (verse 28). But when he saw Abimelech coming with his men, Gaal became afraid. “Then said Zebul unto him, where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? Is not this the people that thou hast despised? Go out, I pray now, and fight with them” (Judges 9:38). A true child of God cannot act like Gaal. Boastful language or outlook is not consistent with Christian living (Ephesians 4:29). As the people of Shechem saw that Abimelech and his men had upper hand over them, they ran into a hold of the house of the god Berith. They probably thought that the god will save them, but the opposite was the case.

Question 6: What do you learn from the action of the Sechemites?

“But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah” (Jeremiah 2:28). They should have returned to God with repentance and sincerity of heart. Instead, they relied on false refuge in the tower of a lifeless and powerless idol called Berith. This led to their utter destruction. What a refuge of deceit it was! There are many people who are in one form of problems, bondage, spiritual conflict or the other. Rather than come to God for true solution, they go deeper into Satan’s bondage by resorting to places and people where the true God does not exist. Only in Christ Jesus can we find true freedom and solution to our challenges and problems. Christian youths should therefore put their trust in God because “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10). “And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to brake his skull” (Judges 9:53). Abimelech died a shameful death. Just at the time he thought he was winning the battle, his death came unexpectedly. He died while zealously pursuing an evil course. The Lord recompensed to him the wicked act of killing the sons of Gideon in order to pave way for the actualisation of his inordinate ambition. “Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal” (Judges 9:56,57). In like manner, youths who are wicked, unrighteous, immoral and sinful also stand the danger of not only physical death, but also spiritual, eternal death in hell. But if they sincerely repent, God will forgive and forget all their acts of wickedness according to His word. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6,7).