Reading
SAA Notes
Abimelech epitomises Jesus’ words in John on pagan rulers in Mark 10:42: “those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them.” Godly leadership is different. It comes to serve, not be served. Tola and Jair might have only 2 verses each, but what an eternal commendation!
SJA Notes
* Faithful God, make us to know our end, what the measure is of our days, let us know how fleeting we are. Our hope is in You and You alone.
“And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech …”
Today’s passage is a blood-thirsty story of betrayal upon betrayal.
Abimelech seems to be a man who gives full reign to violence, answering each choice in the passage with an attempt to kill or destroy.
He is condemned for his killing of almost all his brothers, seventy, on one stone.
And the leaders of Shechem are condemned for giving him the resources to do so.
This behaviour is responded to by God in a supernatural manner – an evil spirit is sent between them. Division and betrayal run rife.
Our choices have consequences.
Our responsibility as God’s people is to seek His wisdom, to walk His path and reject the way of the world.
Because our choices matter!
At the end of Deuteronomy Moses exhorts,
“Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,”
Let us today choose life!
* Gracious Lord God,
Please help us understand a little more of You from this passage.
Please help us choose wisdom today.
We would choose life!
Amen.