of this victory by an ephod, made of the choicest of the spoils. But probably this ephod had, as
usual, a teraphim annexed to it, and Gideon intended this for an oracle to be consulted. Many are
led into false ways by one false step of a good man. It became a snare to Gideon himself, and it
proved the ruin of the family. How soon will ornaments which feed the lust of the eye, and form
the pride of life, as well as tend to the indulgences of the flesh, bring shame on those who are fond
of them!
Verses 29–35
As soon as Gideon was dead, who kept the people to the worship of the God of Israel, they
found themselves under no restraint; then they went after Baalim, and showed no kindness to the
family of Gideon. No wonder if those who forget their God, forget their friends. Yet conscious of
our own ingratitude to the Lord, and observing that of mankind in general, we should learn to be
patient under any unkind returns we meet with for our poor services, and resolve, after the Divine
example, not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
Abimelech murders his brethren, and is (1–6)
made king.
Jotham rebukes the Shechemites. (7–21)
The Shechemites conspire against (22–29)
Abimelech.
Abimelech destroys Shechem. (30–49)
Abimelech slain. (50–57)Verses 1–6
The men of Shechem chose Abimelech king. God was not consulted whether they should have
any king, much less who it should be. If parents could see what their children would do, and what
they are to suffer, their joy in them often would be turned into sorrow: we may be thankful that we
cannot know what shall happen. Above all, we should fear and watch against sin; for our evil
conduct may produce fatal effects upon our families, after we are in our graves.
Verses 7–21
There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king, they are all the trees of the Lord which
he has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to set a king over them, for the Lord was their
King. Those who bear fruit for the public good, are justly respected and honoured by all that are