Old Testament

Judges 9:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, escapes to a place called Beer after the violent actions of his brother Abimelech, who has killed their other brothers to seize power.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Jotham fled and escaped to Beer, where he settled down because he was afraid of his brother Abimelech.

KJVKing James Version

And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, escapes to a place called Beer after the violent actions of his brother Abimelech, who has killed their other brothers to seize power. Jotham's fear of Abimelech drives him to flee, highlighting the danger he faces. This moment marks a significant turning point in Jotham's life, as he transitions from being part of a family legacy to becoming a fugitive. His decision to settle in Beer indicates a desire for safety and distance from the conflict. Jotham's fear is not just personal; it reflects the broader themes of betrayal and the consequences of ambition. His flight symbolizes the struggle between good and evil, as Abimelech's ruthless ambition leads to destruction, while Jotham's survival instinct represents hope and resilience. This verse sets the stage for Jotham's later actions, where he will confront Abimelech and speak out against his tyranny, showcasing the importance of standing up for justice even in the face of fear.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 9:21 to your life

This verse reminds us that fear can drive us to make difficult choices. In our lives, we may face situations where we feel threatened or unsafe. It encourages us to seek refuge and safety when needed, while also preparing to confront challenges with courage when the time is right.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

Why did Jotham flee to Beer?

Jotham fled to Beer to escape the threat posed by his brother Abimelech, who had killed their other brothers in a bid for power. His fear of Abimelech's violent ambition drove him to seek safety away from the conflict, marking a significant turning point in his life as he transitioned from being part of a family legacy to becoming a fugitive.

What does Jotham's fear represent in this verse?

Jotham's fear represents the broader themes of betrayal and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It highlights the danger he faces from Abimelech's ruthless actions and underscores the struggle between good and evil. Jotham's flight symbolizes his instinct for survival and resilience in the face of tyranny, setting the stage for his later confrontation with Abimelech.

What can we learn from Jotham's actions?

Jotham's actions teach us the importance of seeking safety when we feel threatened. His decision to flee to Beer reflects a practical response to danger. Additionally, it encourages us to prepare for future challenges and confront injustices with courage when the opportunity arises, emphasizing the balance between self-preservation and standing up for what is right.

How does this verse connect to the themes of justice and ambition?

This verse connects to the themes of justice and ambition by illustrating the consequences of Abimelech's ruthless pursuit of power, which leads to betrayal and violence. Jotham's fear and subsequent actions highlight the need for justice in the face of tyranny. His survival instinct serves as a reminder that standing up against ambition that harms others is crucial, even when it involves personal risk.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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