Old Testament
Judges 9:5
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, Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), returns to his father's home in Ophrah with a dark intention.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
He went to his father's house in Ophrah and murdered his brothers, the 70 sons of Jerubbaal, on one stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived because he hid himself.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), returns to his father's home in Ophrah with a dark intention. He kills all of his seventy brothers in a brutal act of ambition to secure power. The phrase "upon one stone" suggests a methodical and horrific execution, emphasizing the severity of his actions. However, one brother, Jotham, manages to escape by hiding, which sets the stage for future events. This act of fratricide highlights themes of betrayal, ambition, and the consequences of seeking power at any cost. It also reflects the moral decay in Israel during this period, as familial loyalty is shattered by Abimelech's ruthless pursuit of authority. Jotham's survival hints at the possibility of justice or retribution later in the narrative, as he represents the last hope for Gideon's legacy and the rightful leadership of Israel.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 9:5 to your life
This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lengths to which individuals may go to gain power. It reminds us to value family relationships and to consider the moral implications of our actions, especially in pursuit of personal goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What happened in Judges 9:5?
In Judges 9:5, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, returns to his father's home in Ophrah and murders his seventy brothers in a brutal act to seize power. He kills them 'upon one stone,' indicating a horrific and calculated execution. Only Jotham, the youngest brother, survives by hiding, which sets the stage for future events in the narrative.
What does 'upon one stone' mean in this context?
The phrase 'upon one stone' in Judges 9:5 suggests a methodical and brutal execution of Abimelech's brothers. It implies that the killings were not random but rather a deliberate act of violence, emphasizing the severity and coldness of Abimelech's ambition to eliminate any rivals for power.
What themes are present in Judges 9:5?
Judges 9:5 highlights several themes, including betrayal, ambition, and violence. It illustrates the moral decay in Israel during this period, as familial loyalty is shattered by Abimelech's ruthless pursuit of authority. The survival of Jotham also introduces themes of justice and the hope for rightful leadership.
What can we learn from Judges 9:5?
Judges 9:5 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral implications of our actions. It reminds us to value family relationships and consider the consequences of pursuing personal goals at the expense of others, highlighting the importance of integrity and loyalty.
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.
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