Judges 9

2. Shechem. Now Nablous. Shechem belonged to the Ephraimites, in whom Abimelech aimed to rouse that well-known party spirit (see viii. 1) which, in the present instance, led to such destructive consequences both to himself and to them. It seems also to have contained a considerable remnant of the Canaanites, among whom was probably the mother of Abimelech; see vers. 18, 24, 28.

4 vain and light. “Worthless and reckless.”

6 house of Millo. Should be Beth-Millo, a proper name.

made Abimelech king. This is the first time that the title of “king” was conferred in Israel.

7. Gerizim. The precipices of Mount Gerizim seem, in some parts, almost to overhang the town of Shechem. That Jotham could easily be heard in that position appears from Deut. xxvii. 12, 13; and Josh. viii. 33.

14 the bramble. Probably the buckthorn or rhamnus, which has very strong and sharp thorns. The same Hebrew word is used in Psa. lviii. 9. Abimelech was the bramble-king. He aspired to a position for which he had no fitness.

15 if in truth, etc. That is, as explained in the next verse, “truly and sincerely”; or, in justice and good faith towards your former ruler. By “the cedars of Lebanon” are meant the most eminent persons of the land, particularly those of Shechem.

28 who is Shechem? That is, the Shechemites. The meaning seems to be, “Did not Jerubbaal’s son (Abimelech) and Zebul his officer serve the family of Hamor the father of Shechem? Why then should we serve him?”

31 they fortify the city. Rather, “they constrain the city to take part” against thee (R.V.).

37 by the plain of Meonenim. Rather, “on the way to the Oak of Enchanters.”

45 sowed it with salt. A token of perpetual desolation.

53 all-to. Old English for entirely.

54 that men say not. How little Abimelech’s device availed him is shown by 2 Sam. xi. 21.