Page images
PDF
EPUB

CHAP. VIII.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Ephraimites take offence, but are pacified by Gideon, 1-3,
insolently refuse relief to his company: he threatens to chas-
munna, 17. He puts Zebah and Zalmunna to death, because
ment offered him: but asks the ear-rings out of the spoil, and

He pursues the Midianites: the men of Succoth and Penuel
tise them; which he does, after he has taken Zebah and Zal-

they had slain his brethren, 13-21.

He refuses the

govern

of these he makes an ephod, which proves an occasion of
idolatry, 22-27. Midian is subdued, 28.
and death; and Israel's idolatry and ingratitude, 29–35.
Gideon's family

a

*

ND the men of Ephraim said unto AND the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him + sharply.

2 And he said unto them, "What have I done now in comparison of you? is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer?

a 12:1-6. 2 Sam. 19:41. Job 5: b 1 Cor. 13:4-7.
2. Ec. 4:4. Jam. 4:5,6.
*Heb. What thing is this thou
hast done unto us?
Heb. strongly.

Gal. 5:14,15.
Phil. 2:2,3. Jam. 1:19,20. 3:13
-18.

c 6:11,34.

rious, and establish their hearts in confidence. (Notes, Acts 18:9-11. 23:11. 27:20-26. 28:15.) Dreams generally savor of our waking thoughts or dispositions, and frequently discover the sin that dwells in us: we have therefore often cause to be humbled on recollecting our sleeping imaginations, or to feel thankful that they were not realities; and we should be reminded to pray against terrifying or polluting dreams. Sometimes, however, they may afford us a salutary hint; which, agreeing with the truth and precepts of God's word, may be made useful, without exactly ascertaining how it was brought into our mind: and if we can get any benefit from the dreams of others, we should readily and thankfully embrace it.—In discovering the disposition of those with whom we are concerned, faith may frequently discern the secret operation of God, and both take encouragement from it and point it out to others.

V. 16-25.

B. C. 1249.

your hands

the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb:
3 d God hath delivered into
and what was I able to do in comparison
of you? e Then their +
anger was abated

toward him when he had said that.
4 And Gideon came to Jordan and
men that were with him, faint, yet pur-
passed over, he, and the three hundred
suing them.

coth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread
5 And he said unto the men of Suc-
be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah
unto the people that follow me; for they
and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

6 And the princes of Succoth said,

d 7:24,25. Ps. 44:3. 115:1. 118:
14-16. John 4:37. Rom. 12:3,
6. 15.18,19.

e Prov. 15:1. 16:32, 25:11,15.
+ Heb. spirit.

1 Sam. 14:28,29,31,32. 30:10.

2 Cor. 4:8,9,16. Gal. 6:9. Heb.
12:1-4.

g Gen. 33:17. Ps. 60:6.
h Gen. 14:18.

Deut. 23:4. 1 Sam. 25:18. 2 Sam. 17:28,29. 3 John 6-8.

one another; whilst the host of Israel shall look on, and have nothing to do but to blow the trumpet of the gospel, and read the meaning of such singular events in the light of prophecy: and in upbraidings, and contempt, will increase their the world to come, the wicked, by mutual enmity, the people of God to fear, except unbelief and sin? own and each other's misery. What then have what have they to do, but to believe his word, to to wait his time, and to help one another, as occatrust his power and promise, to obey his orders, sions are afforded and circumstances require? For they, who are incapable of one service, may be useful in another. Their victory is sure, and will soon be complete over their most numerous and powerful opponents.

NOTES.

CHAP. VIII. V. 1-3. Gideon was of the tribe of Manasseh, and the Ephraimites were mand in this war. perhaps jealous of him, as having the chief comIt is probable, that they were averse to take any part in the perilous and ardupretence for their anger, that they had not been ous attempt of delivering Israel: yet it served as a called upon to assist, though Gideon acted expressly by divine command! threw a veil over his own achievements, and But he modestly spoke highly of theirs, and thus prevented the fatal effects of their resentment. He represented his own victory, by the three hundred men, who were chiefly of Abi-ezer, as little in comparison of their taking the princes of Midian; though the former might be called the vintage, and the other the gleaning: and he intimated that the whole glory belonged neither to them nor him, but to the Lord. This is an argument of the singular modesty and prudence of Gideon, and no less 'conspicuous in him than his courage; which is a 'mixture that rarely meets together, but is absoIs-lutely necessary to make a truly great man; who 'never appears so great, as when he treats inso'lent men with humility, and angry men with 'meekness.' Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 12:1—7. Prov. 15:1. 16:32.)

The feeblest and most improbable methods, when divinely appointed and used in faith, produce the most decisive consequences.-The ministers of Christ are frail, sinful men, and seldom adorned with the embellishments of worldly wisdom, large capacities, or great eloquence; but are rather comparable to mean earthen pitchers: yet the light of divine truth and grace which resides in them, accompanied by the trumpet of the gospel preached by them in their several stations, is the power of God to the salvation of his people, and to the subversion of the kingdom of sin and Satan. Nor should they shrink from danger, or fear death: the earthen pitcher must be broken: and frequently the light of their testimony, set off by the recollection of their example, shines brightest after their decease; especially when they have been honored, by being called to lay down their lives in so good a cause.-The same light and sound of heavenly truth, which save the rael of God, confound and dismay his enemies: and if threatened vengeance so appals the sinner's alarmed conscience in this world; what will be the effect of the archangel's trumpet, the voice of the Judge, and the shout of the redeemed, at the great day of account! and of that full blaze of light, which will manifest all hearts, display every character, and shew every impenitent sinner his deserved and inevitable doom!-In this world the wicked are often left, under the power of their own delusions and the fury of their mad passions, to avenge the cause of God upon each other: a period is approaching when we may expect that the persecuting foes of Christianity will destroy VOL. I.

90

V. 4. None, except Gideon and his three hun dred chosen men, seem to have passed over Jordan in pursuit of the two kings of Midian, who with fifteen thousand men had got over before the fords were taken. (10) This small company, though deserted by some, and chidden and abused by others of Israel, and though the remaining Midianites so far exceeded them in number; yet, in the courage, self-denial, and patience of faith, pursued them, faint and hungry as they were,

[713

S

1 Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna || 14 And caught a young man of the now in thine hand, that we should give men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and bread unto thine army? he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness, and with briers.

8 And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.

9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, m I will break down this tower.

10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of " the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.

11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents, on the east of P Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was 9 secure.

12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

13 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

[blocks in formation]

with long watching, fasting, and fatigue.-We do not find, that any one of them was either slain or missing. (Note, Num. 31:48--54.)

15 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold, Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?

16 And he took "the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness, and briers, and with them he || taught the men of Succoth.

17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

[blocks in formation]

V. 8, 9. (Gen. 32:30,31.) The inhabitants of Penuel probably boasted of their tower, and confided in it, to secure them both from the Midianites, and from Gideon: he therefore destroyed it; and, as some at least of the men of Penuel were still more culpable than those of Succoth, he put them to death. (17. Notes, 5:23. Matt. 12:

V. 5, 6. The services of Gideon and his men were very great, their necessity urgent, and their request moderate: the behavior therefore of the men of Succoth and Penuel was extremely insolent and base, and proved them disaffected to Is-29,30.) rael and the God of Israel. (Note, Prov. 18:23.) V. 10-12. Marg. Ref.-Notes, 4--6. They despised Gideon's feeble army, depreciated V. 14-16. This young man seems to have his former success, attempted to weaken his con-written down (marg.) the names of the principal fidence of completing their delivery, and would not afford him the least assistance in his patriotic and pious undertaking! (Note, 1 Sam. 25:10,11.) -Succoth.] Nole, Gen. 33:17.

V. 7. Gideon "deferred his indignation;" and intimated to the princes or rulers of Succoth, that if the kings of Midian escaped him, they also might; but if the Lord enabled him to destroy the kings, as he was confident he would, this would make it plain, that he was appointed judge of Israel, and in that character he would punish their ill behavior, and teach them to behave in future more consistently with the character of Israelites. -It is not agreed, in what manner he used these briers and thorns, in tearing the flesh of the men of Succoth: but though he doubtless put them to great pain, it is not at all probable that he slew them. (Note, 14—16.)

persons in Succoth, or of those chiefly concerned. By this information, Gideon was enabled to distinguish between the guilty and the innocent, and so to inflict punishment upon the offenders only.

V. 18, 19. In the troubles of Israel, these kings of Midian had slain the brethren of Gideon by the mother's side; and therefore he determined on this occasion to act as "the avenger of blood." They were not of the devoted nations of Canaan, so that he might otherwise have spared them, and he declared that he would.-It seems that Gideon, though little in his own eyes, was a man of a very majestic appearance; and that his brethren greatly resembled him. (Note, 6:15.) Perhaps this excited the jealousy of these kings against them, who slew them for their own security, though it eventually proved their ruin.

B. C. 1249. < Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the || beside the chains that were about their man is, so is his strength. And Gideon camels' necks. arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the * ornaments that were on their camels' necks.

22 ¶ Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.

23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.

n

m

27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in whoring after it: which thing became Pa Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

the children of Israel, so that they lifted.
28 Thus was Midian subdued before
was in quietness forty years in the days
their heads no more: and the country
up
of Gideon.

r

29 And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.

31 And his concubine that was in

24 And Gideon said unto them, I 30 And Gideon had "threescore and would desire a request of you, that ye ten sons of his body begotten: for he would give me every man the ear-rings had many wives. h of his prey. prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose 25 And they answered, We will wil-name he called Abimelech. lingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the ear-rings of his prey.

32 And Gideon the son of Joash a died in a good old age, and was buried Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in

c

as soon as

33 And it came to pass, Gideon was dead, that the children of Is

26 And the weight of the golden earrings, that he requested, was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, beside ornaments, and + collars, and purple rai-1 21. ment that was on the kings of Midian, and

c 9:54. 1 Sam. 31:3,5. Rev. 9:6. d Ps. 83:1.

*Or, ornaments like the moon. Is. 3:18.

e 9:8-15. 1 Sam. 8:5. 12:12. John 6:15.

f 2:18. 10:18. 11:9-11. Luke 22:24-27. 2 Cor. 1:24. 1 Pet. 5:3.

g 1 Sam. 8:6,7. 10:19. 12:12.
h Gen. 24:22,53. Ex. 12:35.

32:3. 1 Pet. 3:3-5.

i Gen. 16:10,11. 25:13. 37:25,
28.

† Or, sweet jewels.

m 17:5. 18:14.17. Ex. 23:6-12.
1 Sam. 23:9,10. Is. 8:20.

n 32. 6:11,24. Deut. 12:5.

o Ex. 23:33. Ps. 73:27. 106:39.
Hos. 2:2. 4:12-14.

p 33. Deut. 7:16.

q Ps. 83:9-12. Is. 9:4. 10:26.
r 3:11,30. 5:31.

s 6:32. 1 Sam. 12:11.

Ez.

t Neh. 5:14,15.

k Esth. 8:15. Jer. 10:9.
27:7. Luke 16:19. John 19:2,5.
Rev. 17.4. 18:12,16.

u 9:2,5. 10:4. 12:9,14. Gen. 46:
26. Ex. 1:5. 2 Kings 10:1.

Heb. going out of his thigh.

x Gen. 2:24. 7:7. Deut. 17:17. 2 Sam. 3:2-5. 5:13-16. 1 Kings 11:3. Mal. 2:15. Matt. 19:5-3. Eph. 5:31-33.

y 9:1-5. Gen. 16:15. 22:24. Heb. set.

z Gen. 20:2.

[blocks in formation]

V. 20, 21. Gideon desired to inure his son to small army seems to have been preserved in the execute vengeance on the enemies of God and same manner: (Note, Num. 31:48-54.) and that Israel: (Note, Josh. 10:24.) but the youth was timorous and declined the service; and the kings led him thus to misapply them. The "ephod" the want of accurate knowledge of the divine law themselves entreated, that they might be slain, seems to have been a very rich garment, like (if they must die,) by the hand of Gideon; who that worn by the high priest: and some think, was in his full strength, and of great reputation: that Gideon also made "a breast-plate of judg. for their death would be ignominious and linger-ment," in order to inquire of God by it; (Notes ing, if a feeble, timid youth were their executioner. The ornaments from the camel's necks, being in the shape of the moon, had probably been used for idolatrous purposes. (Marg.-7: 12.)

quisite were added, and sacrifices offered at Oph Ex. 28:6-30.) and even that other things re rah. Indeed otherwise it is difficult to discover how so much treasure could have been expend 22, 23. Gideon was willing to fight for his ed, in an extraordinary manner, to offer a sacried. (Notes, 17:2-5.) Gideon had been commandpeople, to administer justice, and reform religion, fice in the place where the Lord appeared to him: as the Lord's deputy, and so long as he pleased: (Note, 6:25,26.) and it is not improbable he might but he would not accept of the perpetual govern- be led to conclude, that this authorized him to of ment, or the hereditary succession to his chil- ficiate as a priest occasionally at his own house dren, to which God had not called him. Let JE- without going to the tabernacle: and perhaps the HOVAH the King of Israel appoint whom he pleas-people's humor and love of ease were by this ed, either during his life, or after his decease. This shews, how deeply the more reflecting persons in Israel were convinced, that the constitutions of the law of Moses, were of divine authority, and ought implicitly to be complied with. (Notes, 9:1-6. Deut. 17:14,15. 1 Sam. 8:6-9, 19-22.) In this respect Gideon imitated also the disinterested conduct of Moses, whose sons were left among the ordinary Levites.

V. 24-26. Marg. Ref.-Ishmaelites. (24) Notes, Gen. 25:1-4. 37:25.

V. 27. It is highly probable that Gideon requested the golden ear-rings, with a view to make some religious use of them, after the example of the officers in the time of Moses; as his

means gratified. (Notes, 18:30,31. 1 Kings 12:
26-31.) But whether this was the case, or
whether he merely intended to form a memorial
of his victory; his conduct was evidently improp-
er, and proved a snare to him, the cause of his
el after his death. (Notes, 33. 9:1-20.)
family's ruin, and an occasion of idolatry to Isra-

V. 28. Forty years.] Probably from the time when he was constituted Judge of Israel; (Note, 5:31.) except as interrupted by Abimelech's usurpation. (Notes, 9:)

V. 30. Many wives.] Marg. Ref.—Notes, Gen. 2:24. Deut. 17:17. 2 Sam. 5:13-16. 1 Kings 11.

1—8.

V. 31. Notes, 11:1,2. Gen. 25:5,6.

[blocks in formation]

34 And the children of Israel fremembered not the LORD their God, who had

delivered them out of the hands of all

their enemies on every side:

35 Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.

CHAP. IX.

Jotham, by a parable, exposes their ingratitude, and foretels their ruin, 7-21. The Shechemites conspire with Gaal against Abimelech; Zebul sends him word; he overcomes them, and sows their city with salt, 22-45. They retire to the temple of Baal-berith, and are burnt in it, 4f-49. Abinelech is slain at Thebez, by a woman, with a piece of a millstone, and Jotham's curse is fulfilled, 50-57.

a

b baal, went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

AND Abimelech, the son of Jerub

2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for either that all the sons of Jerubyou,

Abimelech, son of Gideon by a concubine, conspires with the baal (which are threescore and ten per

Shechemites, murders his brethren, and is made king, 1-6.

d 27. 2:17. Ex. 34:15,16. Jer. If Ps. 78:11. 106:13,21. Ec. 12: 3:9.

e 9:4.

1. Jer. 2:32.

g 9:5,16. Ec. 9.14,15.

V. 33. After the death of Gideon, the people proceeded, from an irregular worship, to renounce JEHOVAH entirely, and to worship Baal as their God, under the name of "Baal-berith," or the lord of the covenant; having, as it seems, generally covenanted to be his people. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 9:4-6,46-49.)

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1—17.

It is one vanity incident to human affairs, that "for every right work a man is envied by his neighbor." They who will not attempt or venture any thing in the cause of God, are commonly the most ready to censure such as are of a more zealous and enterprising spirit: and the charge of pride and ambition will be brought against the most unexceptionable undertakings. (Notes, 1 Sam. 17:28,29.) When calumny is silenced in one respect by the event, it will assume another form: and they who were most reluctant to the peril and hardship of difficult services, will be the most exasperated if excluded from the credit of them. But, "only by pride cometh contention:" it is the wisdom of Christians to turn away wrath by a soft answer; and their most noble victory is the conquest of their own spirits. In those things which pertain to the truth, authority, and glory of God, they should be unmoved as the sturdy oak; but in the little concerns of their own interest or reputation, they should resemble the pliant willow that yields to every gust. If by throwing a shade over what the Lord has done by them, and making honorable mention of what he has done by others,-if by giving obliging language in return for rough words, and commendations in lieu of bitter chidings,-envy may be avoided, anger abated, and contention prevented; the common cause will be more advantaged, than by the most successful controversy, which always takes Christians off from their spiritual warfare. -The active servants of God frequently meet with more dangerous opposition from degenerate professors of the gospel than from open enemies: but they must not regard the unreasonable behavior of those, who are Israelites in name, but Midianites in heart, or who vainly wish to observe a neutrality. Notwithstanding manifold tribulations, they must carry on their warfare, though ready to faint through inward conflicts and outward hardships. And they shall be enabled thus to persevere: for the less men help them, and the more they attempt to hinder them, the more effectually will they be helped and prospered by God himself. It behoves magistrates to distinguish between the guilty and the innocent, and to punish those who injure their brethren; yet this should be done with temper, and in order to teach them to behave better in future.-Minis

a 8:31.

b Gen. 33:18. 34:2. 1 Kings

[blocks in formation]

Ps. 83:2-4. Jer. 18-19.
Heb. What is good? whether,
&c.
d 8:30.

ters also must warn and severely rebuke such, as
discourage the hearts of their fellow-servants;
and the Lord himself will execute vengeance
upon all who oppose his people in obeying his
In the mean time we must "defer
commands.
our anger," and go on with our work, not at-
tempting to avenge ourselves. (Notes, Prov. 19:
11. Rom. 12:17—21.)

V. 18-35.

Whatever earthly object men glory in, it will be torn from them; and sinners are never so exposed to danger, as when they deem themselves most secure. Sins long forgotten must be accounted for to God; and sinful methods of selfpreservation only hasten and aggravate the transgressor's destruction, especially when innocent blood has been shed.-The execution of atrocious criminals is, in some circumstances, an honorable service; yet we may well be thankful, if employed in saving men's lives rather than in destroying What a miserable consolation in death is them. derived from the hope of suffering less pain, and dying with less disgrace, than some others! yet

many are more anxious on these accounts, than

concerning the future judgment and its eternal consequences!-No honor should be sought, or so much as accepted, but that which comes from God, and consists with his sole authority and glory: nor is it allowable to seek for our children those things, which we may not desire for ourselves.-Whatever deputies are employed, and whoever has the external precedency in the church; God is the only real Judge, Defender, and Ruler of his people.-How soon will those ornaments, which feed the lust of the eye and form the pride of life, as well as the indulgences of the flesh, become the shame of those who loved them!-The characters of mere men have generally a grievous and wonderful mixture; nor may we follow any of them farther than they follow Christ. Things sanctioned by venerable names, and clothed with fair pretexts, are often found, by the light of God's word, to be vile abominations; and are proved by experience to be dangerous and fatal snares, to those especially who pay too much veneration to their fellow creatures. Small deviations from our rule afford a dangerous precedent, and open the way for more flagrant enormities: and even in marriage, when once the original in stitution is disregarded, the sensual heart of inan, like a humored child, will bear no contradiction, and be confined by no limitations. But, as we all need so much mercy from our God, we should learn the more patiently to bear the ingratitude of our fellow sinners, and the unsuitable returns we meet with for our poor services; and to resolve, after the divine example, "not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good."

0

sons,) reign over you, or that one reign ||and said unto them, Hearken unto me, over you? remember also that I am your ye men of Shechem, that God may hearkbone and your flesh. en unto you.

e

3 And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, Hel is our brother:

4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith; wherewith Abimelech hired I vain and light persons, which followed him.

k

5 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.

6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.

n

8 P The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive-tree, a Reign thou over us. 9 But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

10 And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

11 But the fig-tree said unto them, Should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees?

12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us.

13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

14 Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. 15 And the bramble said unto the trees,

7 ¶ And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount If in truth ye anoint me king over you, Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried,

[blocks in formation]

CHAP. IX. V. 1-3. Gideon and his family had misled the people, through the ephod at Ophrah; and the people grievously offended in joining themselves to Baal-berith. (Notes, 8:27,33.) And the Lord manifested his displeasure, not by delivering them into the hand of foreign invaders, but by giving them up to their own base passions. -Gideon had, very properly and disinterestedly, refused the proffered kingdom for himself and his sons: and it does not appear that his other sons aimed at dominion either before or after his death. (Note, 8:22,23.) Abimelech's name, (which signifies my father the king,) may however be supposed to have been given him by his mother from ambitious motives. The concubines, whose children did not inherit, would naturally set up an interest opposite to the rest of the family; and as Abimelech's mother was a native of Shechem, a principal city of Ephraim, he conceived the idea of obtaining the kingdom by her means. In order to succeed in this project, he accused his brethren of intending to seize upon the government, and possess it with joint authority: and, assuming this as an undoubted fact, he pleaded that it would be better to be governed by one prince, than by so many petty tyrants; and that if they, who were so nearly related to him, would raise him to the throne, he would be peculiarly attentive to their interests. In this manner, by the help of his mother's relations, he acquired the government, without either merit or capacity for such an important situation; in a total disregard to the divine law; (Notes, Deut. 17:14,15.) and in direct opposition to the method which God the King of Israel had hitherto employed, of raising up rulers of his people, from time to time, as he saw good.

then come and put

o Ps. 18:40,41. 50:15-21. Prov. 1:28,29. 21:13. 28:9. Is. 1:15. 58:6-10. Matt. 18:26-34. |

Jam. 2:13.

2 Kings 14:9. Ez. 17:3,&c. Dan. 4:10,&c.

q 8:22,23.

your trust in my

104:15. Acts 4:27. 10:38. 1 John 2:20.

‡ Heb. up and down for other trees. Job 1:7. 2:2.

[blocks in formation]

r Ex. 29:2,7. 35:14. Lev. 2:1. Or, thistle. 2 Kings 14:9. 1 Kings 19:15,16. Ps. 89:20.

V. 4-6. The Israelites seem to have presented this money as an oblation to their new god; (Note, 8:33.) and the men of Shechem borrowed it of him to supply their upstart king! It does not appear of what value these pieces of silver were; but probably of more value than shekels: and they sufficed for Abimelech's present purpose. Thus he became a pensioner of Baal, and seemed engaged to employ his authority to promote his worship; as if determined to shew himself as unlike as possible to his father, who had destroyed the altar and worship of Baal. (Notes, 6:25-32.)With this supply he hired a set of unprincipled men fit for any villany; and with their assistance barbarously murdered all the numerous family of Gideon, except one son who escaped him! By such infamous measures and persons was this base born, but baser spirited man made king in Israel! being the first who expressly bore that title among the descendants of Jacob. (Notes, 2 Sam. 15:111. 16:20-23. 2 Chr. 21:4,12-19.)-House of Millo. (6) Notes, 16-20. 2 Sam. 5:9. 2 Kings 12:20,21.

V. 7. Mount Gerizim lay near to Shechem: and from it Jotham spake to the Shechemites, (who are supposed to have been assembled on some public occasion,) so that at least many of them would hear him, and report what he said to the rest. (Notes, Deut. 27:12,13.) He solemnly called on them "to hearken to him, that God might hearken unto them:" for if they did not repent of their ungrateful treatment of his father's family, and desist from their malicious intentions against him, they could not expect that God would hear their cry, when anguish and distress came upon them. (Notes, Prov. 1:24-31. 21:13. Is. 1: 10-15. 58:8-12. Mic. 3:1--4.)

« PreviousContinue »