56 Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren:
56 Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
56 Thus God returned the evil of Abimelech, which he committed against his father in killing his seventy brothers.
56 God avenged the evil Abimelech had done to his father, murdering his seventy brothers.
56 Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father by killing his seventy brothers.
56 In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:56
Commentary on Judges 9:50-57
(Read Judges 9:50-57)
The Shechemites were ruined by Abimelech; now he is reckoned with, who was their leader in villany. Evil pursues sinners, and sometimes overtakes them, when not only at ease, but triumphant. Though wickedness may prosper a while, it will not prosper always. The history of mankind, if truly told, would greatly resemble that of this chapter. The records of what are called splendid events present to us such contests for power. Such scenes, though praised of men, fully explain the Scripture doctrine of the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, the force of men's lust, and the effect of Satan's influence. Lord, thou has given us thy word of truth and righteousness, O pour upon us thy spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law in our hearts.