91 And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's relatives , and spoke to them and to the whole clan of the household of his mother's father , saying , 2 "Speak , now , in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem , 'Which is better for you, that seventy men , all the sons of Jerubbaal , rule over you, or that one man rule over you?' Also, remember that I am your bone and your flesh ." 3 And his mother's relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the hearing of all the leaders of Shechem ; and they were inclined to follow Abimelech , for they said , "He is our relative ." 4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver from the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows , and they followed e him. 5 Then he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal , seventy men , on one stone . But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left , for he hid himself. 6 All the men of Shechem and all Beth-millo assembled together, and they went and made Abimelech king , by the oak of the pillar which was in Shechem .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:1-6
Commentary on Judges 9:1-6
(Read Judges 9:1-6)
The men of Shechem chose Abimelech king. God was not consulted whether they should have any king, much less who it should be. If parents could see what their children would do, and what they are to suffer, their joy in them often would be turned into sorrow: we may be thankful that we cannot know what shall happen. Above all, we should fear and watch against sin; for our evil conduct may produce fatal effects upon our families, after we are in our graves.