Abimilech (jan 1, 1151 BC – jan 1, 1149 BC)

Description:

Judges 9

Abimilech was the son of the judge, Gideon, and he reigned over Israel for 3 years (see Judges 9:22). He was not meant to rule over Israel as a king since God alone was king (Judges 8:23). Nonetheless, he conspired to kill his own brothers to ensure his position on the throne (Judges 9:5).

Was Abimilech really a king?
Abimilech was not a true king over Israel; he ruled more as a commander. This is notable by the fact that he was made king by the people, and not by God (Judges 9:6).

Extra Detail:
When Abimilech went to burn a tower in the city of Thebez, a random woman tossed a stone out the window, and it crushed Abimilech's skull. He told a man to kill him, lest people heard that a woman had killed him.

Extra Detail:
Abimilech's name means "my father is king", which is interesting since his father, Gideon, had stated that should not be a king (Judges 8:23).

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