NOTES for Jdg 9:19-20
19 If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you: |
20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. |
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Wanting to become king, Abimelech puts forward an argument that remains convincing for many to this day: one ruler can govern more expediently than a numerous council. But the form of power does not automatically guarantee just rule, especially when the coming to power is connected with bloodshed and fratricide.
So, for the first time a king appeared in Israel. But through the mouth of Jotham the Bible for the first time raises the question of the moral foundations of royal, and perhaps of any earthly, authority: has the king been set up in truth? With this question begins the liberation from the pagan deification of earthly rulers, whose actions from now on are also subject to moral evaluation.
Those who unjustly brought a ruler to power must now remember that one must answer for one's choice.
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