And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this as God directly causing evil, but the text here uses "evil spirit" to describe a breakdown of trust and a descent into treachery—a state God permits to occur as a consequence of their own wicked actions. This sets the stage for their eventual downfall, showing how their own choices lead to the very conflict that will destroy them.
And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abimelech has just seized power in a bloody coup, murdering his brothers to become king of Shechem. This verse reveals that God, in His justice, intervenes by allowing a spirit of division and treachery to sow discord between Abimelech and the very people who helped him rise to power. Their initial alliance, built on violence and ambition, begins to crumble from within.
Ever feel like things just fall apart for wicked people? This verse gives us a powerful glimpse into how God operates.
The text here says, "God sent an evil spirit." This isn't saying God creates evil, but that in His perfect sovereignty, He can permit or commission spiritual forces to bring about His judgment.
Think of it like a powerful King who allows his soldiers to act against rebels. The King doesn't necessarily start the rebellion, but he certainly has the power to let justice (or even severe punishment) fall upon those who defy him.
This divine permission leads to discord, suspicion, and treachery, ultimately serving God's purpose of bringing judgment for Abimelech's terrible actions.
Abimelech seized power through violence, and the people who helped him are about to get a taste of their own medicine.
Abimelech had just murdered his brothers to become king (Judges 9:1-6). The men of Shechem supported this bloody coup, even providing him with funds to carry it out.
Now, just three years later, the same people who propped him up turn against him. The "evil spirit" God sent stirs up their "hearts' lusts" – their jealousy, hatred, and desire to shake off his tyrannical rule. They began to "deal treacherously," meaning they started to defect and conspire against him in secret.
This is the inevitable outcome of wickedness: it breeds more wickedness and turns those who were once allies into bitter enemies. Their own treachery, which they used to gain power, now becomes the tool of their downfall.
Understand the original words
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ruach ra'ah · Hebrew Noun phrase
In the Old Testament, an 'evil spirit' often refers to a supernatural agent—permitted or sent by God—to execute His judgment or judicial decree upon individuals or nations. It highlights God's sovereign control over even malevolent forces to fulfill His righteous purposes.
bagad · Hebrew Verb
To deal treacherously involves acting faithlessly, deceitfully, or breaking covenant bonds. It implies a moral failure of trust and character, often preceding or accompanying rebellion against God or fellow man.
This passage highlights a brutal period of Israel's history where human ambition and treachery led to devastating consequences, illustrating God's ultimate sovereignty even in allowing evil spirits and human sin to work out His just judgments.
c. 1100 BC
Gideon's Sons Born
Gideon, a judge of Israel, fathers many sons, including Abimelech by a concubine from Shechem.
c. 1070 BC
Abimelech Seizes Power
After Gideon's death, Abimelech murders all but one of his brothers and is proclaimed king by the men of Shechem, a significant act of usurpation.
c. 1067 BC— this verse
Reign of Abimelech Begins
Abimelech's rule, marked by tyranny and rebellion, lasts for three years, primarily centered around Shechem.
c. 1067 BC
Strife Between Abimelech and Shechem
God allows discord to arise between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, leading to treachery and open rebellion.
c. 1067 BC
Gaal's Rebellion
Gaal leads a revolt against Abimelech in Shechem, openly challenging his authority.
c. 1067 BC
Abimelech Destroys Shechem
In retaliation, Abimelech attacks and destroys the city of Shechem, sowing it with salt.
c. 1067 BC
Death of Abimelech
Abimelech is mortally wounded by a millstone thrown by a woman in Thebez, fulfilling divine judgment.
This passage also speaks of God sending an 'evil spirit' as a form of divine discipline, highlighting how God can use such means to disrupt and judge sinful actions.
Proverbs 16:18It echoes the idea that pride often leads to a downfall, which is exactly what happens to Abimelech and the Shechemites as their treacherous dealings lead to destruction.
Galatians 6:7This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of 'reaping what you sow,' as the treachery and violence instigated by Abimelech and supported by the Shechemites ultimately bring ruin upon them both.
Romans 1:28This passage describes God 'giving people up' to their sinful desires, which parallels the idea in Judges 9 where God allowed an 'evil spirit' to stir up discord among those already inclined to wickedness.
bensonJudges 9:23: "Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:"
Jdg 9:23-24 . God sent an evil spirit — That is, gave Satan permission to work upon their minds. That the cruelty done to the sons of Jerubbaal, &c. — That is, the punishment of the cruelty. Men may do evil, and think they have profited themselves; may imagine they have strengthened themselves in their wickedness, and are quite secure; that they have p…
gillJudges 9:23: "Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:"
Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem,.... Permitted, yea, gave a commission to Satan, the evil spirit, to go among them, who stirred up suspicions, jealousies, hatred, and ill will to one another, and sowed the seeds of discord and contention among them; or God gave them up to their own hearts' lusts, to think ill of on…
It’s easy to read this as God directly causing evil, but the text here uses "evil spirit" to describe a breakdown of trust and a descent into treachery—a state God permits to occur as a consequence of their own wicked actions. This sets the stage for their eventual downfall, showing how their own choices lead to the very conflict that will destroy them.
Abimelech has just seized power in a bloody coup, murdering his brothers to become king of Shechem. This verse reveals that God, in His justice, intervenes by allowing a spirit of division and treachery to sow discord between Abimelech and the very people who helped him rise to power. Their initial alliance, built on violence and ambition, begins to crumble from within.
Abimelech has just seized power in a bloody coup, murdering his brothers to become king of Shechem. This verse reveals that God, in His justice, intervenes by allowing a spirit of division and treachery to sow discord between Abimelech and the very people who helped him rise to power. Their initial alliance, built on violence and ambition, begins to crumble from within.
"And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech," — It’s easy to read this as God directly causing evil, but the text here uses "evil spirit" to describe a breakdown of trust and a descent into treachery—a state God permits to occur as a consequence…
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Last reviewed October 2026