And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The subtle reason the Shechemites gravitated toward Abimelech wasn't just a desire for a king, but a shrewd calculation of their own benefit. When they declared "He is our brother," they weren't speaking of familial affection, but of personal gain—hoping to elevate their own status and influence through their kinsman.
And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off murdering his seventy half-brothers, Abimelech is now lobbying the leaders of Shechem through his maternal relatives. These kinsmen twist Abimelech's violent ambition into a plea for leadership, highlighting his connection to Shechem as their own brother. swayed by promises of power and a sense of local pride, the people of Shechem agree to make him king, setting the stage for further bloodshed and divine judgment.
Why did the people of Shechem so readily embrace Abimelech? It wasn't just about who he was, but who he represented.
Abimelech's bid for power wasn't just a personal ambition; it was a strategic move that played on existing social and ethnic ties.
Kinship as a Political Tool
His mother's relatives, likely the Hivites or a prominent clan within Shechem, acted as his advocates. They didn't just present Abimelech; they presented their connection to him.
The "Brother" Gambit
The phrase "He is our brother" was powerful. For the leaders of Shechem, this meant more than just familial relation. It implied:
This wasn't a purely ideological choice, but one heavily influenced by perceived self-interest and the comfortable familiarity of kinship.
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Abimelech's supporters weren't just excited about a new leader; they were swayed by promises that appealed directly to their own gain.
The people of Shechem were easily persuaded because Abimelech's proposal aligned perfectly with their desires and ambitions.
Personal Gain Over Principle
The commentators point out that the leaders of Shechem were 'fond of kingly government' and easily believed what 'served their own interest.' This suggests their decision wasn't rooted in justice or God's will, but in a calculated move for:
A Convenient "Brotherhood"
The 'brother' argument was less about genuine affection and more about a convenient justification for a power grab. It masked the underlying motives of ambition and personal advantage.
This event in Shechem wasn't entirely new. It echoes a recurring theme in Israel's history: a desire for kingship that bypassed God's direction.
The people's inclination to follow Abimelech reflects a broader trend in Israel of seeking human leadership, often with disastrous results.
A Kingdom Without Consultation
As noted, God was not consulted in this matter. The choice of Abimelech was a political maneuver driven by the city leaders and Abimelech himself, not a divine appointment.
A Historical Precedent
This desire for a king like the surrounding nations, even when it led to trouble, was a recurring issue. It demonstrated a lack of trust in God's provision and protection. This pattern would repeat, leading to the often turbulent reigns of Israel's kings.
Consequences of Self-Will
This decision ultimately led to bloodshed and instability, a stark reminder that human ambition, especially when divorced from godly wisdom, rarely ends well.
Understand the original words
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The inner person, including the seat of intellect, will, desire, and moral decision-making; the center of one's spiritual and emotional life.
This passage highlights how political expediency and familial ties can override justice and morality, as the Shechemite leaders backed Abimelech for self-serving reasons rather than righteous ones.
c. 11th Century BC
Gideon's Reign and Death
Gideon, a mighty judge who delivered Israel, ruled from Ophrah. After his death, his son Abimelech, born to a Shechemite concubine, harbored ambitions for power.
c. 11th Century BC— this verse
Abimelech's Usurpation
Abimelech, with the support of his mother's relatives in Shechem and hired mercenaries, murdered his 70 half-brothers to seize control of the territory around Shechem.
c. 11th Century BC
Shechemite Alliance with Abimelech
The leaders and people of Shechem, influenced by Abimelech's mother's family and a desire for a king, agreed to make him their ruler, despite his illegitimate birth and violent actions.
c. 11th Century BC
Jotham's Curse
Gideon's only surviving son, Jotham, pronounced a prophetic curse upon Abimelech and the people of Shechem for their wicked deeds.
c. 11th Century BC
Abimelech's Rule and Downfall
Abimelech ruled oppressively for three years, leading to rebellion and his eventual death by a woman's millstone during the destruction of Shechem.
This passage describes a similar tribal uprising fueled by a sense of regional identity and resentment towards a central authority, mirroring the Shechemites' inclination to follow Abimelech because of his local ties.
1 Kings 12:16The people's response, 'To your tents, O Israel!' highlights a recurring theme of tribal division and self-interest overriding national unity, much like the Shechemites' decision based on kinship.
Proverbs 14:4This verse speaks to the consequences of ambition and the manipulation of truth for personal gain, which directly applies to Abimelech's strategy and the Shechemites' easily swayed hearts.
Jeremiah 17:5The verse warns against trusting in humans and making flesh their strength, a principle violated by the Shechemites who leaned on their perceived kinship with Abimelech instead of on God.
clarkeJudges 9:3: "And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother."
He is our brother - We shall be raised to places of trust under him, and our city will be the capital of the kingdom.
gillJudges 9:3: "And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother."
And his mother's brethren spake of him in the ears of the men of Shechem all these words,.... Got them together in some certain place, and laid before them all that Abimelech had suggested to them, and spake in his favour to them: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, he is our brother…
The subtle reason the Shechemites gravitated toward Abimelech wasn't just a desire for a king, but a shrewd calculation of their own benefit. When they declared "He is our brother," they weren't speaking of familial affection, but of personal gain—hoping to elevate their own status and influence through their kinsman.
Fresh off murdering his seventy half-brothers, Abimelech is now lobbying the leaders of Shechem through his maternal relatives. These kinsmen twist Abimelech's violent ambition into a plea for leadership, highlighting his connection to Shechem as their own brother. swayed by promises of power and a sense of local pride, the people of Shechem agree to make him king, setting the stage for further bloodshed and divine judgment.
Fresh off murdering his seventy half-brothers, Abimelech is now lobbying the leaders of Shechem through his maternal relatives. These kinsmen twist Abimelech's violent ambition into a plea for leadership, highlighting his connection to Shechem as their own brother. swayed by promises of power and a sense of local pride, the people of Shechem agree to make him king, setting the stage for further bloodshed and divine judgment.
"And his mother’s relatives spoke all these words on his behalf in the ears of all the leaders of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.”" — The subtle reason the Shechemites gravitated toward Abimelech wasn't just a desire for a king, but a shrewd calculation of their own benefit. When they declared "He is our brother," they weren't spea…
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Last reviewed October 2026