Free group study handout
Judges 9: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Judges 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Abimelech, son of Jerubbaal, went to Shechem and asked the people if they preferred one ruler over many (vv. 1-2). The men of Shechem supported him, remembering he was their brother (v.
Key verse
“Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,”
Judges 9:23 (WEB)
Outline
- Judges 9:1–6 Abimelech's Rise to Power
- Judges 9:7–21 Jotham's Parable and Curse
- Judges 9:22–24 Divine Judgment Begins
- Judges 9:25–41 Gaal's Rebellion
- Judges 9:42–49 Abimelech's Attack on Shechem
- Judges 9:50–57 Fall of Abimelech
Discussion questions
- In v1, who does Abimelech approach first in Shechem?
- What does Jotham do in v7 after hearing about Abimelech's actions?
- The phrase 'he is our brother' in v3: how does this affect the people's decision?
- In v24, what is meant by God laying the blood of the brothers on Abimelech?
- When have you seen ambition lead to conflict, as in Abimelech's rise to power?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Judges 9: Judges 8, Psalm 91, 1 Kings 12.
Before next time: read Judges 10.