Read: Judges 8-9
Focus Verse: “No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Bails.” (Judges 8:33a).
Devotion: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. My AP world teacher used to tell us this every day. Abimelek is the story of that. To become King he murdered 70 of his brothers. He’s essentially the first Israelite King that we get and we see what it means for Israel. Abimelek, Gideon’s son, goes to grab more power. When opposed by Gaal who challenges his rule, Abimelek goes on a war campaign within Israel. The people, Gaal included, end up falling. Abimelek’s only remaining brother flexes in fear. Abimelek abuses his power to grab more. So, he meets his end by a woman dropping a stone on his head and his servant ends his misery. But, we’re told “Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers.”(Judges 9:56). Not Gaal, not Jotham, but God, in God’s time, took control and made things right.
Pray: LORD I surrender my pain and resentment to you. We rise and fall by Your hand. LORD let all be now in Your time. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.” (Isa. 40:31)