This passage illustrates the aftermath of Gideon’s failure to bring lasting peace. His son Abimelech deals treacherously and murders his brothers. Jotham escapes, and calls down a curse upon Abimelech and the town of Shechem. God honors the curse and brings violence to Shechem, and a violent and ignoble death to Abimelech.
The point of all this is that although God had used Gideon, he made some mistakes and proved not to be the great hero of his reputation. He was not the man with the white hat. God alone was the rescuer.
LORD, help us to honor those who are true heroes – those who serve you with integrity.
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