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Judges 9:16

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Now therefore, if ye have done truly and sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king, and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house, and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands;
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Now then, if you have acted honestly and sincerely by making Abimelech king, and if you have treated Jerubbaal and his family well, giving him what his actions deserved;

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is challenging the people to examine whether they've acted with integrity and justice in their political choices.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Judges, after Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal) led Israel to victory against the Midianites, his son Abimelech seized power by killing his seventy brothers with the help of the people of Shechem, who supported him as king. Jotham, Gideon's youngest son and the sole survivor, delivered a public speech on Mount Gerizim, using a parable to condemn this betrayal and question whether the people had acted sincerely in crowning Abimelech. This verse is part of Jotham's rebuke, urging reflection on the justice and integrity of their actions toward Jerubbaal and his family.

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