And ye are risen up against my father’s house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore and ten persons, upon one stone, and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem, because he is your brother;)
But today you have turned against my father's family and killed his seventy sons on a single stone, and you have made Abimelech, the son of his servant woman, king over the people of Shechem, just because he is your relative.
The speaker is condemning the people for betraying their former leader's family by murdering his sons and installing his illegitimate son as king out of favoritism.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Jotham's speech, the sole surviving son of Gideon (also called Jerubbaal), after his half-brother Abimelech murdered all 70 of his brothers to seize power. Abimelech was the son of Gideon and a concubine from Shechem, and he convinced the people of Shechem to support his violent coup by appealing to their tribal loyalty.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.