And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
He went to his father's house in Ophrah and killed his brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal—seventy men—on one stone. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived because he hid himself.
This verse describes how Abimelech murdered almost all of his seventy brothers in a brutal act to secure power for himself, with only the youngest brother escaping.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs after Gideon's (also called Jerubbaal) death, when his son Abimelech sought to become king over Israel. In ancient times, executing potential rivals to the throne—including family members—was a common but ruthless political strategy. The phrase 'upon one stone' suggests this was a systematic, ceremonial execution, possibly at a place of sacrifice.
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