Judges 9:26-57
Our chapter today confirms what Isaiah said in relation to such men: "Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths (Isaiah 59:7 which is quoted in Romans 3:15-16). Have things changed in the world today? Definitely not! Even in so-called Christian countries, men’s politics are still dominated by violence, lies and unrest. "Shall I get involved with them?" This was the question posed by Jotham in his parable (vv. 9, 11, 13). He could have taken sides against Abimelech to avenge his murdered brothers. But he keeps well out of it. He is far from trouble and intrigue at Beer (v. 21; see Numbers 21:16) waiting quietly for the LORD’s deliverance. And in just the same way as we saw the enemies killing each other in the camp of Midian, now Abimelech and the men of Shechem spend their time destroying each other. They were a devouring fire to each other. Thus what Jotham had foretold happens (v. 20). And the words which are true of men all through history are fulfilled. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7; see also Galatians 5:15).