Merrill Unger, a noteworthy archeologist and theologian, says in regard to these verses.
Zebul, the ruler of Shechem, sent word to Abimelech of the revolt, and requested him to place himself in ambush that night, and be prepared to surprise Gaal in the morning. As expected, Gaal started out in the morning, was met and defeated by Abimelech, and prevented by Zebul from entering the city. The next day the people went out into the field, possibly to continue their vintage, and Abimelech slew them with two of his companions, while with his other two he seized the city gates. After fighting against the city all day he took it, destroyed it utterly, and strewed it with salt. When the inhabitants of the town of Shechem heard of the fate of the city, they took themselves to the temple of Baal-berith. Their purpose in so doing was evidently not to defend themselves, but to seek safety at the sanctuary of their god from the vengeance of Abimelech. When he heard of this, Abimelech went with his men to Mount Zalmon, and brought from thence branches of trees. These were piled against the building and set on fire. The building was consumed with all its occupants, about one thousand men and women.
Selfish men are the most treacherous and dangerous of all men for they think only of themselves and destroy anything or anyone who they see as “the enemy.” Eventually this always comes back to haunt them.
Ralph L. Woods: An ambitious farmer, unhappy about the yield of his crops, heard of a highly recommended new seed corn. He bought some and produced a crop that was so abundant his astonished neighbors asked him to sell them a portion of the new seed. But the farmer, afraid that he would lose a profitable competitive advantage, refused.
The second year the new seed did not produce as good a crop, and when the third-year crop was still worse, it dawned upon the farmer that his prize corn was being pollinated by the inferior grade of corn from his neighbors’ fields.
When we think only of ourselves, trouble is right around the corner.
Dr. Mike Rouse
What to do:
✞ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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