Family & Origins
Who was Abimelech’s father, a judge of Israel who led the people before him?
Gideon
What important position did Abimelech want to have over the people?
King
What was Jotham’s story mainly about?
Trees choosing a king
After ruling for a few years, what did the people of Shechem do to Abimelech?
They turned against him
After being injured by the millstone, Abimelech made a final request to avoid disgrace. What did he ask his armor-bearer to do for him?
He asked his armor-bearer to kill him
How many brothers did Abimelech have from his father Gideon?
70
What did Abimelech use the money from Shechem for?
To hire men (soldiers)
What lesson was Jotham trying to teach the people through his parable?
Bad leadership and evil actions bring trouble
What was the name of the man who led the rebellion in Shechem?
Gaal
Abimelech did not want people to say that he had been defeated in this way. Why was he concerned about how people would describe his death?
He didn’t want it said that a woman killed him
Which one of Abimelech’s brothers survived and escaped his attack?
Jotham
How would you describe Abimelech’s leadership?
Violent / bad leader
Trees choosing a king: what was the main point of Jotham’s warning?
The story warned that bad leadership brings trouble
What strategy did Abimelech use to defeat the people of Shechem?
An ambush
The story of Abimelech teaches an important lesson about choices and consequences. What is the main moral of Abimelech’s story?
Bad actions have consequences
What did Abimelech do to his brothers to gain power?
He killed his brothers
How did Abimelech take the throne instead of being chosen properly?
He took power by force
How did Jotham warn the people about Abimelech’s rule?
He told a parable (story) to warn the people
Where did the people hide in Thebez to protect themselves?
In a strong tower
While attacking the town of Thebez, Abimelech was injured by an object dropped from above. What object caused him serious injury?
A millstone
Who was the one person that tried to stop Abimelech’s actions?
Jotham (he warned the people / escaped and gave a parable)
What was the most serious sin Abimelech committed to gain power?
Killing his brothers
What story did Jotham tell to warn the people?
Jotham told a story / parable about trees choosing a king to warn the people
After the rebellion, how did Abimelech punish the city of Shechem?
He destroyed the city of Shechem
How long did Abimelech rule over the people before his leadership led to rebellion and trouble?
About 3 years