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WHEN CORRUPTION RULES, NATIONS DECLINE (III)
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
Judges 9:22-57

Psalm 73

 

“Righteousness exalteth a nation:

but sin is a reproach to any people.”

 

WHEN CORRUPTION RULES, NATIONS DECLINE (III)
 
The parable of Jotham became a prophecy that was fulfilled in the times of Absalom. Like begets like, and those who live by the sword die by the sword (Matt 26:52). From the life of Abimelech, we can also observe that treachery begets treachery as you reap what you sow.
 
“When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel” (Judg 9:22). Abimelech rose to power with the support from the Shechemites, and he gathered vain and light people behind him. It was these same men (those who supported him and his cause) who turned against him and dealt treacherously with him (Judg 9:23). When deceit and selfishness unite men in any cause, the cause cannot stand, as the same deceit and selfishness become the seed for discord among them. The treachery against Abimelech is attributed to the sovereign and just retribution of God against his treachery to his father’s house. The human cause of the discord is not stated, but its progress is highlighted. It is seen in the planned robberies by the men of Shechem (Judg 9:25) and the rebellion of Gaal against Abimelech (Judg 9:26).
 
“…serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?” (Judg 9:28). The kind of appeal that Abimelech made to the men of Shechem (which swayed them to follow him) was the same kind of appeal used to turn the men of Shechem against him. Influence gained by subjective reasons is subject to be lost the same way. Abimelech put himself to them as their bone and flesh. Gaal questioned that to challenge the loyalty of the men of Shechem to Abimelech. Men who support and join you in sinful and evil endeavours cannot be counted upon to remain faithful. Men whose allegiance you gain by treachery will turn against you at the earliest opportunity. In the end, both Abimelech and Gaal were killed, and the prophecy and curse of Jotham fell upon the men of Shechem. None of them prospered by their treachery. All of them perished because of it.
 
THOUGHT: Corruption and vice bring disgrace, and degrade a nation.
PRAYER: Father, turn us away from evil and lead us in righteousness, and may we dwell in peace in our nation.

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