Judg 9:2 | MHM | STEP | v. 2-3 : Abimelech started his plan by convincing his mother’s family in Shechem to support him. Shechem was an important city, and if its leaders backed him, others might follow. Abimelech suggested that it would be better to have one king, himself, rather than many rulers, hinting that Gideon’s other sons wanted to rule. There is no evidence that Gideon’s sons wanted to be rulers; they believed that the Lord should rule over Israel (Judges 8:23 ). Abimelech used his family connection to win support, saying, Remember that I am your bone and your flesh (Judges 9:2 ). The leaders of Shechem liked the idea because they thought it would make their city powerful, so they supported him as their brother.

‏ Judges 9:2

v. 2-3: Abimelech started his plan by convincing his mother’s family in Shechem to support him. Shechem was an important city, and if its leaders backed him, others might follow. Abimelech suggested that it would be better to have one king, himself, rather than many rulers, hinting that Gideon’s other sons wanted to rule. There is no evidence that Gideon’s sons wanted to be rulers; they believed that the Lord should rule over Israel (Judges 8:23 ^a). Abimelech used his family connection to win support, saying, Remember that I am your bone and your flesh (Judges 9:2 ^b). The leaders of Shechem liked the idea because they thought it would make their city powerful, so they supported him as their brother.