Judges 9:22-57

9:22 | The word used for reigned here refers to a prince or commander rather than a true king. The author of Judges does not dignify Abimelech with the verb that is normally used for kings because God had not anointed him.

9:23 | The spirit of ill will was either an evil spirit, a demon of Satan, or simply an evil attitude or disposition sent by God to cause strife between the two factions. This was a spirit similar to the one God would send to trouble Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16).

9:45 | Sowing salt over a city not only symbolized its desolation but would make fertile soil infertile. Shechem would not be rebuilt for 150 years.

9:53-55 | To be killed by a woman – a non-warrior – and by ambush rather than in battle was considered a disgrace. To add to Abimelech’s dishonor, the instrument of death (upper millstone) was part of a hand mill which was used in daily food preparation – a household implement. Even though Abimelech tried to protect his image by having his servant finish him off, the author’s report exposes the truth.