This is about Abimelech, the son of Gideon. Sometimes a person is really blessed by the Lord in some special work for God. Then others or possibly the person’s own son, thinks they can carry it on. They act on the faith of others. Abimelech was a man who took advantage of the reputation his father had. He uses this power for his own personal gain, not for God. All Gideon’s sons, except one, are killed. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)).
V.5 It is remarkable that Gideon’s oldest and youngest sons are mentioned in this instructive story. In 8:20 an older son was one of the faithful 300! The youngest is the only son who escapes! Jether means “judgment to come.” Jotham means “Jehovah is perfect.”
V.6-57 This proud, self-centered man murdered those who had more claim to represent their faithful father than he had. Punishment falls on him from a humiliating source.
V.56-57 But we must realize that any one today who takes the name of being a Christian puts himself (or herself) in a very responsible position. The true believer also may allow the old life to come out in him. And if this happens then God the Father will deal with us. But always because He loves us. May we have a sensitive conscience and walk and live in the new nature.