What ambitious steps are said to have been taken by Abimelech? v. 1. 2.
Was not his insinuation against his brethren entirely groundless?
What success had he in his aspiring projects? V.3—6.
Was not this measure contrary to the known will of God, as well as to that of Gideon declared before his death? Deut. 17. 14, 15.
Were not the children of Israel grossly ungrateful to the memory of Gideon in not avenging the death of his sons? ch.8.35. Eccl. 9. 14, 15, N. B. Millo, or the house of fullness, is supposed to have been a kind of city-hall, or council-house, in which the elders and people met for business.
What course did Jotham adopt when informed of what had happened?
What practical lesson do we learn from his preface? Prov. 28. 9.
By what means did Jotham administer reproof to his people? N. B. This fable, parable, or apologue is the most ancient extant, and one of the most ingenious, pertinent, and striking any where to be found.
State the parable.
Does the subsequent history contain one somewhat similar? 2 Kings 14. 9.
In what points was it peculiarly applicable to the case in hand ?
Why does the olive say that God and man is honored by its fatness? Ex. 35. 14. Lev. 2. 1. 1 Sam. 10. 1.
What does the vine say of itself and why? Num. 15. 5—7. Prov. 31. 6.
What is the pointed application which Jotham makes in the conclusion ? N. B. The ensuing history shews the fulfillment of this in a wonderful manner?
Whither did he then betake himself?
How long did Abimelech reign without disturbance, and what occurred at the end of that time?
With what design on the part of God was this state of things brought about ? N. B. "When men's sin is made their punishment, though God is not the author of the sin, yet the punishment comes from him." Henry.
What measures did the men of Shechem, or a considerable party of them, adopt, and under whose conduct did they put themselves?
Did they attempt the life of Abimelech?
How did Gaal's party behave in the time of the vintage, and what vain boasting language did he make use of? N. B. As Ebed means slave, it is supposed by some that this Gaal was a native Canaanite, or the son of a slave, and that by this bravado style, he designs not only to cast contempt on Abimelech and Gideon, but also to win the Shechemites into subjection to the men, or to himself, the descendant of Hamor, who was the ancient lord of this city in Jacob's time. Heated with wine, and puffed up with arrogance, he addresses and defies Abimelech as though actually present. This speech in some way comes to the ears of Zebul, who communicates it to his master.
How was Zebul affected by the speech, and what message did he send to his master? v.30—33.
What steps did Abimelech take accordingly, and how did Gaal become apprised of his movements? N. B. He seems not to have gone out with any expectation of the approach of Abimelech's party, and as Zebul and he were yet on speaking terms, the former aims to detain him, and hold him in talk, in order to gain time and advantage for Abimelech.
What was the conversation that ensued between Gaal and Zebul? v. 36—38.
Was Gaal induced to go out, and what was the result of the skirmish?
What became of Gaal, and what followed upon his expulsion? v. 42—45. N. B. Salt was an emblem of perpetuity, and this act was expressive of his hope and intention as far as in him lay, that the ruin of the place should be perpetual.
Was it not however afterwards rebuilt, and made a considerable place? 1 Kings 12. 1.
Whither did the remnant of the people retire for safety, and what befel them there ?
Did this catastrophe as well as that of Abimelech afterwards strikingly verify the prediction of Jotham?
How did Abimelech at length come to his end?
Was the circumstance in his death which he was so anxious to conceal remembered notwithstanding ages afterwards to his disgrace? 2 Sam. 11.21.
< Previous | Index | Next >