Wednesday, September 23, 2026
City of Praise reflectionCommunity and fellowship — Judges 9:1-8
Community and fellowship
Today’s Scripture: Judges 9:1-8 (KJV)
- And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying,
- Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.
- And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother.
- And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal–berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.
- And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
- And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
- And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.
- The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.
Guided reflection
Read Judges 9:1-8 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Follow the people, choices and consequences in the narrative. A recorded action is not automatically an example to imitate; consider how it relates to God’s faithfulness and justice.
Attend especially to Judges 9:1: “And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying,”
Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Judges 9:1-8 that helps you explain the passage in your own words.
Reflect: What does this passage teach about our responsibilities toward other people? Ground your answer in Judges 9:1 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead.
Respond: Reach out to one person who may be overlooked and listen before offering advice. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Judges 9:1-8, and return to it this evening.
Put the Word into practice
Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.
Today’s prayer
Father, as I consider Judges 9:1, build patience and generosity in my relationships. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.