Judges - Lesson 5

Lesson 5

UDGES

Lesson Five
LIKE FATHER, NOT LIKE SON
Abimelech, Judges 9

SEARCHING OUR MEMORY:

In thinking of last week's lesson, what do you think was Gideon's greatest weakness? What was his greatest strength?
Discuss what you did from last week's Searching our Lives suggestions.

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURE: Read Judges 8:4-9:57
Continuing from last week…

After the chase at the end of chapter 7, what was the condition of Gideon and his men in 8:4?
1. Whom did he ask for help in vs. 5?
2. What was their answer?
3. What was Gideon's threat?
4. Who else did he approach for help in vs. 8?
5. What was their answer?
6. What was to happen to them?
Who was Gideon's army pursuing? Were they captured?
How were Succoth and Peniel punished? (8:15-17)
Who did Gideon ask to kill Zebah and Zalmunna?
1. Did he do it?
2. Who finally killed them?
What request did the Israelites make of Gideon? (8:22)
What was Gideon's answer? Why?
What did Gideon request of them?
How did this request result in a problem for Gideon's family?
How long did Israel enjoy peace?
Complete the following facts we read of Gideon's personal life at the end of chapter 8.
1. His other name: __________________
2. His father was _____________________
3. Number of his sons: _________________
4. Number of his wives: ________________
5. Name of son by concubine: ___________________
6. How long he lived: _____________________
7. Where he was buried: _____________________
What happened immediately after Gideon's death?
Abimelech was determined to take Gideon's place as leader.
1. Whom did he ask for help?
2. What did he do to his brothers?
3. Who escaped?
In the ‘parable' told by Jotham, to what was Abimelech compared?
After Jotham made his speech to the people, what did he do? Why?
How long did Abimelech govern Israel?
In 9:22-25, why did God send the evil spirit between Abimelech and Shechem?
Who led a revolt against Abimelech in 9:26-39?
Was it successful?
When Abimelech conquered Shechem, what did he do to make sure it remained a barren land? (9:45)
Abimelech killed about 1000 men and women that had been in the tower of Shechem when he was going to set fire to the tower in Thebez. He was not so successful.
1. What did the women drop on him?
2. What injury did he have?
3. What did he ask of his armor bearer?
  Why?
4. What did his followers do?
Who repaid the wickedness done by Abimelech and Shechem? (See Romans 12:19)

SEARCHING OUR HEARTS:

Man has a need to worship something. As when Israel worshipped the ephod made by Gideon, we tend to worship the blessing instead of the one who blesses. Give some examples.
What were the reasons the trees gave for not wanting to be King of the Trees in 9:15? What in your life would you have to give up to be the first woman president? Would it be worth it?
Abimelech is often listed among the judges because he ruled over Israel. What do you see as a difference in a "God called" judge and a "self called" judge?
What might therapists of today see as the reasons for Abimelech's actions and life style?
This lesson shows how easily the people of Shechem were swayed by Abimelech and then by Gaal. Who do you think is being successful at swaying the thinking of the American people today?

SEARCHING OUR LIVES: (choose one to discuss next week)

The people of Ephraim and the people of Peniel both refused to feed the Gideon army. This week, prepare a dish (or have over for a meal) someone who is actively serving the Lord.
Abimelech only had hate for his siblings. Sometime this week, do something to foster your relationship with a physical or spiritual brother or sister. Let them know you love them.
Living in peace was something the Israelites did as long as a judge lived. Using the word peace as an acronym, try to describe spiritual peace to your group.

Lesson Six

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