Judges 9:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The men of Shechem are persuaded and incline their hearts to follow Abimelech because he is one of their own.
What Does Judges 9:3 Mean?
Abimelech's relatives carry his words to the whole city, and the people are swayed. The decisive reason they give is simply, 'He is our brother' -- kinship, not righteousness, settles the matter.
The heart inclines easily toward what feels familiar, even when it leads away from God. Shechem chooses a ruler by the pull of blood rather than the call of the Lord, and the choice will cost them everything. It is a sober reminder that loyalty given for the wrong reasons can become a trap, and that the crowd's favor is no proof of God's favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 9:3
What does Judges 9:3 mean?
The men of Shechem are persuaded and incline their hearts to follow Abimelech because he is one of their own.