9:57 And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the {f} curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.
(f) For making a tyrant their king.
9:57 Render upon their heads - Thus God preserved the honour of his government, and gave warning to all ages, to expect blood for blood.
9:50-57 The Shechemites were ruined by Abimelech; now he is reckoned with, who was their leader in villany. Evil pursues sinners, and sometimes overtakes them, when not only at ease, but triumphant. Though wickedness may prosper a while, it will not prosper always. The history of mankind, if truly told, would greatly resemble that of this chapter. The records of what are called splendid events present to us such contests for power. Such scenes, though praised of men, fully explain the Scripture doctrine of the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, the force of men's lust, and the effect of Satan's influence. Lord, thou has given us thy word of truth and righteousness, O pour upon us thy spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law in our hearts.
