15th.: Abimelech and the Men of Shechem
After his death, Gideon's son, Abimelech, conspired with the men of Shechem
to kill his many half brothers, and to make himself king (Judg. 9:1-6).
However, Jothan, Gideon’s youngest son, escaped.
Shortly after the coup, Jotham uttered a curse to Abimelech,
“And ye are risen up against my father’s house. … If ye then have dealt truly, … rejoice. …
But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Milo,
and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and the house of Milo, and devour Abimelech.” (Judg. 9:18-20).
Abimelech, and the men of Shechem, had a chance to turn from their sin.
But they didn't
Perhaps, they did not think that God used Jotham as a prophet.
Perhaps they didn't care.
The rest of Judges 9 describes the downfall of Abimelech, Shechem and Milo.
When we are given a warning, let us heed that warning, and seek the Lord, to see if we have sinned.
Or, if nothing else, ask the Lord, to see if someone is simply trying to guilt-trip and/or intimidate us.
“When I say unto the wicked, ‘Thou shalt surely die.’ If he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right …
None of his sins that he has committed shall be mentioned unto him. He has done that which is lawful and right.
He shall surely live.” (Eze. 33:14, 16)