The Choice of a Brother
In Judges chapter 9, we find a story.
Like many leaders, Abimelech embarks on a journey.
Like many leaders, he gives a speech to campaign.
Like many leaders, he speaks of his capabilities.
Like many leaders, he promises a better life.
And like many leaders, he reminds them — he is their brother. (Judges 9:1–3)
After saying, “I am your bone and your flesh,” the people of Shechem were convinced.
And they said: He is our brother! (9:3)
No one asked about his ability.
No one asked where he would lead.
They said: He is our brother!
And that was enough.
It’s always interesting. Oh, the times.
The Hunger Beneath It All
Despite his hunger for the throne and the fact that his brothers were still alive, Abimelech’s chances at power were slim. So what did he do?
The Bible says: He hired reckless scoundrels. Together, they went and killed the seventy sons of Jerubbaal — all but one who escaped. (Judges 9:4–5)
Thus ended the sons of Jerubbaal —
Not by disease. Not by accident.
But by Mr. Hunger.
Hunger for the Throne.
When hunger blinds the heart, brotherhood dies.
If I hadn’t been warned by the Abiru (the royal advisors to Rwanda’s past kings) not to touch the kingdom stories, I might have mentioned what happened in the Rucunshu war.
But even without that, just look around.
Blood is poured.
Everywhere.
Still.
For the same cause as Abimelech’s — the relentless hunger for control and power.
Oh, the morals.
The 5 Deadly Signs of Throne Hunger
But what exactly does this hunger look like in real life — and in leadership? Hidden in Abimelech’s story are five deadly signs of throne hunger that still show up today in politics, churches, businesses, and families. If we’re not careful, we might even find them in ourselves.
1. Impatience with God’s Timing
Abimelech didn’t wait to be raised up or chosen. He pushed ahead. Forced it. Grabbed the crown before it was offered.
He said, “Why not me? Why not now?”
And so many still do. The hunger won’t wait.
But what begins in impatience rarely ends in peace.
2. Manipulating Loyalty for Personal Gain
He said, “I’m your brother.” That was the whole pitch. Not character. Not calling. Just bloodline.
And the people said, “He is our brother!”
But hunger twists relationships into currency.
When leaders build platforms on shared background instead of shared truth, the crowd follows blindly — until it’s too late.
3. A Willingness to Betray Family
Abimelech didn’t just pass by his brothers — he killed seventy of them.
Family.
Gone.
When hunger consumes the heart, even sacred bonds are expendable.
You may not wield a sword, but have you ever stepped over someone you were meant to stand beside?
4. Leading through Fear, Not Trust
What did his rule bring? Fear. Division. Violence.
Abimelech didn’t lead; he controlled.
He ruled by threat, not trust.
And still today, throne hunger often builds empires on fear, where no one thrives and everyone watches their back.
5. A Legacy of Destruction
At the end, Abimelech dies by a woman’s hand — struck by a millstone, ashamed, asking a soldier to finish him off so no one could say a woman killed him. (Judges 9:53–54)
Even in death, he was hungry for reputation.
And those who followed him? Also gone. Burned in towers.
This is the ending of throne hunger: shame, loss, and nothing left to stand on.
Have You Been Fair to the Family?
We all belong to Jerubbaal — to one Father.
And when one in the family catches this kind of hunger,
Seventy always die.
Every time.
Silver coins were used to buy betrayal in Judges 9. (v.4)
And today, many still pursue silver to feed the same hunger.
Let’s pray that silver be used for healing instead of harm.
And those paid to implement Abimelech’s dream —
May they do something else.
Can you say Amen?
And finally, the voice of Jotham echoes still:
“Have you been fair to Jerubbaal and his family?” (Judges 9:16)
A good question.
A necessary question.
Not just for Abimelech — but for us all.
Not to be personal…
But here we all must ask, even if being asked:
Have you been fair to the family?
Do not ask which one.
Sela.
Father in heaven, have mercy on us all!