Abimelech, His Usurped Rule and Downfall (2)

Appearing on a rock, above the rabble that crowned Abimelech king, Jotham, like a impersonation of conscience, speaks his parable. The thrust of this remarkable production already has been given in my analysis of the vile strategy that Abimelech employed in achieving his purpose. Let us now examine with care the argument of this significant discourse. Jotham lays before the Schechemites the facts, when he says to them (verses 17, 18), "For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far,...