Judges 8:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 8:31
31 And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.
Chapter Context
Judges 8 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, sacrifice, redemption. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 8:31
31 And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech.
Analysis
His concubine that was in Shechem—the Hebrew פִּילֶגֶשׁ (pilegesh, 'concubine') refers to a secondary wife with lower status than a full wife. That she was in Shechem suggests she remained in her father's household rather than Gideon's in Ophrah. She also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ)—the name means 'my father is king' or 'father of a king,' a supremely ironic choice given Gideon's rejection of kingship (v. 23).
This naming reveals Gideon's true ambitions. Though he denied wanting to establish a dynasty, he names his son 'father of a king.' Abimelech's Shechemite connections (his mother's hometown had Canaanite inhabitants) and his inferior status as son of a concubine created the perfect storm for the murderous rivalry described in chapter 9. When leaders say one thing publicly but signal different ambitions privately, they create confusion and competition that devastates the next generation. Names matter in Scripture—they prophesy destiny, and Abimelech fulfilled his ominous name in the most horrifying way.
Historical Context
Shechem was a Canaanite city with a temple to Baal-berith (9:4), located in the territory of Manasseh. Its mixed Israelite-Canaanite population made it a center of religious syncretism. The city had significant covenant history (Joshua 24:1-28), making its apostasy particularly tragic. Concubines' sons often had inferior inheritance rights, creating rivalry with sons of full wives.
Reflection
- How do the mixed messages you send create confusion and harm in the next generation?
- What ambitions lurk beneath your public denials, revealed in your private choices?
- In what ways do compromised family arrangements set up future tragedy?