If you have acted honorably and in good faith by making Abimelech your king, and if you have done right by Gideon and all his descendants, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you. But if you have not acted in good faith, then may fire come out from Abimelech and devour the leading citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo, and may fire come out from the citizens of Shechem and Beth-millo and devour Abimelech!
Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, delivers a parable and a curse from Mount Gerizim after Abimelech, his half-brother, kills his seventy brothers to become king.
complete
Fulfilled inJudges 9:45-57
The prophecy is fulfilled when Abimelech destroys Shechem and its leaders, and later, Abimelech himself is killed by a woman who drops a millstone on his head, leading to his death by his own armor-bearer.
This prophecy underscores the biblical theme of divine justice and retribution. It illustrates the consequences of betrayal and murder, emphasizing that God will avenge wrongdoing and uphold justice.