Did eat and drink— They probably offered sacrifices, and afterwards feasted together upon those sacrifices.
REFLECTIONS.—For a time the wickedness of Abimelech seemed to prosper, and three years he enjoyed in peace his ill gotten dignity; but the triumphing of the wicked is short, like sunshine before the thunder-storm. For,
1. There was a spirit of dissention sworn between him and the Shechemites; God, in just judgment for the blood which was shed, visiting their sins upon them by the hands of one another. They who set up Abimelech, now, tired of his government, conspire to slay him; so tottering is that throne which has been established by cruelty and bloodshed. Note; (1.) They, who have once acted a perfidious part are seldom or never again to be trusted. (2.) Blood will cry for vengeance. (3.) Conspiracies in iniquity have usually but feeble bands. (4.) They who promise themselves comfort in ill gotten rule will be deceived, and find that the crown they wear is lined with thorns.
2. Gaal the son of Ebed, hearing of the discontent of the men of Shechem, comes, in hopes to turn it to his own use, and fish for himself in these troubled waters; they entertain him gladly, and he seeks to foment the dissention, and to inflame the minds of the people more against their king. At their entertainments, inflamed with wine and feasting, he boldly broaches the treason, speaks contemptuously of Abimelech, his family, and his officers; vaunting his own courage, if they would make him their captain; and challenging Abimelech to assert his title; intimating, that it would be more eligible to serve a Canaanitish king than such a one. Note; (1.) An artful leader, with an inflamed populace, can do a world of mischief. (2.) When men are intoxicated with wine, then they are fit for murders, treason, and every evil work. (3.) To speak evil of dignities, is highly criminal. (4.) They who are most valiant over a bottle often prove cowards when the sword must decide.