Then Jotham ran awayJotham's flight is a direct response to the threat posed by his brother Abimelech, who had just orchestrated the murder of their seventy brothers to secure his rule over Shechem. This act of running away is a common biblical motif where individuals flee from danger, as seen with David fleeing from Saul (
1 Samuel 19:10) and Moses fleeing from Pharaoh (
Exodus 2:15). It highlights the immediate danger and the need for self-preservation.
escaping to Beer
Beer is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, though its exact location is not definitively known today. It is thought to be a place of refuge, possibly in the territory of Judah or Benjamin. The name "Beer" means "well" in Hebrew, suggesting it was a place with a water source, which would be essential for survival. This move to Beer indicates Jotham's strategic choice to find a safe haven away from Abimelech's reach.
and he lived there
Jotham's decision to reside in Beer suggests a period of waiting and watching, possibly hoping for divine justice or a change in circumstances. This mirrors other biblical figures who lived in exile or in hiding, such as Elijah during the drought (1 Kings 17:3-5) and the Israelites in Babylonian captivity. It reflects a time of uncertainty and reliance on God's protection.
for fear of his brother Abimelech
The fear of Abimelech is well-founded, given Abimelech's ruthless ambition and willingness to kill his own family to gain power. This fear underscores the theme of familial betrayal and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of Gideon's legacy, as Abimelech is the son of Gideon, and his actions are a direct result of Gideon's failure to establish a godly legacy. This fear and resulting action by Jotham can be seen as a precursor to the eventual downfall of Abimelech, fulfilling the curse Jotham pronounced earlier in Judges 9:7-20.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JothamThe youngest son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who survived the massacre of his brothers by Abimelech. He is known for his parable of the trees, which he delivered from Mount Gerizim.
2.
AbimelechThe son of Gideon and a concubine from Shechem, who killed his seventy brothers to become king. His rule is marked by treachery and violence.
3.
BeerA location where Jotham fled to escape Abimelech. The name "Beer" means "well" in Hebrew, indicating a place with a water source, possibly a refuge or a place of safety.
4.
Mount GerizimThe mountain from which Jotham delivered his parable. It holds historical and religious significance in Israelite history.
5.
ShechemA city of great historical importance, where Abimelech was made king. It is a central location in the account of
Judges 9.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of AmbitionAbimelech's account warns against unchecked ambition and the lengths to which people might go to achieve power. It serves as a reminder to seek God's will rather than personal gain.
The Power of WordsJotham's parable is a powerful example of using words to convey truth and warn others. Believers are encouraged to speak truth courageously, even in the face of danger.
Seeking Refuge in GodJotham's flight to Beer symbolizes seeking refuge and safety. In times of trouble, believers are reminded to find their refuge in God, who is our ultimate protector.
The Importance of Righteous LeadershipThe account highlights the need for leaders who are righteous and just. It challenges believers to pray for and support godly leadership in their communities.
God's Justice PrevailsDespite the temporary success of the wicked, God's justice ultimately prevails. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and justice.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 9:21?
2. How does Judges 9:21 illustrate the consequences of Abimelech's actions?
3. What can we learn from Jotham's response to Abimelech's rise to power?
4. How does Judges 9:21 connect to God's justice throughout the Bible?
5. How should Christians respond to injustice, as seen in Judges 9:21?
6. What does Jotham's escape teach about trusting God's protection in adversity?
7. Why did Jotham flee to Beer in Judges 9:21?
8. What historical significance does Beer hold in Judges 9:21?
9. How does Jotham's escape reflect God's protection in Judges 9:21?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 9?
11. Who was Abimelech in the Bible?
12. How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)?
13. Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?
14. Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?What Does Judges 9:21 Mean
Then Jotham ran away• Jotham’s immediate flight shows practical wisdom. Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take cover.”
• His running does not contradict courage; he had just proclaimed God’s warning from Mount Gerizim (Judges 9:7–20). After fulfilling that duty, retreating preserved his life so the prophecy could unfold.
• Scripture often commends strategic withdrawal: 1 Samuel 19:10–12 (David), Matthew 10:23 (Jesus to the disciples), and Acts 9:25 (Paul). God’s people trust Him while using the means He provides.
Escaping to Beer• Beer was a small settlement far from Shechem’s political center, similar to the “Beer” mentioned in Numbers 21:16. Moving away limited Abimelech’s reach.
• God repeatedly shelters His servants in out-of-the-way places—Elijah at Cherith (1 Kings 17:3) and Joseph with Mary in Egypt (Matthew 2:13).
• The verse stresses that escape was successful; no pursuit or capture is recorded, underscoring God’s preserving hand (Psalm 121:7-8).
And he lived there• “Lived” points to an extended stay, not a brief hiding place. Like Moses in Midian (Exodus 2:15), Jotham settled until the Lord’s timing brought justice (Judges 9:56-57).
• Long-term refuge often shapes character: David at Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1-2) and John on Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Waiting seasons are part of God’s plan (Psalm 27:14).
• Stability in Beer shows God provides not only escape but also ongoing daily needs (Philippians 4:19).
For fear of his brother Abimelech• The fear was well-founded; Abimelech had murdered 70 brothers (Judges 9:5). Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man is a snare,” yet pairing fear with faith-filled action—flight and trust—keeps the believer safe.
• Family hostility is a recurring biblical theme: Jacob fled Esau (Genesis 27:41-43), and Jesus’ own brothers doubted Him (John 7:5). Loyalty to God may require distance from blood relatives when they oppose His purposes.
• Jotham’s survival allowed God’s prophetic curse (Judges 9:7-20) to stand as a witness. In time, Abimelech’s violence turned back on him (Judges 9:53-55), fulfilling Galatians 6:7.
summaryJudges 9:21 records prudent, God-directed self-preservation. Jotham, having boldly spoken truth, fled to an obscure place, found long-term refuge, and lived under God’s protection because Abimelech’s murderous ambition made staying impossible. His escape preserved both his life and the prophetic word, illustrating that God safeguards His messengers while He orchestrates justice in His perfect time.
(21)
Went to Beer.--Since Beer means a "well," it. was naturally a very common name in Palestine. There is nothing to show with certainty whether this Beer is Beeroth in Benjamin (
Joshua 9:17), now
el Bireh, about. six miles north of Jerusalem (see my
Life of Christ, i. 73), or the
el Bireh which lies on the road from Shechem to Askalon, or the
el Bireh near Endor. Probably Jotham would be safe anywhere in the territories of Judah or Benjamin, without going, as Ewald supposes, to the Beer of
Numbers 21:16, on the frontiers of Moab, an ancient sanctuary on the other side of the Jordan, possibly the Beer-elim (palm-well) of
Isaiah 15:8.
For fear of Abimelech.--Literally, from the face of Abimelech.
Verse 21. -
Jotham ran away. Being close to the top of Gerizim, Jotham had the open country before him. It would take the men of Shechem twenty minutes to ascend the hill, by which time Jotham would be out of sight, and two or three miles on his way.
Beer, to which he fled, is thought to be either the same as
Beeroth, among the heights of the tribe of Benjamin (
Joshua 9:17), now
El-Birch, "the first halting-place for caravans on the northern road from Jerusalem" ('Sinai and Palestine,' p. 210); or a place called by Eusebius
Beta, now
El-Birch, eight Roman miles from Eleutheropolis (now
Beit Jibrin), and possibly the same as the place of the same name described by Maundrell as four hours from Jerusalem, and two hours west of Bethel; or, as Ewald thinks, Beer beyond Jordan (
Numbers 21:16). It is impossible to decide which, or whether any, of these is the place designated as Jotham s place of refuge.
CHAPTER 9:22-57
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then Jothamיוֹתָ֔ם (yō·w·ṯām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3147: Jotham -- 'the LORD is perfect', three Israelitesran away,וַיָּ֣נָס (way·yā·nās)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish awayescapingוַיִּבְרַ֖ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenlyto Beer,בְּאֵ֑רָה (bə·’ê·rāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 876: Beer -- 'well', a place in the desert, also one in Palestineand he livedוַיֵּ֣שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marrythereשָׁ֔ם (šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thitherfor fearמִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê)Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The faceof his brotherאָחִֽיו׃ (’ā·ḥîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )Abimelech.אֲבִימֶ֥לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name
Links
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OT History: Judges 9:21 Jotham ran away and fled and went (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
