Stronghold

Judges 9:46-57

God also made the people of Shechem pay for all their wickedness. The curse of Jotham son of Jerub-Baal came on them. (9:57)

I have never read this kind of massacre that had happened in the history of Israelites, killing its own people in such a violent way. Abimelek became a king for himself, but the result was so terrible that he even killed his people with the way I can't express even with words. It was not only his fault, but the citizens of Scechem were responsible for that as they allowed it to happen and were blind enough to worship Baals and other gods, forgetting the Lord who had led them there and had warned of that kind of temptations already several times through Moses and Joshua as well as the ten commandments.

Even though they hid in the stronghold or tower of the temple of Baals, the gods couldn't save them from the judgments, which means not only Abimelek's revenge, but also the fair judgment that would come on all human beings one day. I guess that we all humans have our own strongholds that protect us and satisfy our minds. It could be our parents, children, or spouses, but among these, money comes first. Though not everyone worships money, the powerful but unseen god rules over people and makes them blind and not see the truth in life.

Whatever we live for in life, we should remember that we would get paid for that, regardless of good or bad things. So our lives can't tell if it is good or bad, because it's hard to say.

Joshua 1: 8

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written on it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.