1. Abimelek makes himself king (1-6)

Abimelek, who was the son of Jerub-Baal (Gideon) and a concubine, decided to rule after Gideon. He got his relatives' support and, in a treacherous act, hired reckless scoundrels to murder his 70 half-brothers, who were all sons of Gideon. Gideon's youngest son Jotham escaped. The citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo crowned Abimelek as king.

2. Jotham's curse (7-21)

Jotham gave a long speech on Mt.Gerizim (7-20). He told a parable about trees anointing a king. The olive tree, fig tree and vine had something good to give if they wanted to hold sway over the trees. A thornbush would only prick its subjects. The Shechemites foolishly chose a useless thornbush, Abimelek, to rule over them. Jotham challenged their wicked treatment of Gideon and his sons, though Gideon risked his life to fight the Midianites. They acted dishonorably and in bad faith. Jotham cursed that they would destroy each other like fire destroys firewood.