1. Gaal opposes Abimelek (22-41).

God stirred up trouble for Abimelek from the citizens of Shechem. They supported a rebel named Gaal and his clan. Shechem's governor Zebul did not like Gaal and informed Abimelek about his talk of revolt. When Abimelek came to Shechem with his troops, Zebul challenged Gaal to fight saying, "Where's your big talk now?" Gaal was defeated and driven out of Shechem.

2. Abimelech's fall in disgrace (42-57).

The next day Abimelek attacked Shechemites in the fields and then destroyed the city. With branches as kindling, Abimelek then burned 1000 people in the tower of Shechem. He planned to burn another tower down in Thebez, but a woman cracked his skull with a millstone. He begged his armor-bearer to kill him. God repaid Abimelek and the Shechemites for murdering Gideon's 70 sons. Jotham's curse came true (9:20).