The Abimelek account, as the sequel to Gideon and conclusion to the fourth cycle, introduces for the first time in Judges an oppressor who is internal rather than external. Thus the work of the cyclical/major judge, Gideon, is undone by the antijudge, “king” Abimelek, Gideon’s son. The theme of the account is clearly that of retribution: “God causes the evil that Abimelek and the men of Shechem did to rebound upon their own heads (9:56–57).”2 While there is a general critique of kingship, the account is obviously a rejection of Abimelek’s particular style of kingship. As Webb observes,3
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