With a presidential election coming in a few weeks, we should be thankful that we have the opportunity to vote for our leaders. 

The Israelites living in Canaan after Joshua's death did not vote for their rulers. As a result, sometimes wicked men like Abimelech led Israel.

Abimelech was the son of Gideon. In fact, he was one of at least 70 sons. But Abimelech murdered his brothers on a single stone in the town of Shechem. Then he routed Gaal, his political opponent, and forced him to flee. Next, Abimelech went on to barbarously slaughter the citizens of Shechem. 

But he was not done murdering.

More people would suffer because of his wickedness.

He went on to the Tower of Shechem; he cut some branches, carried them to the base of the tower, and began to burn the tower and those in it to the ground. 

There were no survivors.

Full of rage and paranoia, Abimelech traveled 10 miles to Thebez and tried to burn that tower down. In God's providence, as Abimelech approached the tower, someone in the tower dropped a heavy millstone on his head.

Facing an imminent death, Abimelech's armor bearer took out his sword and ended Abimelech's life.

Abimelech was a wicked man who wanted a kingly reign over God's people. But his wickedness was repaid and God demonstrated his justice towards this evil man.

The true King of God's people is the Lord Jesus Christ. He reigns with mercy and justice. He does not terrorize and destroy, but offers mercy and grace to those who put their faith in him.

Finally, King Jesus did face death, not by a heavy stone, but by the heavy hand of the Roman government when he was crucified. Yet, death did not stop the true King.

On the first day of the week his tomb was empty and death was defeated. Today he rules and reigns and we await his return when he will make all things new.