Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 June 2025 (Wednesday) Devotional Message
Today’s Daily Guide 18th June 2025 Reading By Scripture Union
TOPIC: The Consequences of Deception
OPENING PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
SCRIPTURE READING – Judges 9:22-41 (KJV)
22 When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,
23 Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:
24 That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren.
25 And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.
26 And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.
27 And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.
28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?
29 And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.
30 And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.
31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.
32 Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:
33 And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.
34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.
36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.
37 And Gaal spake again, and said, See there come people down by the middle of the land, and another company come along by the plain of Meonenim.
38 Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.
39 And Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.
40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him, and many were overthrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate.
41 And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.
Question(s) For Meditation:
► Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
► Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 June 2025 – OUTLINE
In Judges 9:23-24, we learn from this passage that God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem. God permitted a deadly rift and misunderstanding to develop among them. This divine intervention serves as a reminder that God sees and responds to unrighteousness. He allows the consequences of our actions to unfold, often in ways we cannot foresee. We must remember that God’s justice will prevail, and we will ultimately be held accountable for our choices.
Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem had engaged in a covenant of mutual support and allegiance. However, Abimelech’s deceitful nature became evident as he turned against the very people who had supported him. The leaders of Shechem likewise betrayed Abimelech, leading to conflict and bloodshed. This is the devastating impact of deception and treachery, not only on individuals but also on communities. It serves as a warning against the destructive consequences of dishonesty and betrayal in our own relationships.
Food for Thought:
I have the liberty to make my own choice, but I don’t have the liberty to choose the consequence of my choice!
Note after all, how long Abimelech spent in power (Judges 9:22)! Is it worth all the intrigue and bloodletting? Solomon is right, ‘Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless’ (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer:
Remind us, dear Lord, the destructive consequences of deception and betrayal, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
One Year Bible Reading Guide:
2 Chronicles 18-20; Ecclesiastes 1.
One Year Bible Reading Guide, Hard Copy Version:
Proverbs 27-29
National Prayer Bulletin – Wed Jun 18, 2025
PRAYER FOCUS
HE IS COMING SOON
THANK GOD FOR:
* Not allowing us to be ignorant about his second coming • Reminding us from time of the need to be prepared
PRAY FOR:
* Grace to remain conscious of the truth of his coming, so as to always be in readiness • Us to be delivered from every sin that easily besets us
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 June 2025)