Abimelek conspired with his uncles to become the ruler of Shechem. They convinced the citizens of Shechem that Abimelek should be their leader; and money was withdrawn from the temple of the god Baal and given to Abimelek. He used the money to hire scoundrels to help him murder seventy of his brothers. Then the citizens of Shechem crowned him their king.
In a few years opposition arose between Abimelek and some citizens of Shechem. Abimelek destroyed the city of Shechem and went on to conquer a nearby city when a woman dropped a millstone on his head and cracked his skull. The wickedness of Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem was avenged by God. [Reflection based on the Bible Reference – Judges 9:1-57]