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23. God sent. That is, God did not interfere with the natural consequences of a course of evil. That which God allows is often presented as though He is the author. Those who do not choose to serve God thereby leave themselves open to the control of Satan.

Evil spirit. This may mean an evil temper or attitude. The word “spirit” is often used to describe attitude or disposition (see Num. 14:24).

Dealt treacherously. the men of Shechem now began to deal with Abimelech as they had helped him to deal with the sons of Gideon. It was only natural that those who were unfaithful to Gideon would be unfaithful to Abimelech. The record does not state the immediate cause of the break between Abimelech and the men of Shechem. Perhaps they found all too soon that he was an iron-handed despot who did not hesitate to take advantage of them after he had been made king.