Definition: When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:22: “When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel…” Basically, this verse tells us about a really important event that happened with a powerful leader named Abimelech. Here's the gist: Abimelech was King: He was the king of Israel at the time. That’s a significant position of power. He reigned for three years: This means he ruled for exactly three years – a long period of leadership. The point is… : The verse isn't about what he did, but why he was ruling. It’s highlighting that he was doing it in a way that was causing problems and needing to be addressed. So, the overall message is this: Abimelech's reign wasn't just about being a king; it was a time of significant trouble and distress for Israel. He needed to take action because things were going wrong. Think of it like this: It’s a bit of a dramatic setup – he’s the king, and now he's facing a challenge that needs to be resolved! --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain what kind of "trouble" might be referring to? Connect this verse to other stories in the Bible?