When God Sends Division Among the Wicked

When Elohim sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, He demonstrated a severe mercy: the temporary granting of tyrants' desires, not as approval but as opportunity for repentance. Abimelech ruled by usurpation, not divine appointment, yet the Almighty permitted his dominion briefly so wickedness might mature and be recognized for what it was.

This evil spirit—the devil's malice working through hidden sin—exposed a fundamental truth: the leagues of the wicked have no foundation. Their friendship, like a spider's web, tears easily because it rests on no good ground. When grudges conceived in secret are nourished by jealousies and suspicions, exasperated by daily injuries, they inevitably break into hatred and extremity.

Yet God Himself is not the author of evil. Though sin lies hidden in wicked hearts, Adonai brings it forth at His pleasure, commanding it to break out as water pent in bursts forth violently. Those who nourish iniquity without venting it through repentance justly fear—and often find—that sin entertained in the heart shall break out to shame in their lives.

When the Almighty permits division among the wicked, He punishes their lewd fellowship and makes each the other's executioner. The stink of the dunghill does not rise from the sun, neither does sin proceed from God. This division stands as both judgment and testimony to the corrupting nature of unholy alliances.