Judges 9:2
Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the men of Shechem, Whether is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, which are threescore and ten persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you? remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.
The verse records the appeal made by Gideon's base-born son Abimelech to the men of Shechem, pressing his kinship with them and setting rule by one man alone against rule by all seventy sons of Jerubbaal. Israel's acceptance of Abimelech as king in response to that appeal showed forgetfulness of all they owed to Gideon as their judge and deliverer. Abimelech sustained the kingship thus gained by murdering all but one of Gideon's lawful children. That cruel course toward the house of Gideon was the expected fruit of Israel's ingratitude to God, who had delivered them from all their enemies. The episode proves that when people cast off the fear of God they soon depart from honor and integrity. Appreciation of the Lord's mercy leads to appreciation of those He employed to bless His people, such as Gideon.