Judges 9:23

23. God sent an evil spirit Not merely “permitted jealousies to take place, which produced factions, but actually sent, or permitted to go, a personal evil demon, to generate discords among the Shechemites, and thus bring judgment on them for their wickedness. The Scriptures everywhere recognise a kingdom of darkness, as well as a kingdom of light; and it is contrary to reason and experience, as well as Scripture, to assume the impossibility of personal evil spirits having influence over the human soul. But these powers of darkness are held in check, and their agency is circumscribed, by the mightier power of God, who sometimes sends them, as a huntsman sends his dog after the game, by unbinding their powers and letting them loose to their own route. See note on Mark 5:13. The evil spirit that troubled Saul came by permission and command of God, (1 Samuel 16:14,) and even Satan goes forth to afflict pious Job by permission of Jehovah. Job 1:12; Job 2:6.

Dealt treacherously The very men who had been so ready to make Abimelech king are the first to seek his overthrow.