Gideon's Humility and Abimelech's Pride in Three Years of Rule

"Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty" (Proverbs 18:12). This is Abimelech, who was not broken until he exalted himself and killed his brothers. "And before honor is humility" (ibid.). This is Gideon his father; for when they said to him, "Rule over us, you, also your son, also your son's son" (Judges 8:22), he said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). They said three things to him, and he said three things to them. The Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: You say thus? By your life, I will raise up from you a son who will reign three years, corresponding to the three things that you said. Thus, "and before honor is humility." Therefore, "And Abimelech ruled over Israel three years" (Judges 9:22).