When the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every man to his place.
". . . there seems to be a pattern that begins with the story of Gideon, which is a pivotal turning point in the book of Judges . . . Each major judge’s administration concludes with or is followed by Israelite-on-Israelite violence. The first two cycles are quite similar. Gideon (chaps. 6-8) is followed by Abimelech’s violent rule (chap. 9), and then there is a respite (Judges 10:1-5). Jephthah’s administration (Judges 10:6 to Judges 12:7) ends in civil war (Judges 12:1-6), and then there is another respite (Judges 12:8-15). Samson’s career (chaps. 13-16) is followed by more violence, including a bloody civil war (chaps. 17-21); but this time there is no relief. The book of Judges ends in chaos." [Note: McCann, p. 76.] 