Judges 9:4
And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him. And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.
After Gideon's death Israel forgot the Lord their God who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side. They showed no kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, that is Gideon, in return for all the goodness he had shown to Israel as judge and deliverer. Forgetful of what they owed to him, the people accepted his base-born son Abimelech as their king. That kingship was supported by threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, the temple silver with which Abimelech hired vain and light followers.
To sustain his power Abimelech murdered all but one of Gideon's lawful children. This cruel course toward Gideon's house was the expected result of Israel's ingratitude to God. When men cast off the fear of God they are not long in departing from honor and integrity. Appreciation of the Lord's mercy, by contrast, leads to appreciation of those whom He employs as instruments to bless His people, like Gideon.