שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק נ״ד

Facing his final moments, a dying leader's last concern is often his legacy. Realizing that his death is imminent, Abimelech seeks to control how he will be remembered in history and desperately tries to avoid a humiliating end [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He turns to his armor-bearer, the young man tasked with carrying his weapons [מצודת דוד], with a grim command to finish him off.

His sole purpose in this moment is to escape the deep shame and disgrace that would forever stain his reputation if it were known that a woman was the one who defeated him [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators note that his fear was not focused on what people might say directly to him, but rather on the lasting narrative they would speak about him after he was gone [רד״ק]. Following the command, the young man thrusts his sword deep into Abimelech's body [מצודת ציון], ending his life.