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Isn&#8217t he Jerub-Baal&#8217s son, and isn&#8217t Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor, Shechem&#8217s father! Why should we serve Abimelek? <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Who is Abimelech?” Gaal shouted. “He’s not a true son of Shechem, so why should we be his servants? He’s merely the son of Gideon, and this Zebul is merely his deputy. Serve the true sons of Hamor, the founder of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him? <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is Zebul not his governor? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, &#8220Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is Zebul not his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is Zebul not his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is Zebul not his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not [merely] the son of Jerubbaal and is Zebul not his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor the father (founder) of Shechem. Why then should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of Jerubbaal, and isn’t Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Gaal son of Ebed said, &#8220Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem that we should serve him? Isn&#8217t he the son of Jerubbaal, and isn&#8217t Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve ye the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: but why should we serve him? <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Gaal said: Hamor was the founder of Shechem, and one of his descendants should be our ruler. But Abimelech's father was Gideon, so Abimelech isn't really one of us. He shouldn't be our king, and we shouldn't have to obey him or Zebul, who rules Shechem for him. <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve ye the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: but why should we serve him? <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Gaal (son of Ebed) said, "Who's Abimelech, and who are we, the people of Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn't he Jerubbaal's son, and isn't Zebul his officer? Serve the descendants of Hamor, Shechem's father! Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Gaal said, "What kind of men are we in Shechem? Why are we serving Abimelech? Who is he, anyway? The son of Gideon! And Zebul takes orders from him, but why should we serve him? Be loyal to your ancestor Hamor, who founded your clan! <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Ebed's son Gaal remarked, "Who is this Abimelech? And who is Shechem? Should we serve him? Isn't he Jerubbaal's son? Isn't Zebul his lieutenant? Serve the men of Hamor, Shechem's ancestor—but why are we serving him? <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Gaal son of Ebed said, ?Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal, and is not Zebul the deputy he appointed? Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem! But why should we serve Abimelech? <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Gaal the son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn't he the son of Jerubbaal, and Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem. But why should we serve him? <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him; is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him? <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Isn’t he the son of Jerubbaal? Isn’t Zebul his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem, but why should we serve him? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Gaal son of Ebed says, “Who [is] Abimelech, and who [is] Shechem, that we serve him? Is [he] not son of Jerubba‘al? And his commander Zebul? The men of Hamor father of Shechem serve you, and why do we serve him—we? <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Gaal son of Ebed saith, 'Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we serve him? is he not son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his commander? Serve ye the men of Hamor father of Shechem, and wherefore do we serve him -- we? <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Gaal son of Ebed will say, Who Abimelech, and who Shechem, that we shall serve him? is he not the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his overseer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: and why shall we serve him?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Gaal the son of Obed cried: Who is Abimelech, and what is Sichem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerobaal, and hath made Zebul his servant ruler over the men of Emor the father of Sichem? Why then shall we serve him? <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Gaal, the son of Ebed, cried out: “Who is Abimelech, and what is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, who has appointed Zebul, his servant, as ruler over the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem? Why then should we serve him? <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Gaal, son of Ebed, said, “Who is Abimelech? And who is Shechem that we should serve him? Did not the son of Jerubbaal and his lieutenant Zebul serve the men of Hamor, father of Shechem? So why should we serve him? <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who are we of Shechem, that we should serve him? Did not the son of Jerubbaal and Zebul his officer serve the men of Hamor father of Shechem? Why then should we serve him?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Gaal the son of Epar said, Who is Abimeleck and who is Shechem that we would serve him? Is he not the son of Nedo-baal? And Zebul because he changed his allegiance served the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; why then should we serve him? <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Gael son of Aphar said: “Who is Abimelek and who is Shekeem that we would serve him? Is he not son of NeduBaal? And Zabal, who changed his commandment, served the men of Khamor, the father of Shekeem, why would we serve him?<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said: 'Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve ye the men of Hamor the father of Shechem; but why should we serve him? <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Gaal the son of Jobel said, Who is Abimelech, and who is the son of Sychem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerobaal, and is not Zebul his steward, his servant with the son of Emmor the father of Sychem? and why should we serve him? <a href="/parallel/judges/9-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2892" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites</a> …27And after they had gone out into the fields, gathered grapes from their vineyards, and trodden them, they held a festival and went into the house of their god; and as they ate and drank, they cursed Abimelech. 28<a href="/hebrew/1603.htm" title="1603: ga·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Probably a Canaanite. From ga'al; loathing; Gaal, an Israelite.">Then Gaal</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/5651.htm" title="5651: ‘e·ḇeḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Servant, two Isr. The same as ebed; Ebed, the name of two Israelites.">of Ebed</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">is Abimelech,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: ū·mî- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">and who</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">is Shechem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp:: 3mse) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">we should serve him?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Is he not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3378.htm" title="3378: yə·rub·ba·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Let Baal contend, a name of Gideon. From riyb and Ba'al; Baal will contend; Jerubbaal, a symbol. Name of Gideon.">of Jerubbaal,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2083.htm" title="2083: ū·zə·ḇul (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An officer of Abimelech. The same as zbuwl; dwelling; Zebul, an Israelite.">and is not Zebul</a> <a href="/hebrew/6496.htm" title="6496: pə·qî·ḏōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Commissioner, deputy, overseer. From paqad; a superintendent.">his officer?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ‘iḇ·ḏū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">You are to serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/2544.htm" title="2544: ḥă·mō·wr (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Shechem. The same as chamowr; donkey; Chamor, a Canaanite.">of Hamor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî (N-msc) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">the father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">of Shechem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: ū·mad·dū·a‘ (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·nā·ḥə·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">should we</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp:: 3mse) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">serve Abimelech?</a> 29If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-7</a> “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a> But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it. <a href="/1_samuel/11-12.htm">1 Samuel 11:12-15</a> Then the people said to Samuel, “Who said that Saul should not reign over us? Bring those men here so we can kill them!” / But Saul ordered, “No one shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” / Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingship there.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12-17</a> But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king. / Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. / If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-8.htm">1 Samuel 17:8-10</a> And Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and array yourselves for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose one of your men and have him come down against me. / If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.” / Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-9</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">2 Samuel 5:1-3</a> Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a> Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-20</a> When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... <a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-14</a> Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ... <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-3</a> Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” <a href="/isaiah/7-6.htm">Isaiah 7:6-7</a> ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ / But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. <a href="/isaiah/8-9.htm">Isaiah 8:9-10</a> Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.” <a href="/jeremiah/2-26.htm">Jeremiah 2:26-28</a> As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets / say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Yet in the time of trouble, they say, ‘Rise up and save us!’ / But where are the gods you made for yourselves? Let them rise up in your time of trouble and save you if they can; for your gods are as numerous as your cities, O Judah. <a href="/hosea/8-4.htm">Hosea 8:4</a> They set up kings, but not by Me. They make princes, but without My approval. With their silver and gold they make themselves idols, to their own destruction.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?who is Abimelech<a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10</a> And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.<a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1</a> And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.<a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a> So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.Hamor<a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Genesis 34:2,6</a> And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/acts/18-12.htm">Deputy</a> <a href="/judges/9-26.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/joshua/24-32.htm">Hamor</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Jerubbaal</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Jerub-Baal's</a> <a href="/genesis/39-1.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/judges/3-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/judges/9-26.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/genesis/34-26.htm">Shechem's</a> <a href="/judges/3-30.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.htm">Zebul</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-19.htm">Deputy</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/acts/7-16.htm">Hamor</a> <a href="/judges/9-57.htm">Jerubbaal</a> <a href="/judges/9-24.htm">Jerub-Baal's</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Officer</a> <a href="/judges/9-38.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/genesis/33-19.htm">Shechem's</a> <a href="/judges/9-38.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Gaal son of Ebed said Gaal, whose name means "loathing" or "abhorrence," emerges as a challenger to Abimelech's authority. His father, Ebed, is otherwise unknown, suggesting Gaal's outsider status. This sets the stage for conflict, as Gaal seeks to incite rebellion against Abimelech.Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Gaal questions Abimelech's legitimacy, highlighting the tension between Abimelech and the people of Shechem. Abimelech, though a son of Gideon (Jerubbaal), lacks the divine calling that Gideon had. Shechem, a significant city in Israel's history, was a place of covenant renewal (<a href="/joshua/24-25.htm">Joshua 24:25</a>). Gaal's rhetorical question challenges the authority and loyalty to Abimelech, suggesting that neither he nor the city deserves allegiance.Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? Jerubbaal, another name for Gideon, means "let Baal contend." Gaal uses this to remind the people of Abimelech's mixed heritage and questionable claim to leadership. Zebul, Abimelech's officer, is portrayed as a mere subordinate, further undermining Abimelech's authority. This reflects the political instability and lack of unity in Israel during the time of the Judges.You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Hamor was the father of Shechem, the city's namesake, mentioned in <a href="/genesis/34.htm">Genesis 34</a>. Gaal appeals to the Shechemites' ancestral pride and heritage, suggesting they should align with their historical roots rather than with Abimelech. This reference to Hamor evokes memories of past alliances and covenants, urging the people to reconsider their loyalties.Why should we serve Abimelech? Gaal's final question is a direct challenge to Abimelech's rule, emphasizing the lack of legitimate reason for the Shechemites to support him. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of Israel's struggle with leadership and faithfulness to God. Gaal's rebellion is a microcosm of the larger cycle of disobedience and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gaal_son_of_ebed.htm">Gaal son of Ebed</a> A newcomer to Shechem who challenges Abimelech's authority, questioning his legitimacy and encouraging the people to serve the original Shechemite leaders. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who made himself king over Shechem through manipulation and violence, including the murder of his brothers. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> An ancient city with significant historical and religious importance, often associated with covenantal events in Israel's history. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerubbaal.htm">Jerubbaal (Gideon)</a> Abimelech's father, a judge of Israel who led the people to victory against the Midianites but refused kingship, emphasizing God's rule over Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/z/zebul.htm">Zebul</a> An officer of Abimelech in Shechem, loyal to Abimelech and opposed to Gaal's rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/q/questioning_authority.htm">Questioning Authority</a> Gaal's challenge to Abimelech reminds us to discern the legitimacy and righteousness of those in authority over us. Are they leading according to God's principles? <a href="/topical/h/historical_context_matters.htm">Historical Context Matters</a> Understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical events can provide deeper insights into the motivations and actions of the characters involved. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition.htm">The Dangers of Ambition</a> Abimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons, which often leads to destructive outcomes. <a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_betrayal.htm">Loyalty and Betrayal</a> The dynamics between Gaal, Abimelech, and Zebul illustrate the complexities of loyalty and the potential for betrayal when personal interests conflict. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Despite human schemes and conflicts, God's purposes ultimately prevail. We are reminded to trust in His sovereignty over human affairs.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_opposition_to_abimelech's_act.htm">How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)?</a> <a href="/q/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) Who is Abimelech?--This is obviously contemptuous, like "Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?" in <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm" title="And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.">1Samuel 25:10</a>.Who is Shechem?--The meaning of this clause is very obscure. It can hardly be a contrast between the insignificance of Abimelech and the grandeur of Shechem (Vulg., qu? est Shechem?). Some say that "Shechem" means "Abimelech;" but there is no trace of kings assuming the name of the place over which they rule, nor does the LXX. mend matters much by interpolating the words, "who is the son of Shechem?"The son of Jerubbaal?--And, therefore, on the father's side, disconnected both with Ephraimites and Canaanites; and the Baal-fighter's son has no claim on Baal-worshippers.And Zebul his officer?--We are not even under the rule of Abimelech, but of his underling.Serve the men of Hamor.--Here the LXX., Vulg., and other versions adopt a different punctuation and a different reading. But there is no reason to alter the text. The Canaanites were powerful; the Ephraimites had apostatised to their religion; even Abimelech bears a Canaanite name (<a href="/genesis/26-1.htm" title="And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar.">Genesis 26:1</a>), and owed his power to his Hivite blood. Gaal says in effect. "Why should we serve this son of an upstart alien when we might return to the allegiance of the descendants of our old native prince Hamor, whose son Shechem was the hero eponymos of the city?" (<a href="/genesis/33-19.htm" title="And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for an hundred pieces of money.">Genesis 33:19</a>; <a href="/joshua/24-32.htm" title="And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.">Joshua 24:32</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 28. - And Gaal, etc. Gaal now saw his opportunity, and encouraged the revolt. Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? The meaning of these words, though somewhat obscure at first, becomes plain if we compare the two similar passages, <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10</a>; <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a>. In the first we have the contemptuous question, "Who is David?" and in the second the analogous one, "What portion have we in David?" but in both we have the same person described by different terms: "Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?" and, "What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse." Here, therefore, it is clear that Shechem is merely another name for Abimelech; and it is easy to see why. Abimelech's mother was a Canaanite bond-woman, a Shechemite; and the plea for making Abimelech king was, "for he is our brother" (vers. 2, 3). Shechem, or the son of Shechem, was therefore a natural description of Abimelech. But, adds Gaal, is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and (is not) Zebul his officer? i.e. he is not a real Shechemite; he is the son of Jerubbaal; and what right has he to reign over you Shechemites? And why should Zebul lord it over you? He is only Abimelech's officer, No; serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem. Fling off the yoke of the Abi-ezrite stranger, and set up a real Canaanite government from the old race of Hamor, the true founder and head of Shechem (cf. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-50.htm">1 Chronicles 2:50-52</a>). <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Gaal גַּ֣עַל (ga·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1603.htm">Strong's 1603: </a> Gaal -- probably a Canaanite son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Ebed עֶ֗בֶד (‘e·ḇeḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5651.htm">Strong's 5651: </a> Ebed -- 'servant', two Israelites said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Who מִֽי־ (mî-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is Abimelech, אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name and who וּמִֽי־ (ū·mî-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is Shechem, שְׁכֶם֙ (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we should serve him? נַעַבְדֶ֔נּוּ (na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave Is he not הֲלֹ֥א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Jerubbaal, יְרֻבַּ֖עַל (yə·rub·ba·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3378.htm">Strong's 3378: </a> Jerubbaal -- 'let Baal contend', a name of Gideon and is not Zebul וּזְבֻ֣ל (ū·zə·ḇul) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2083.htm">Strong's 2083: </a> Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech his officer? פְּקִיד֑וֹ (pə·qî·ḏōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6496.htm">Strong's 6496: </a> Commissioner, deputy, overseer You are to serve עִבְד֗וּ (‘iḇ·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave the men אַנְשֵׁ֤י (’an·šê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of Hamor, חֲמוֹר֙ (ḥă·mō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2544.htm">Strong's 2544: </a> Hamor -- father of Shechem the father אֲבִ֣י (’ă·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father of Shechem. שְׁכֶ֔ם (šə·ḵem) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor Why וּמַדּ֖וּעַ (ū·mad·dū·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? should we אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃ (’ă·nā·ḥə·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We serve Abimelech? נַעַבְדֶ֥נּוּ (na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">OT History: Judges 9:28 Gaal the son of Ebed said Who (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>