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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 9:26 Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/9-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/07_Jdg_09_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 9:26 - Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and crossed over into Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem trusted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and crossed over into Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and crossed over into Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and they crossed over into Shechem; and the lords of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now Gaal the son of Ebed came with his relatives, and moved into Shechem; and the leaders of Shechem trusted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the citizens of Shechem trusted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the lords of Shechem trusted him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day, Gaal son of Ebed went to live in Shechem. His brothers moved there too, and soon the leaders of Shechem started trusting him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Gaal (son of Ebed) and his brothers moved into Shechem. Citizens of Shechem trusted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Gaal son of Ebed came to Shechem with his brothers, and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Ebed's son Gaal arrived with his relatives and crossed over into Shechem. The "lords" of Shechem put their faith in him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Gaal son of Ebed came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the lords of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Gaal son of Ebed comes—also his brothers—and they pass over into Shechem, and the masters of Shechem trust in him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Gaal son of Ebed cometh -- also his brethren -- and they pass over into Shechem, and the masters of Shechem trust in him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Gaal son of Ebed will come, and his brethren, and they will pass over to Shechem: and the lords of Shechem will trust in him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Obed came with his brethren, and went over to Sichem. And the inhabitants of Sichem taking courage at his coming, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now Gaal, the son of Ebed, went with his brothers, and crossed over to Shechem. And the inhabitants of Shechem, uplifted by his arrival,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now Gaal, son of Ebed, and his kin came, and when they passed through Shechem, the lords of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Gaal son of Ebed moved into Shechem with his kinsfolk, the lords of Shechem put confidence in him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Epar came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the lords of Shechem put their confidence in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Gael son of Aphar and his brothers, and he passed by in Shekim and the Lords of Shekeem trusted him<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went on to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Gaal son of Jobel came, and his brethren, and passed by Sicima, and the men of Sicima trusted in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/9-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2869" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">25</span>The leaders of Shechem set up an ambush against Abimelech on the hilltops, and they robbed all who passed by them on the road. So this was reported to Abimelech. <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1603.htm" title="1603: ga·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Probably a Canaanite. From ga'al; loathing; Gaal, an Israelite.">Meanwhile, 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/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: wə·’e·ḥāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">with his brothers</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: way·ya·‘aḇ·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and crossed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: biš·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">into Shechem,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘ă·lê (N-mpc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">and the leaders</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/982.htm" title="982: way·yiḇ·ṭə·ḥū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To trust. A primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure.">put their confidence</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">in him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>And 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">1 Samuel 22:1-2</a></span><br />So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">2 Samuel 15:12</a></span><br />While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-20.htm">1 Kings 12:20</a></span><br />When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/9-14.htm">2 Kings 9:14-15</a></span><br />Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-7.htm">2 Chronicles 13:7</a></span><br />Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Psalm 55:12-14</a></span><br />For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/32-6.htm">Isaiah 32:6-7</a></span><br />For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. / The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/41-1.htm">Jeremiah 41:1-2</a></span><br />In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there. / Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-6.htm">Ezekiel 22:6-12</a></span><br />See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. / Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. / You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a></span><br />Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-10.htm">Mark 14:10-11</a></span><br />Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-3.htm">Luke 22:3-6</a></span><br />Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-2.htm">John 13:2</a></span><br />The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-36.htm">Acts 5:36-37</a></span><br />Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. / After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.</p><p class="hdg">brethren</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a></b></br> And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we <i>be</i> brethren.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/19-7.htm">Genesis 19:7</a></b></br> And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-23.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-28.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Crossed</a> <a href="/ezra/8-6.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Citizens</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-25.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/judges/10-9.htm">Crossed</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Ebed</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Kinsmen</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/judges/9-31.htm">Relatives</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/judges/11-20.htm">Trust</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a></span><br><span class="reftext">50. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a></span><br><span class="reftext">56. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers</b><br>Gaal's arrival in Shechem marks a significant turning point in the narrative. His name, meaning "loathing" or "abhorrence," may foreshadow his role in the story. The mention of his brothers suggests a familial alliance, which was a common practice in ancient times to strengthen one's position. This familial support could indicate a potential threat to Abimelech's rule, as family units often acted as political factions. The presence of Gaal and his brothers in Shechem introduces a new dynamic, as they are outsiders entering a city with its own complex history and political tensions.<p><b>and crossed into Shechem</b><br>Shechem holds a prominent place in biblical history. It was a city of refuge and a significant location for covenant renewals, such as the one led by Joshua (Joshua 24). The city's strategic location in the hill country of Ephraim made it a central hub for trade and politics. Archaeological evidence suggests that Shechem was a fortified city during this period, which would have made it an attractive target for political maneuvering. Gaal's crossing into Shechem signifies a potential shift in power dynamics, as the city was already under the influence of Abimelech, who had familial ties to the region through his mother.<p><b>and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him</b><br>The leaders of Shechem, or "lords of Shechem," were likely the city's ruling elite, possibly including tribal elders and influential families. Their decision to place confidence in Gaal indicates dissatisfaction with Abimelech's rule. This shift in allegiance could be attributed to Abimelech's violent rise to power, which included the massacre of his seventy brothers (<a href="/judges/9-5.htm">Judges 9:5</a>). The leaders' support of Gaal suggests a desire for change and possibly a return to more traditional tribal leadership. This act of confidence can be seen as a political gamble, as aligning with Gaal could either restore stability or lead to further conflict. The leaders' decision reflects the broader theme of the cyclical nature of Israel's leadership struggles during the time of the Judges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gaal_son_of_ebed.htm">Gaal son of Ebed</a></b><br>A newcomer to Shechem who, along with his brothers, gains the trust of the city's leaders. His name means "loathing" or "abhorrence," which may foreshadow his role in the account.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. It is a central location in the account of Abimelech and the rebellion against him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/leaders_of_shechem.htm">Leaders of Shechem</a></b><br>The ruling figures in Shechem who decide to place their trust in Gaal, indicating a shift in political allegiance and setting the stage for conflict with Abimelech.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the surrounding account. Abimelech, a son of Gideon, had previously established himself as king over Shechem through treachery and violence.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_and_rebellion.htm">Conflict and Rebellion</a></b><br>The arrival of Gaal and the trust placed in him by Shechem's leaders marks the beginning of a rebellion against Abimelech's rule, highlighting themes of political intrigue and divine justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_misplaced_trust.htm">The Dangers of Misplaced Trust</a></b><br>Trusting in human leaders without seeking God's guidance can lead to destructive outcomes. The leaders of Shechem placed their confidence in Gaal, a decision that ultimately led to conflict and chaos.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ambition_and_power_struggles.htm">The Consequences of Ambition and Power Struggles</a></b><br>The account warns against the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power, as seen in both Abimelech's and Gaal's actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human schemes and political maneuvers, God's sovereign will prevails. The events in Shechem serve as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to bring justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Believers are called to exercise discernment in their alliances and leadership choices, seeking God's wisdom to avoid aligning with those who oppose His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_shechem's_destruction.htm">Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the destruction of Shechem as described (Judges 9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_send_an_evil_spirit_in_judges_9_23.htm">Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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>(26) <span class= "bld">Gaal the son of Ebed.</span>--We are not told any further who he was; but the context leads us to infer that he was one of these freebooters, and probably belonged to the Canaanite population. His "brethren" may have formed the nucleus of a marauding band. Josephus says he was "a certain chief, with his soldiers and kinsmen." For Ebed some MSS. and versions read Eber, and some Jobel. "Gaal Ben-Ebed" ("loathing son of a slave ") sounds like some contemptuous distortion of his real name.<p><span class= "bld">Went over to Shechem.</span>--Possibly he had been practising brigandage on the other side of the Jordan.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Gaal the son of Ebed</span>. Who he was, or of what tribe or race he and his brethren were, we have no means of knowing; he seems to have been an adventurer who sought to turn the growing disaffection of the Shechemites to his own advantage by offering himself as a leader of the malcontents. Several MSS. and editions and versions read <span class="accented">Eber</span> for <span class="accented">Ebed.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/9-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Meanwhile, Gaal</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֤עַל</span> <span class="translit">(ga·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1603.htm">Strong's 1603: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gaal -- probably a Canaanite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ebed</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶ֙בֶד֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ḇeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5651.htm">Strong's 5651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ebed -- 'servant', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֞א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with his brothers</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶחָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’e·ḥāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and crossed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעַבְר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘aḇ·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into Shechem,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּשְׁכֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(biš·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the leaders</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּעֲלֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ba·‘ă·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> </span><span class="str2">A master, a husband, owner</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">put their confidence</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְטְחוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·ṭə·ḥū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_982.htm">Strong's 982: </a> </span><span class="str2">To trust, be confident, sure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in him.</span><br /><span class="heb">ב֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/9-26.htm">Judges 9:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/9-26.htm">OT History: Judges 9:26 Gaal the son of Ebed came (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:27" /></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>