Gaal’s words sowed seeds of open revolt against Abimelech, sparking a power struggle in Shechem that would bring further bloodshed and judgment.
“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?’” (v.28)
Here, Gaal the son of Ebed openly challenges Abimelech’s authority before the people of Shechem. Abimelech, who was the son of Gideon (called Jerubbaal), had seized power and was ruling over the region, but Gaal’s confrontation calls attention to Abimelech’s background and the local leadership of Zebul, described here as Abimelech’s associate. Gaal mocks their claim to rule and exhorts the men of Shechem to align themselves instead with the ancestry of Hamor—the ancient patriarch tied to their city’s origin. During the era of the judges (c. 14th-11th century BC), this area was known for its strategic position between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, making Shechem an influential place with a deep history dating back to Abraham’s time. The city was located in the central highlands and was highly significant for trade routes and worship altars.
By invoking the name Hamor, Gaal refers to the father of Shechem and stirs the citizens to recall their foundational heritage rather than accept Abimelech’s oppressive reign. Gaal essentially accuses Abimelech of being an outsider who has wrongfully taken power. His words question why the Shechemites have fallen under Abimelech’s rule, pointing out his mother’s ties to Shechem but highlighting that Abimelech himself had forcibly set himself up as king. This speech plays on local pride, encouraging the inhabitants of Shechem to reject leadership they perceive as unworthy or illegitimate. The verse also shows how resentment simmered against Abimelech’s rise, culminating in open rebellion through Gaal’s bold provocation.
On a spiritual level, this verse illustrates the instability and conflict that arose among the Israelites whenever they strayed from devotion to God’s covenant. Like many episodes in Judges, the unrest here reveals how leaders chasing personal ambition can exploit people’s identities and histories. Gaal’s speech serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of divided allegiance, magnifying the broader theme of Israel struggling to remain faithful to the Lord. This cyclical pattern of rebellion, oppression, and deliverance is eventually resolved in the New Testament through Christ’s ultimate deliverance (Romans 8:2), but in the time of Judges, Israel was left to its own internal strife and constant power struggles.
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Judges 9:28 meaning
“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?’” (v.28)
Here, Gaal the son of Ebed openly challenges Abimelech’s authority before the people of Shechem. Abimelech, who was the son of Gideon (called Jerubbaal), had seized power and was ruling over the region, but Gaal’s confrontation calls attention to Abimelech’s background and the local leadership of Zebul, described here as Abimelech’s associate. Gaal mocks their claim to rule and exhorts the men of Shechem to align themselves instead with the ancestry of Hamor—the ancient patriarch tied to their city’s origin. During the era of the judges (c. 14th-11th century BC), this area was known for its strategic position between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, making Shechem an influential place with a deep history dating back to Abraham’s time. The city was located in the central highlands and was highly significant for trade routes and worship altars.
By invoking the name Hamor, Gaal refers to the father of Shechem and stirs the citizens to recall their foundational heritage rather than accept Abimelech’s oppressive reign. Gaal essentially accuses Abimelech of being an outsider who has wrongfully taken power. His words question why the Shechemites have fallen under Abimelech’s rule, pointing out his mother’s ties to Shechem but highlighting that Abimelech himself had forcibly set himself up as king. This speech plays on local pride, encouraging the inhabitants of Shechem to reject leadership they perceive as unworthy or illegitimate. The verse also shows how resentment simmered against Abimelech’s rise, culminating in open rebellion through Gaal’s bold provocation.
On a spiritual level, this verse illustrates the instability and conflict that arose among the Israelites whenever they strayed from devotion to God’s covenant. Like many episodes in Judges, the unrest here reveals how leaders chasing personal ambition can exploit people’s identities and histories. Gaal’s speech serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of divided allegiance, magnifying the broader theme of Israel struggling to remain faithful to the Lord. This cyclical pattern of rebellion, oppression, and deliverance is eventually resolved in the New Testament through Christ’s ultimate deliverance (Romans 8:2), but in the time of Judges, Israel was left to its own internal strife and constant power struggles.