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?
Study Helps
Interpretation
Abimelech is seated in the throne his father refused. But how long does this glory last?
Glossary
- Abimelech Person
- My father a king, or father of a king, a common name of the Philistine kings, as “Pharaoh” was of the Egyptian kings. (1. ) The Philistine king of Gerar in the time of Abraham ( Gen. 20:1-18 ).
- Shechem Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Tell Balatah.
- Ebed Person
- Slave, the father of Gaal, in whom the men of Shechem “put confidence” in their conspiracy against Abimelech ( Judg. 9:26 , 26, 30, 31).
- Gaal Person
- Loathing, the son of Ebed, in whom the Shechemites “placed their confidence” when they became discontented with Abimelech.
- Zebul People
- Habitation, the governor of Shechem under Abimelech ( Judg. 9:28 , 30, 36). He informed his master of the intention of the people of Shechem to transfer their allegiance to the Hivite tribe of Hamor.