Judges 9:28

Judges 9:28 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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?

King James Version KJV

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?

American Standard Version ASV

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?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Gaal, the son of Ebed, said, Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem, that we are to be his servants? Is it not right for the son of Jerubbaal and Zebul his captain to be servants to the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem? But why are we to be his servants?

Free Bible Version FBV

“Who is this Abimelech?” asked Gaal, son of Ebed. “And who is Shechem, that we should have to serve him? Isn't he the son of Jerub-baal, while Zebul is actually the one in charge? You should serve the family of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we have to serve Abimelech?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Gaal the sonne of Ebed sayde, Who is Abimelech? and who is Shechem, that wee should serue him? Is he not the sonne of Ierubbaal? and Zebul is his officer? Serue rather the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serue him?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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?

World English Bible WEB

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?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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?

Translation for Translators T4T

Gaal said, “◄Why should we allow Abimelech to rule over us?/We should not allow Abimelech to rule over us!► [RHQ] He is only one of Gideon’s sons so he really does not belong to us [RHQ]! And he appointed Zebul, the governor of our city, to be his deputy! We should ◄serve/be loyal to► one of the descendants of Hamor, the founder of our city, and let him be our leader, not Abimelech [RHQ]!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 9:28

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 9:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר גַּ֣עַל בֶּן עֶ֗בֶד מִֽי אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ וּ/מִֽי שְׁכֶם֙ כִּ֣י נַעַבְדֶ֔/נּוּ הֲ/לֹ֥א בֶן יְרֻבַּ֖עַל וּ/זְבֻ֣ל פְּקִיד֑/וֹ עִבְד֗וּ אֶת אַנְשֵׁ֤י חֲמוֹר֙ אֲבִ֣י שְׁכֶ֔ם וּ/מַדּ֖וּעַ נַעַבְדֶ֥/נּוּ אֲנָֽחְנוּ

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

גַּ֣עַל Gaʻal H1603 Gaal N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

עֶ֗בֶד ʻEbed H5651 Ebed N-proper

מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Part

אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ ʼĂbîymelek H40 Ahimelech N-proper

וּ/מִֽי mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part

שְׁכֶם֙ Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem N-proper

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

נַעַבְדֶ֔/נּוּ ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff

הֲ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

יְרֻבַּ֖עַל Yᵉrubbaʻal H3378 Jerubbaal N-proper

וּ/זְבֻ֣ל Zᵉbul H2083 Zebul Conj | N-proper

פְּקִיד֑/וֹ pâqîyd H6496 overseer N-ms | Suff

עִבְד֗וּ ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 man N-mp

חֲמוֹר֙ Chămôwr H2544 Hamor N-proper

אֲבִ֣י ʼâb H1 father N-ms

שְׁכֶ֔ם Shᵉkem H7927 Shechem N-proper

וּ/מַדּ֖וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 why? Conj | Part

נַעַבְדֶ֥/נּוּ ʻâbad H5647 to serve V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff

אֲנָֽחְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 9:28

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

גַּ֣עַל Gaʻal H1603 "Gaal" N-proper

Gaal was an Israelite who lived before Israel's monarchy, first mentioned in Judges 9:26, and was the son of Ebed. He helped the Shechemites rebel against Abimelech.

Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.26; son of: Ebed (H5651) § Gaal = "loathing" son of Eved who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Gaal. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:35; Judges 9:41.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

עֶ֗בֶד ʻEbed H5651 "Ebed" N-proper

Ebed was the name of two Israelites, one mentioned in Ezra 8:6 and another in the time of the judges. The name means servant, and one Ebed was the father of Gaal. The KJV translates it as Ebed.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.6; son of: Jonathan (H3129H) § Ebed = "servant" 1) father of Gaal in the time of the judges 2) son of Jonathan and one of the sons of Adin who returned from exile with Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ebed. See also: Judges 9:26; Judges 9:31; Ezra 8:6.

מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

אֲבִימֶ֤לֶךְ ʼĂbîymelek H40 "Ahimelech" N-proper

Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.

וּ/מִֽי mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

שְׁכֶם֙ Shᵉkem H7927 "Shechem" N-proper

Shechem refers to a city in Palestine and a man who lived during the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 33:19. He was the son of Hamor, a Hivite chieftain. The city was located between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; son of: Hamor (H2544) § Shechem = "back" or "shoulder" 1) son of Hamor, the chieftain of the Hivites at Shechem at the time of Jacob's arrival 2) a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) south- east of Samaria

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

נַעַבְדֶ֔/נּוּ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

הֲ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

יְרֻבַּ֖עַל Yᵉrubbaʻal H3378 "Jerubbaal" N-proper

Jerubbaal means let Baal contend, a name given to Gideon after he destroyed an altar. It appears in Judges 6:11 and 32. Gideon's father gave him this name.

Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.6.11; son of: Joash (H3101); father of: Jether (H3500), Abimelech (H0040H) and Jotham (H3147); also called Jerubbaal at Jdg.6.32; 7.1; 8.29,35; 9.1,2,5,16,19,24,28,57; 1xJerubbesheth at 2Sa.11.21; Another name of gid.on (גִּדְעוֹן "Gideon" H1439) § Jerubbaal = "let Baal contend" name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Jerubbaal. See also: Judges 6:32; Judges 9:5; 1 Samuel 12:11.

וּ/זְבֻ֣ל Zᵉbul H2083 "Zebul" Conj | N-proper

Zebul was a chief man in the city of Shechem before Israel's Monarchy, he is mentioned in Judges 9:28. Zebul means exalted in Hebrew.

Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.28 § Zebul = "exalted" chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Zebul. Compare H2073 (זְבוּל). See also: Judges 9:28; Judges 9:36; Judges 9:41.

פְּקִיד֑/וֹ pâqîyd H6496 "overseer" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means a person in charge, like a governor or officer, who oversees others in a civil, military, or religious setting. It appears in the Bible as a title for someone with authority. In Exodus, Moses appoints overseers to help him lead the Israelites.

Definition: commissioner, deputy, overseer, officer

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: which had the charge, governor, office, overseer, (that) was set. See also: Genesis 41:34; Nehemiah 11:14; Jeremiah 20:1.

עִבְד֗וּ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal-Impv-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אַנְשֵׁ֤י ʼîysh H376 "man" N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

חֲמוֹר֙ Chămôwr H2544 "Hamor" N-proper

Hamor was a Canaanite prince of Shechem, mentioned in Genesis 33:19, and the father of Shechem. His name means he-ass. He interacted with Jacob when he entered Palestine. Hamor is also referred to as Emmor.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.33.19; father of: Shechem (H7927H) Also named: Emmor (Ἐμμόρ "Hamor" G1697) § Hamor = "he-ass" the Hivite prince of the city of Shechem when Jacob entered Palestine

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Hamor. See also: Genesis 33:19; Genesis 34:18; Judges 9:28.

אֲבִ֣י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

שְׁכֶ֔ם Shᵉkem H7927 "Shechem" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Shechem. See also: Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6; Psalms 60:8.

וּ/מַדּ֖וּעַ maddûwaʻ H4069 "why?" Conj | Part

This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.

Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.

נַעַבְדֶ֥/נּוּ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff

אֲנָֽחְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

Study Notes — Judges 9:28

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Context
Cross References
Judges 9:28 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:28
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:28
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:28
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:28
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:28
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:28
Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:28
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:28
Sermons on Judges 9:28

Context — Gaal Conspires with the Shechemites

26Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him. 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.

28Then 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?

29If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” 30When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 34:2	When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the region, saw her, he took her and lay with her by force.
2	Genesis 34:6	Meanwhile, Shechem’s father Hamor came to speak with Jacob.
3	1 Samuel 25:10	But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters.
4	1 Kings 12:16	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,
5	2 Samuel 20:1	Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!”

Judges 9:28 Summary

[In this verse, Gaal son of Ebed is questioning Abimelech's authority and trying to turn the people of Shechem against him, as seen in Judges 9:28. This is similar to the way Satan tries to deceive people in Genesis 3:1-7, by twisting the truth and appealing to their desires. We can learn from this verse that seeking power and control through manipulation and rebellion is not God's way, but instead we should seek to serve and obey God's appointed leaders and authorities, as seen in Romans 13:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gaal son of Ebed and why is he questioning Abimelech's authority?

Gaal son of Ebed is a newcomer to Shechem who is questioning Abimelech's authority, likely because he is seeking power for himself, as seen in Judges 9:28 and Judges 9:29. This behavior is similar to that of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:13-14, who sought to exalt himself above God.

What is the significance of Abimelech being the son of Jerubbaal?

Abimelech being the son of Jerubbaal, also known as Gideon, is significant because it highlights Abimelech's questionable claim to leadership, as seen in Judges 9:28. This is similar to the warnings in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God cautions against leaders who are not chosen by Him.

Why does Gaal son of Ebed suggest serving the men of Hamor instead of Abimelech?

Gaal son of Ebed suggests serving the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem, because he is trying to appeal to the people's sense of loyalty and heritage, as seen in Judges 9:28. This tactic is similar to the way Satan tries to deceive people in Genesis 3:1-7, by twisting the truth and appealing to their desires.

What can we learn from Gaal son of Ebed's actions in this verse?

We can learn that seeking power and control through manipulation and rebellion is not God's way, as seen in Judges 9:28 and Romans 13:1-2. Instead, we should seek to serve and obey God's appointed leaders and authorities.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can be aware of my own motivations and desires for power or control, and how can I surrender them to God?
How can I balance the need to respect authority with the need to speak out against injustice or wrongdoing, as seen in Judges 9:28 and Proverbs 31:8-9?
What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of humility and servant-leadership in my own life, rather than seeking to elevate myself above others?
How can I apply the principle of Romans 13:1-2 to my own life, by respecting and obeying God's appointed leaders and authorities?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 9:28

And Gaal the son of Ebed said,.... As they were then making merry, drinking and carousing: who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? who is this Abimelech the Shechemite?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 9:28

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 9:28

Who is Abimelech? what is he but a base-born person, an ambitious, imperious, and cruel tyrant, and one every way unfit and unworthy to govern you? Who is Shechem? Shechem is here the name, either, 1. Of the place or city of Shechem; and so the Hebrew particle mi, who, is put for mah, what, as it is ; and then the sense of the place is this: Consider how obscure and unworthy a person Abimelech is, and what a potent and honourable city Shechem is; and judge you whether it be fit that such a city should be subject to such a person. Or rather, 2. Of a person, even of Abimelech, named in the foregoing words, and described in those which follow; the son of Jerubbaal, between which Shechem is hemmed in, and therefore cannot conveniently belong to any other. He is called Shechem for the Shechemite, by a metonymy of the subject, whereby the place is put for the person contained in it, and belonging to it; as Egypt, Ethiopia, Seba, Judea, Macedonia, and Achaia, &c., are put for the people of those countries 6:19 105:38 . Thus mi is taken properly, and the sense is, Who is this Shechemite? for so he was by the mother’ s side, born of a woman of your city, and she but his concubine and servant; why should you submit to one so basely descended? The son of Jerubbaal, i.e. of Gideon; a person obscure by his on n confession, , and famous only by his boldness and fierceness against that Baal which you justly honour and reverence, whose altar he overthrew, and whose worship he endeavoured to abolish. And Zebul his officer; and you are so unworthy and mean-spirited, that you do not only submit to him, but suffer his very servants to bear rule over you, and enslave you; and particularly this noble and hateful person Zebul. Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: if you love bondage, call in the old master and lord of the place; choose not an upstart, as Abimelech is; but rather take one of the old stock, one descended from Hamor, , who did not carry himself like a tyrant, as Abimelech did, but like a father of his city of Shechem. This he might speak, either, 1. Sincerely, as being himself a Canaanite and a Shechemite, and possibly come from one of those little ones whom Simeon and Levi spared when they slew all the grown males, . And it may be that he was one of the royal blood, a descendant of Hamor, who hereby sought to insinuate himself into their minds and government, as it follows, , Would to God this people were under my hand! which he might judge the people more likely to do, both because they were now united with the Canaanites in religion, and because their present distress might oblige them to put themselves under him, who seemed or pretended to be a valiant and expert commander. Or, 2.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 9:28

Judges 9:28 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?Ver. 28. Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem?] Or, Who is Shechem? q.d., Is it so contemptible a city, that so base a fellow as Abimelech should have the sovereignty over it? Is not he the son of Jerubbaal?] That is, Of one who bereft us of that religion, Baal worship, which is now happily re-established. Thus, this cunning fellow raketh together arguments of all sorts, whereby to wind himself into the people’ s affections, and to get the government of the city. And Zebul his officer?] His viceroy. O rem miseram! Dominum ferre non potuimus, et conservo servimus, But why did they not turn Zebul, Abimelech’ s intelligencer, out of this city? This, Gaal drove at doubtless, but could not obtain. Serve the men of Hamor the father Shechem.] Who was rather a father than a ruler of this city: serve such as are descended of him (so Gaal pretended to be, as some think), or at least, will resemble him in fatherly lenity. Cicer., Epist., lib. xii.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 9:28

(28) Who is Abimelech?—This is obviously contemptuous, like “Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?” in 1 Samuel 25:10. 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., quœ 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 (Genesis 26:1), 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?” (Genesis 33:19; Joshua 24:32).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 9:28

Verse 28. Zebul his officer] פקידו pekido, his overseer; probably governor of Shechem in his absence.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 9:28

28. who is Shechem?] i.e. what is Abimelech’s kingdom, that we should be bound to obey him? does it belong to him of right? is not … serve ye] As it stands the text does not make sense; read the imperat. serve ye as a perf., they served, and translate Did not the son of J. and Z. his officer serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem? why then should we serve him? Gaal works upon the Shechemites’ national pride: ‘this chief of yours and his lieutenant were once the servants of the ancient race which sprang from Hamor (the traditional founder of Shechem, cf. Genesis 34); are we, the freemen of Shechem, to become the servants of this usurping half-breed?’ The emphasis is on we, in antithesis to ‘the son of J.’ etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 9:28

28. Who is Abimelech — A most contemptuous question, implying that Abimelech was unworthy of respect. Compare 1 Samuel 25:10.

Sermons on Judges 9:28

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 34:1-9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and how she was defiled by Sheikham, the son of Hamor. The preacher emphasizes the importance of u
	(1 Samuel) How Not to Respond to an Insult by David Guzik	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man named Naval from the book of 1 Samuel. Naval was a wealthy man, but lacked character and was harsh and evil in his actions

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