Judges 9:28

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?

Study Bible

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 (Joshua 24:25). 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 Genesis 34. 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.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gaal son of Ebed
A newcomer to Shechem who challenges Abimelech's authority, questioning his legitimacy and encouraging the people to serve the original Shechemite leaders.

2. Abimelech
The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who made himself king over Shechem through manipulation and violence, including the murder of his brothers.

3. Shechem
An ancient city with significant historical and religious importance, often associated with covenantal events in Israel's history.

4. Jerubbaal (Gideon)
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. Zebul
An officer of Abimelech in Shechem, loyal to Abimelech and opposed to Gaal's rebellion.

Teaching Points

Questioning Authority
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?

Historical Context Matters
Understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical events can provide deeper insights into the motivations and actions of the characters involved.

The Dangers of Ambition
Abimelech's account warns against the pursuit of power for selfish reasons, which often leads to destructive outcomes.

Loyalty and Betrayal
The dynamics between Gaal, Abimelech, and Zebul illustrate the complexities of loyalty and the potential for betrayal when personal interests conflict.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human schemes and conflicts, God's purposes ultimately prevail. We are reminded to trust in His sovereignty over human affairs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Gaal's challenge to Abimelech reflect the broader theme of leadership and authority in the book of Judges?

2. In what ways does the historical relationship between Israel and Shechem influence the events of Judges 9:28?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Abimelech's ambition and Gaal's rebellion to our understanding of leadership in the church today?

4. What does the account of Abimelech teach us about the consequences of seeking power without regard for God's will?

5. How can we discern when to challenge authority in our own lives, and what biblical principles should guide us in doing so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The reference to "the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem" connects to the account of Dinah and the Shechemites, highlighting the historical tensions and alliances between Israel and Shechem.

Judges 8
Provides background on Gideon (Jerubbaal) and his refusal to become king, contrasting with Abimelech's ambition and self-promotion.

1 Samuel 8
Israel's later demand for a king, which parallels the issues of leadership and authority seen in Abimelech's account.