Keraia
People

Gaal

Gaal, the son of Ebed, led a revolt against Abimelech, the ruler of Shechem, but was defeated and driven out of the city.

The name Gaal means “contempt; abomination”

MaleOld Testament1 book13 verses

Summary

A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Judges 9:26; only referred to as Gaal (גַּ֫עַל); a son of Ebed.

Glossary entries

Gaal

Family members

Father

Ebed

Alternative names

Mentions

Includes 4 verses that refer to Gaal without naming them, as “he”, “she”, or the subject of a verb.

  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. Judges 9:29Referred to, not named
    If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’”
  4. Judges 9:30
    When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger.
  5. Judges 9:31
    So he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.
  6. Judges 9:33Referred to, not named
    And in the morning at sunrise, get up and advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, do to them whatever you are able.”
  7. Judges 9:35
    Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places.
  8. Judges 9:36
    When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountains!” But Zebul replied, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.”
  9. Judges 9:37
    Then Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.”
  10. Judges 9:38Referred to, not named
    “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!”
  11. Judges 9:39
    So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,
  12. Judges 9:40Referred to, not named
    …but Abimelech pursued him, and Gaal fled before him. And many Shechemites fell wounded all the way to the entrance of the gate.
  13. Judges 9:41
    Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.