Translations
Original
Notes
People were unhappy with Abimelech, and there was social unrest. With plenty of wine and careless talk, Gaal easily gained initial support.
Gaal, son of Ebed (meaning "vile son of a slave"), led a failed rebellion against Abimelech. Many citizens of Shechem died in this event. This partially fulfilled Jotham's curse (Judges 9:20).
Theological statements in Judges 9:23–24 and 9:56–57 frame the story of the civil conflict that caused the destruction of Abimelech and Shechem. This event fulfilled the curse that Jotham declared (Judges 9:19–20).
Abimelech's reign marked a shift from the relative peace of the early judges (Judges 3:7–8:35) to the decline of the later years (10:1–16:31).
Events
People
Abimelech: Son of Gideon, self-proclaimed king of Shechem
Glossary
Abimelech Agriculture Arumah Baal-Berith Banquet Curse, Cursed Ebed Gaal Judges, Book of Shechem (Place) Warfare
Topics
Conspiracy: Gaal, Against Abimelech Ebed: Father of Gaal Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Gaal: Conspires Against and is Defeated by Abimelech Grape: Grown: At Shechem Harvest: Celebrated with Joy Judge: Abimelech