Gaal גַּ֫עַל
Son of Ebed; led a revolt against Abimelech.
Who is Gaal in the Bible?
Gaal, the son of Ebed, was a challenger to Abimelech's rule in Shechem during the period of the judges (Judges 9:26-41). After Abimelech had governed the city for three years, Gaal gained the people's trust and incited them to rebel against their ruler, encouraging them to follow him instead. When Abimelech learned of this threat, he attacked the city, and Gaal was defeated in battle and driven out of Shechem. His failed revolt demonstrates the instability of leadership during the judges period and serves as an example of how ambitious challengers could temporarily sway a population before facing military defeat.
Biography
Gaal, the son of Ebed, appears in Judges 9 as the leader of a revolt against Abimelech, the ruler of Shechem. After Abimelech had ruled Shechem for three years, Gaal arrived in the city and gained the trust of the people (Jdg.9.26-29). He challenged Abimelech's authority and encouraged the people to follow him instead. When Abimelech was informed of Gaal's actions, he devised a plan to attack the city (Jdg.9.30-33). Gaal and his followers went out to fight against Abimelech but were defeated and driven out of Shechem (Jdg.9.34-41). Abimelech then destroyed the city and scattered salt over it, symbolizing its complete destruction (Jdg.9.45). The story of Gaal's failed revolt illustrates the internal conflicts and power struggles that occurred during the period of the judges in Israel.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 5 verses
- 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."
- 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?"
- Judges 9:30
"When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger."
- 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."
- 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."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | גַּ֫עַל |
Gaal
the part of the inhabitants of Shechem against Abimelech, son of Gideon, and his rebellion failed (Jud 9:26-45).
See also ABIMELECH.
ga'-ash (ga`-ash): First mentioned in connection with the burial place of Joshua "in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in the hill-country of Ephraim, on the north (side) of the mountain of Gaash"