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. And Gaal son of EbedThe name "Gaal" is derived from the Hebrew root "ga'al," which can mean "to loathe" or "to abhor." This name may reflect his character or the perception of him by others. Gaal is introduced as the son of Ebed, which means "servant" in Hebrew. This lineage might suggest a humble or servile background, contrasting with his bold actions against Abimelech. Historically, Gaal's emergence in the narrative signifies a challenge to Abimelech's authority, representing the internal strife and division within Israel during this period. went out and stood
The act of going out and standing is significant in ancient Near Eastern culture, often symbolizing readiness and confrontation. Gaal's decision to position himself at the city gate indicates a strategic move, as city gates were central places for gathering, commerce, and legal matters. This action suggests Gaal's intention to assert influence and possibly rally support against Abimelech. at the entrance of the city gate
The city gate was a place of power and decision-making in ancient Israelite society. It was where elders met, judgments were rendered, and leaders addressed the people. Gaal's presence at the gate implies a challenge to the existing authority and an attempt to gain legitimacy and control. Archaeological findings have confirmed the importance of city gates in ancient cities, often fortified and serving as a hub of activity. as Abimelech and his troops
Abimelech, the son of Gideon, had declared himself king after the death of his father, despite the lack of divine endorsement. His rule was marked by violence and treachery, including the murder of his seventy brothers. The mention of "his troops" highlights the military aspect of his leadership, relying on force to maintain power. This reflects the turbulent period of the Judges, where leadership was often contested and unstable. came out from their hiding place
The phrase "came out from their hiding place" suggests a tactical maneuver by Abimelech, indicating a premeditated plan to confront Gaal. This element of surprise is a common military strategy, aiming to catch the opponent off guard. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the cunning and often ruthless nature of leadership during the time of the Judges, where personal ambition frequently led to conflict and bloodshed. Persons / Places / Events 1. Gaal son of EbedA man who opposed Abimelech and sought to lead the people of Shechem against him. His actions and words stirred conflict and ultimately led to his downfall. 2. AbimelechThe son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), who declared himself king over Shechem after killing his seventy brothers. His rule was marked by treachery and violence. 3. ShechemAn ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history as a place of covenant renewal and conflict. 4. City GateA strategic location in ancient cities, often serving as a place for legal matters, trade, and military defense. Gaal's presence here indicates his readiness to confront Abimelech. 5. Troops in HidingAbimelech's forces, who were strategically positioned to ambush Gaal and his followers, demonstrating Abimelech's cunning and military strategy. Teaching Points The Dangers of Pride and AmbitionBoth Gaal and Abimelech exhibit pride and ambition, leading to conflict and destruction. Believers are reminded to seek humility and God's guidance in their pursuits. The Consequences of RebellionGaal's rebellion against Abimelech, and Abimelech's rebellion against God's order, serve as warnings about the destructive nature of rebellion against divine authority. Strategic Wisdom and CunningAbimelech's use of strategy in hiding his troops highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in facing adversaries. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in their battles. The Role of Leadership and InfluenceGaal's influence over the people of Shechem and Abimelech's leadership demonstrate the power and responsibility of leadership. Christians are called to lead with integrity and righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Gaal and Abimelech illustrate the consequences of pride and ambition? Can you identify similar themes in other biblical accounts? 2. In what ways does the strategic positioning of Abimelech's troops reflect the importance of wisdom and planning in spiritual battles? How can we apply this to our own lives? 3. What lessons can we learn from the leadership styles of Gaal and Abimelech, and how do they compare to the leadership qualities encouraged in the New Testament? 4. How does the setting of the city gate in ancient times enhance our understanding of the events in Judges 9:35? What modern-day equivalents can you think of where significant decisions and confrontations occur? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation involving rebellion or conflict. How did biblical principles guide your response, and what was the outcome? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 8:30-31Provides background on Abimelech's lineage and his rise to power, highlighting the familial strife that set the stage for the events in Judges 9. Proverbs 16:18Offers wisdom on the consequences of pride, which is evident in Gaal's challenge to Abimelech and Abimelech's ruthless ambition. 1 Samuel 15:23Relates to the theme of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, as seen in Gaal's defiance and Abimelech's illegitimate claim to kingship. People Abimelech, Ebed, Gaal, Hamor, Jerubbaal, Jotham, Ophrah, Zalmon, ZebulPlaces Arumah, Beer, Beth-millo, Diviners' Oak, Lebanon, Midian, Mount Gerizim, Mount Zalmon, Ophrah, Shechem, Thebez, Tower of ShechemTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Ambush, Ambushment, Doorway, Ebed, Entering, Entrance, Gaal, Ga'al, Gate, Got, Hiding, Lying, Opening, Riseth, Rose, Soldiers, Standeth, Standing, Stood, Town, Wait, WaitingDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 9:26-41 5575 talk, idle Judges 9:34-35 5544 soldiers Library Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ...
Here, by way of objection, several questions are raised. Scripture relates that God sometimes complied with certain prayers which had been dictated by minds not duly calmed or regulated. It is true, that the cause for which Jotham imprecated on the inhabitants of Shechem the disaster which afterwards befell them was well founded; but still he was inflamed with anger and revenge (Judges 9:20); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervour …
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of FaithTrials of the Christian
AFFLICTION--ITS NATURE AND BENEFITS. The school of the cross is the school of light; it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark afflictions comes a spiritual light. In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. The end of affliction is the discovery of sin; and of that, to bring us to a Saviour. Doth not God ofttimes even take occasion, by the hardest of things that come upon us, to visit …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Hence is Also that which Thou Hast Mentioned that they Speak Of...
28. Hence is also that which thou hast mentioned that they speak of, that the Lord Jesus, after He was risen, walked in the way with two disciples; and upon their drawing near to the village whither they were going, He made as though He would have gone farther: where the Evangelist, saying, "But He Himself feigned that He would go further," [2435] hath put that very word in which liars too greatly delight, that they may with impunity lie: as if every thing that is feigned is a lie, whereas in a truthful …
St. Augustine—Against Lying The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
[Sidenote: Role of the sages in Israel's life] In the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Jer. xviii. 18; Ezek. vii. 26) three distinct classes of religious teachers were recognized by the people: the prophets, the priests, and the wise men or sages. From their lips and pens have come practically all the writings of the Old Testament. Of these three classes the wise men or sages are far less prominent or well known. They wrote no history of Israel, they preached no public sermons, nor do they appear …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Greater Prophets.
1. We have already seen (Chap. 15, Nos. 11 and 12) that from Moses to Samuel the appearances of prophets were infrequent; that with Samuel and the prophetical school established by him there began a new era, in which the prophets were recognized as a distinct order of men in the Theocracy; and that the age of written prophecy did not begin till about the reign of Uzziah, some three centuries after Samuel. The Jewish division of the latter prophets--prophets in the more restricted sense of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible An Exhortation to Love God
1. An exhortation. Let me earnestly persuade all who bear the name of Christians to become lovers of God. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm xxxi. 23). There are but few that love God: many give Him hypocritical kisses, but few love Him. It is not so easy to love God as most imagine. The affection of love is natural, but the grace is not. Men are by nature haters of God (Rom. i. 30). The wicked would flee from God; they would neither be under His rules, nor within His reach. They fear God, …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits Derived from It.
1. A general summary of what is contained in the previous part of the work. A transition to the doctrine of prayer. Its connection with the subject of faith. 2. Prayer defined. Its necessity and use. 3. Objection, that prayer seems useless, because God already knows our wants. Answer, from the institution and end of prayer. Confirmation by example. Its necessity and propriety. Perpetually reminds us of our duty, and leads to meditation on divine providence. Conclusion. Prayer a most useful exercise. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 9:35 NIVJudges 9:35 NLTJudges 9:35 ESVJudges 9:35 NASBJudges 9:35 KJV
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