Judg 9:25-30 | NET2full | STEP | The leaders of Shechem rebelled against Abimelech by putting bandits in the hills , who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road . But Abimelech found out about it.

Judges 9:25-30

25 The leaders of Shechem rebelled against Abimelech by putting ^{▼▼tn Heb “set against him bandits.”} ^{▼▼sn Putting bandits in the hills. This piracy certainly interrupted or discouraged trade, and probably deprived Abimelech of tariffs or tribute. See C. F. Burney, Judges, 277; G. F. Moore, Judges (ICC), 253.} bandits in ^{▼▼tn Heb “on the tops of.”} the hills, who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road. But Abimelech found out about it. ^{▼▼tn Heb “It was told to Abimelech.”}

26 Gaal son of Ebed ^{▼▼sn The name Gaal derives from, or at least sounds like, a Hebrew verb meaning “to abhor, loathe.” His father’s name, Ebed, means “servant.” Perhaps then this could be translated, “loathsome one, son of a servant.” This individual’s very name (which may be the narrator’s nickname for him, not his actual name) seems to hint at his immoral character and lowly social status.} came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him. ^{▼▼tn Heb “trusted in him.” Here the verb probably describes more than a mental attitude. It is likely that the Shechemites made an alliance with Gaal and were now trusting him for protection in return for their loyalty (and probably tribute).} 27 They went out to the field, harvested their grapes, ^{▼▼tn Heb “vineyards.”} squeezed out the juice, ^{▼▼tn Heb “stomped” or “trampled.” This refers to the way in which the juice was squeezed out in the wine vats by stepping on the grapes with one’s bare feet. For a discussion of grape harvesting in ancient Israel, see O. Borowski, Agriculture in Iron Age Israel, 110-14.} and celebrated. They came to the temple ^{▼▼tn Heb “house.”} of their god and ate, drank, and cursed Abimelech. 28 Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerub Baal, and is not Zebul the deputy he appointed? ^{▼▼tn Heb “and Zebul his appointee.”} Serve the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem! But why should we serve Abimelech? ^{▼▼tn Heb “him”; the referent (Abimelech) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} 29 If only these men ^{▼▼tn Heb “people.”} were under my command, ^{▼▼tn Heb “in my hand.”} ^{▼▼sn If only these men were under my command. One might assume from v. 26b that the men were already at his disposal, but perhaps that was not one of the terms of the agreement. Another possibility is that v. 26 is a general summary statement, with vv. 27-29 then detailing how the alliance with Gaal came about.} I would get rid of Abimelech!” He challenged Abimelech, ^{▼▼tn Heb “said to Abimelech.” On the other hand, the preposition ל (lamed) prefixed to the proper name may be vocative (see R. G. Boling, Judges [AB], 178). If so, one could translate, “He boasted, ‘Abimelech….’”} “Muster ^{▼▼tn Heb “Make numerous.”} your army and come out for battle!” ^{▼▼tn The words “for battle” are interpretive.}

30 When Zebul, the city commissioner, heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he was furious. ^{▼▼tn Heb “his anger burned.”}