26-27 At that time Gaal son of Ebed arrived with his relatives and moved into Shechem. The leaders of Shechem trusted him. One day they went out into the fields, gathered grapes in the vineyards, and trod them in the winepress. Then they held a celebration in their god’s temple, a feast, eating and drinking. And then they started putting down Abimelech.

28-29 Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is this Abimelech? And who are we Shechemites to take orders from him? Isn’t he the son of Jerub-Baal, and isn’t this his henchman Zebul? We belong to the race of Hamor and bear the noble name of Shechem. Why should we be toadies of Abimelech? If I were in charge of this people, the first thing I’d do is get rid of Abimelech! I’d say, ‘Show me your stuff, Abimelech—let’s see who’s boss here!’”

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27 After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden(A) them, they held a festival in the temple of their god.(B) While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelek. 28 Then Gaal son of Ebed(C) said, “Who(D) is Abimelek, and why should we Shechemites be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor,(E) Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abimelek? 29 If only this people were under my command!(F) Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, ‘Call out your whole army!’”[a](G)

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Footnotes

  1. Judges 9:29 Septuagint; Hebrew him.” Then he said to Abimelek, “Call out your whole army!”