Judges 9:25-26

9:25 The leaders of Shechem rebelled against Abimelech by putting ¹  bandits in ²  the hills, who robbed everyone who traveled by on the road. But Abimelech found out about it. ³ 

9:26 Gaal son of Ebed ⁴  came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him. ⁵ 

[9:25]  ¹ tn Heb “set against him bandits.”

[9:25]  ² tn Heb “on the tops of.”

[9:25]  ³ tn Heb “It was told to Abimelech.”

[9:26]  ⁴ 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.

[9:26]  ⁵ 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).