Hakim-hakim 9:26
Konteks9:26 Gaal son of Ebed 1 came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him. 2
Hakim-hakim 9:34
Konteks9:34 So Abimelech and all his men came up 3 at night and set an ambush outside Shechem – they divided into 4 four units.
Hakim-hakim 9:46
Konteks9:46 When all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem 5 heard the news, they went to the stronghold 6 of the temple of El-Berith. 7
[9:26] 1 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] 2 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).
[9:34] 3 tn Heb “and all the people who were with him arose.”
[9:34] 4 tn Heb “four heads.” The words “they divided into” are supplied in the translation for clarification.
[9:46] 5 sn Perhaps the Tower of Shechem was a nearby town, distinct from Shechem proper, or a tower within the city.
[9:46] 6 tn Apparently this rare word refers here to the most inaccessible area of the temple, perhaps the inner sanctuary or an underground chamber. It appears only here and in 1 Sam 13:6, where it is paired with “cisterns” and refers to subterranean or cave-like hiding places.
[9:46] 7 sn The name El-Berith means “God of the Covenant.” It is probably a reference to the Canaanite high god El.