Judges 9:26

KJV

And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gaal {H1603} the son {H1121} of Ebed {H5651} came {H935} with his brethren {H251}, and went over {H5674} to Shechem {H7927}: and the men {H1167} of Shechem {H7927} put their confidence {H982} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ga'al the son of a slave came with his brothers and went on to Sh'khem, and the men of Sh'khem put their trust in him.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, Gaal son of Ebed came with his brothers and crossed into Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem put their confidence in him.

American Standard Version

And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:26 introduces Gaal, the son of Ebed, and his kinsmen as they arrive in Shechem, a city already rife with political instability and discontent under the tyrannical rule of Abimelech. This verse marks a critical turning point, as the men of Shechem, disillusioned with Abimelech's violent and self-serving leadership, quickly transfer their allegiance and trust to Gaal, setting the stage for a direct challenge to Abimelech's illegitimate authority and foreshadowing further conflict and bloodshed in the unfolding drama of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:26 is situated within the tumultuous narrative of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who brutally seized power in Shechem by murdering seventy of his half-brothers on one stone, sparing only Jotham, the youngest, who escaped ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech Murders His Brothers")). The Shechemites, having initially supported this bloody coup and crowned Abimelech king at the oak of the pillar in Shechem ([Judges 9:6](/judges/9-6 "Judges 9:6 - Shechem Crowns Abimelech")), soon found their loyalty tested. Jotham's subsequent parable of the trees, a prophetic curse against both Abimelech and the men of Shechem, vividly foreshadowed the destructive "fire" that would consume them ([Judges 9:7-15](/judges/9-7-15 "Judges 9:7-15 - Jotham's Parable of the Trees")). After three years, divine judgment began to unfold as God sent an "evil spirit" (a spirit of discord or animosity) between Abimelech and the men of Shechem, leading to treacherous acts and a breakdown of trust ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")). It is into this volatile environment of growing animosity and political vacuum that Gaal emerges, capitalizing on the Shechemites' profound disillusionment and setting the stage for the fulfillment of Jotham's curse.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shechem was a city of immense historical and religious significance in Israel, serving as a place of Abraham's first altar in Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham Builds an Altar at Shechem")), Jacob's settlement ([Genesis 33:18-20](/genesis/33-18-20 "Genesis 33:18-20 - Jacob Buys Land at Shechem")), and crucially, the site of covenant renewal under Joshua ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). Its strategic location in the central hill country made it a powerful symbol and a political hub. During the chaotic period of the Judges, Israel lacked a centralized monarchy, and local leadership often arose from military prowess or charismatic influence, as seen with Gideon and now Abimelech. The concept of "putting confidence" in a leader was not merely political but often carried connotations of relying on their strength, wisdom, and ability to provide security and stability. In a society where alliances were fluid and power was often seized by force, the rapid shift of allegiance from Abimelech to Gaal reflects the precarious nature of leadership and the constant search for stability in a chaotic era marked by a lack of divine guidance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several prominent themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **fickle nature of human allegiance and trust**, particularly when not grounded in divine principles. The Shechemites, who had previously "made Abimelech king" ([Judges 9:6](/judges/9-6 "Shechem Crowns Abimelech")), now readily "put their confidence" in a new contender, demonstrating a dangerous pattern of instability and misplaced reliance on human strength and charisma. Secondly, it underscores the **consequences of illegitimate rule** and the inherent instability of power gained through violence and treachery. Abimelech's reign, born of murder, was destined for internal strife, fulfilling Jotham's curse ([Judges 9:20](/judges/9-20 "Judges 9:20 - Jotham's Curse Fulfilled")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **human confidence versus divine sovereignty**. The Shechemites' decision to trust in Gaal, a human leader, rather than seeking divine guidance or repentance, foreshadows the tragic outcome of their reliance on human ambition, a recurring motif throughout the book of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")), leading to cycles of sin and suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gaal (Hebrew, _Gaʻal'_):** from גָּעַל; loathing; Gaal, an Israelite; Gaal. The name "Gaal" itself, meaning "loathing" or "disgust," serves as a potent and perhaps ironic foreshadowing of the contempt and destruction that will soon engulf him and the Shechemites. His patronymic, "son of Ebed" (H5651, עֶבֶד, _ʻEbed'_), meaning "servant" or "slave," is particularly significant. While it could simply indicate his father's name, it also carries the connotation of low social standing or even non-Israelite origin, making his audacious challenge to Abimelech, a self-proclaimed king, even more striking. This background highlights the desperation of the Shechemites to embrace anyone as an alternative to their oppressive ruler.
* **men (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** from בָּעַל; a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense); [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. The term translated "men" here is _baʻal_, which fundamentally means "master" or "owner." This choice of word is highly significant, subtly implying that the "men of Shechem" are acting as masters of their own destiny, asserting their will and choosing their own leader. It underscores their self-reliance and rejection of divine authority in their political affairs, a hallmark of the chaotic Judges period where human will superseded God's guidance.
* **confidence (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** a primitive root; properly, to hide for refuge (but not so precipitately as חָסָה); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure; be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. This verb signifies "to trust," "to rely upon," "to feel secure," or "to be confident." It often carries a strong theological dimension in the Old Testament, frequently used in contexts of trusting in God versus trusting in human strength or idols. Here, the Shechemites' "confidence" in Gaal is a profoundly misplaced trust, rooted in political expediency and a desperate desire for deliverance from Abimelech, rather than in any divine mandate or righteous leadership. This secular application of _bâṭach_ underscores the spiritual blindness and moral decline prevalent in the period of the Judges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren":** This clause introduces the new protagonist, Gaal, identifying him by his father, Ebed. The mention of "his brethren" (H251, _ʼâch_), meaning kinsmen or allies, suggests he arrived with a contingent of supporters, indicating a nascent power base and a potential force, not just an individual. His arrival is presented as a deliberate act, not a casual visit, implying a calculated move to enter the volatile Shechemite political scene.
* **"and went over to Shechem":** This phrase emphasizes the destination and Gaal's direct movement towards the city. The verb "went over" (H5674, _ʻâbar_) can imply crossing a boundary or moving into a new territory, signifying his deliberate entry into the heart of the Shechemite conflict. His presence in Shechem is crucial, as it is the very seat of Abimelech's power and the epicenter of the growing discontent and rebellion.
* **"and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him":** This final clause reveals the immediate and significant impact of Gaal's arrival. The phrase "put their confidence in him" (H982, _bâṭach_) indicates a profound and rapid shift in allegiance and trust. It signifies that the Shechemites were not merely tolerating Gaal but actively embracing him as a leader capable of delivering them from Abimelech. This swift transfer of confidence highlights their desperation, the depth of their dissatisfaction with Abimelech's rule, and their readiness to embrace any alternative, regardless of its true merit or divine sanction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully evident in the Shechemites' swift transfer of "confidence" from Abimelech, whom they crowned king, to Gaal, the "son of Ebed" (a servant), highlighting their volatile and unreliable nature, as well as the inherent instability of human-centric power. The very name "Gaal" (loathing/disgust) may also be an ironic **foreshadowing** of the contempt and destruction that will soon engulf him and Shechem. Furthermore, the misplaced "confidence" of the Shechemites in a human leader, rather than divine guidance, strongly hints at the inevitable failure and further bloodshed that will follow, serving as a clear instance of **dramatic irony** for the discerning reader. There is also a stark **contrast** between Abimelech's established (though illegitimate) rule and Gaal's sudden emergence as a popular alternative, underscoring the profound instability of the political landscape in a nation without a righteous king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:26 serves as a stark illustration of the dangers inherent in misplaced trust and the tragic consequences of seeking human solutions apart from divine wisdom. The Shechemites' "confidence" in Gaal, a seemingly charismatic but ultimately flawed human leader, mirrors a recurring theme throughout Scripture: the futility of relying on human strength, political maneuvering, or worldly wisdom for true security and deliverance. This act of trust, born out of desperation and a desire to escape one oppressive human ruler by embracing another, ultimately leads to further chaos and destruction, rather than the peace and stability they sought. It underscores the spiritual and moral decline of Israel during the Judges period, where the absence of a king meant "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," often leading to self-inflicted cycles of sin, oppression, and suffering. The narrative implicitly calls the reader to consider where true confidence should be placed.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8-9 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It Is Better to Trust in the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed Is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Judges 9:26 offers a profound cautionary tale for all generations. It challenges us to critically examine where we place our confidence and allegiance, both individually and collectively. The Shechemites, having chosen a "bramble" (Abimelech) as their king and then quickly shifting their trust to another human figure (Gaal) out of expediency, found themselves caught in a cycle of violence and instability. This serves as a powerful reminder that true security and lasting peace are not found in the charisma of human leaders, the promises of political systems, or the strength of worldly alliances. Instead, our ultimate confidence must be placed in the unchanging character and sovereign will of God. When we rely on human solutions alone, we often find ourselves exchanging one form of bondage for another, or facing renewed conflict. Discerning leadership, seeking divine wisdom, and anchoring our hope in God's faithfulness are essential for navigating the complexities of life and avoiding the pitfalls of misplaced trust, ensuring that our foundation is built on the rock of God's truth, not the shifting sands of human ambition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my confidence when facing difficult circumstances or seeking solutions to problems? Is it primarily in human wisdom, resources, or God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the Shechemites' fickle allegiance challenge my own understanding of loyalty and commitment, both in my relationships and in my faith?**
* **In what ways might I be "putting confidence" in something or someone other than God, and what might be the potential consequences of such misplaced trust in my own life?**

### FAQ

**Who was Gaal, and why did the men of Shechem trust him so quickly?**

Answer: Gaal, the son of Ebed, was an outsider who arrived in Shechem with his kinsmen. His background, particularly his father's name "Ebed" (meaning "servant" or "slave"), suggests he may have been of lower social standing or even non-Israelite, which makes his rapid rise to prominence notable. The men of Shechem trusted him quickly because they were deeply dissatisfied with Abimelech's tyrannical and violent rule. God had sent an "evil spirit" ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")) of discord between Abimelech and the Shechemites, leading to treachery and a breakdown of their initial allegiance. Gaal's arrival provided a charismatic alternative, a new figure in whom they could place their hopes for deliverance from their oppressive king. Their trust was born out of desperation and political expediency, rather than a discerning evaluation of Gaal's character or divine guidance, ultimately leading to further turmoil.

**What is the significance of the phrase "put their confidence in him"?**

Answer: The phrase "put their confidence in him" uses the Hebrew verb _bâṭach_ (בטח), which means "to trust," "to rely upon," or "to feel secure." While it can be used in a secular sense, it often carries significant theological weight in the Old Testament, frequently contrasting trust in God with trust in human strength, idols, or worldly power. In this context, it highlights the Shechemites' misplaced reliance on a human leader for their security and deliverance. Their confidence was rooted in political ambition and a desire for immediate relief from Abimelech, rather than in seeking God's will or trusting in His ultimate sovereignty. This act of human-centered trust foreshadows the tragic outcome of their choices, as such misplaced confidence often leads to disappointment and destruction, as seen in the subsequent events of [Judges 9](/judges/9 "Judges 9 - Abimelech's Reign and Downfall"), where both Gaal and the Shechemites meet a violent end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Judges 9:26, with its cycles of violence, misplaced trust, and the failure of human leadership, powerfully anticipates the ultimate and perfect King, Jesus Christ. The Shechemites' desperate act of "putting their confidence" in Gaal, a flawed human deliverer, underscores humanity's inherent longing for a righteous ruler who can bring true peace and stability. This longing is ultimately fulfilled not in a self-appointed king like Abimelech, nor in a fleeting alternative like Gaal, but in the Son of God. Unlike the earthly kings and judges who ruled by force or succumbed to corruption, Jesus's kingship is established not by violence but by self-sacrificial love on the cross, where He humbled Himself and became obedient to death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true and faithful Shepherd, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the only one in whom we can place our complete and unwavering confidence without fear of disappointment. While the men of Shechem trusted in a man who would lead them to further conflict and destruction, those who put their confidence in Christ find eternal life, unshakeable peace, and an unshakable kingdom that cannot be moved ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). He is the King who truly delivers His people, not from an earthly tyrant, but from the tyranny of sin and death, establishing a reign of righteousness and justice that will never end ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 13:8

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.

Genesis 19:7

And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.