Judges 9:35

KJV

And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that [were] with him, from lying in wait.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gaal {H1603} the son {H1121} of Ebed {H5651} went out {H3318}, and stood {H5975} in the entering {H6607} of the gate {H8179} of the city {H5892}: and Abimelech {H40} rose up {H6965}, and the people {H5971} that were with him, from lying in wait {H3993}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ga'al the son of a slave went out and stationed himself at the entrance to the city gate. Then Avimelekh and his men rose from their ambush.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places.

American Standard Version

And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from the ambushment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:35 captures the pivotal moment when Gaal, son of Ebed, confidently steps into the public square at the city gate of Shechem, unaware that he is walking directly into a meticulously planned ambush. This verse dramatically reveals Abimelech's strategic cunning and the sudden, decisive nature of his counter-attack, setting the stage for the violent confrontation that will determine the fate of Gaal and the rebellious city. It is a snapshot of the brutal power struggles and deceptive military tactics characteristic of the tumultuous period of the Judges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 9:35 is situated at a critical juncture in the tragic narrative of Abimelech, the ambitious and ruthless son of Gideon by a concubine. The chapter opens with Abimelech's violent seizure of power, marked by the brutal murder of his seventy half-brothers at Ophrah, leaving only Jotham, the youngest, to escape ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Judges 9:5 - Abimelech's Murder of His Brothers")). Jotham then delivers his powerful "Fable of the Trees" from Mount Gerizim, prophesying mutual destruction for Abimelech and the people of Shechem who supported his illegitimate rule ([Judges 9:7-21](/judges/9-7 "Judges 9:7-21 - Jotham's Fable and Prophecy")). After three years, God sends an evil spirit between Abimelech and the Shechemites, leading to their betrayal of him ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")). Into this volatile situation steps Gaal, son of Ebed, who incites the Shechemites to open rebellion against Abimelech ([Judges 9:26-29](/judges/9-26 "Judges 9:26-29 - Gaal Incites Rebellion")). Zebul, Abimelech's officer in Shechem, secretly informs Abimelech of Gaal's boastful defiance ([Judges 9:30-33](/judges/9-30 "Judges 9:30-33 - Zebul's Warning to Abimelech")). In response, Abimelech immediately mobilizes his forces, dividing them into four companies and strategically setting an ambush outside the city during the night ([Judges 9:34](/judges/9-34 "Judges 9:34 - Abimelech Sets the Ambush")). Verse 35 depicts the precise moment the trap is sprung, with Gaal unknowingly walking into the pre-arranged confrontation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th century BCE) was characterized by political decentralization, tribal conflicts, and a lack of central authority, famously summarized by the phrase "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")). Shechem was a city of immense historical and religious significance, serving as a place of covenant renewal for Israel ([Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")) and a major tribal center. Its strategic location in a valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal made its control vital. City gates in ancient Near Eastern cities were not merely points of entry and exit; they were bustling centers of public life, commerce, legal proceedings, and military defense. To "stand in the entering of the gate" was to be in a prominent, public, and often vulnerable position. Abimelech's use of an ambush ("lying in wait") was a common military tactic of the era, relying on surprise and deception to gain a decisive advantage over an unsuspecting foe, reflecting the often brutal and cunning nature of warfare in this turbulent period.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Judges 9, culminating in events like verse 35, powerfully illustrates several key themes. One prominent theme is the **consequences of unrighteous ambition and tyrannical rule**. Abimelech's reign, founded on fratricide and usurpation, is inherently unstable and marked by violence, ultimately leading to his own ignominious death ([Judges 9:53](/judges/9-53 "Judges 9:53 - Abimelech's Death")). This serves as a stark cautionary tale against leadership gained through unjust means. Another theme is **divine retribution and justice**. Jotham's curse, delivered earlier in the chapter, explicitly prophesies the mutual destruction of Abimelech and the Shechemites, a prophecy that begins to unfold with the events of this verse and is fully realized by the chapter's end. God's sovereignty is evident even amidst human depravity, as He uses the evil spirit to bring about judgment ([Judges 9:23](/judges/9-23 "Judges 9:23 - God Sends an Evil Spirit")). Finally, the chapter highlights the **cycle of sin and judgment** that pervades the book of Judges, demonstrating Israel's repeated failure to adhere to God's covenant and the resulting chaos and suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"went out" (יָצָא, _yatsa'_):** This Hebrew verb signifies "to go forth," "to come out," or "to appear." In the context of Gaal, it suggests a confident, public, and perhaps even defiant emergence. He is not merely observing from a distance but actively presenting himself at the city's most prominent public point, likely to assert his authority or challenge Abimelech openly. This action underscores his unawareness of the hidden danger, contrasting sharply with Abimelech's concealed forces.
* **"gate of the city" (שַׁעַר הָעִיר, _sha'ar ha'ir'_):** The "gate of the city" was far more than a defensive structure; it was the social, commercial, and judicial hub of an ancient city. Legal disputes were settled there, business transactions conducted, and public announcements made. Gaal's presence here indicates a public display of leadership or challenge, making the sudden revelation of Abimelech's hidden forces all the more impactful and humiliating for Gaal.
* **"lying in wait" (מֵהָאֹרֵב, _meha'orev'_):** This phrase comes from the Hebrew root אָרַב (_'arab_), meaning "to ambush," "to lie in wait," or "to set a trap." It explicitly describes Abimelech's premeditated, deceptive military strategy. His forces were not engaging in open, honorable combat but were hidden, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to spring their surprise attack. This tactic highlights Abimelech's cunning and ruthless character, consistent with his earlier actions of fratricide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city":** This clause establishes Gaal's action and location. His "going out" and "standing" at the city gate suggest a public, perhaps even boastful, display. He is unaware of the imminent danger, likely expecting an open confrontation or simply engaging in daily public life, thereby making himself a clear and vulnerable target for Abimelech's hidden forces.
* **"and Abimelech rose up, and the people that [were] with him, from lying in wait":** This clause describes Abimelech's decisive counter-action. The phrase "rose up" denotes a sudden, forceful movement, indicating the springing of the ambush. Abimelech and his hidden companies emerge from their concealed positions, revealing their presence and initiating the attack. This marks the transition from hidden preparation to open conflict, catching Gaal completely by surprise.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 9:35 effectively employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and underscore its thematic significance. **Dramatic Irony** is central, as the reader is fully aware of Abimelech's hidden ambush, while Gaal remains oblivious, confidently standing at the city gate. This contrast between Gaal's perception and the reality of his imminent danger creates palpable tension. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the springing of the ambush signals the beginning of the violent confrontation that will lead to Gaal's defeat and the eventual destruction of Shechem, fulfilling Jotham's earlier prophecy. Furthermore, there is a powerful **Contrast** between Gaal's public, exposed position at the gate and Abimelech's concealed, deceptive approach, highlighting the different natures of their leadership and tactics. The suddenness of Abimelech's "rising up" creates a sense of **Climax** for the immediate narrative, marking the turning point in the conflict between the two rivals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:35, while detailing a specific military maneuver, reverberates with profound theological and thematic implications. It vividly illustrates the pervasive human propensity for ambition, deception, and violence, particularly when unchecked by divine law or moral restraint. Abimelech's calculated ambush is a testament to the depths of human depravity and the destructive consequences of leadership founded on self-interest rather than righteous principles. The narrative implicitly highlights God's sovereign hand, even in the midst of such chaos and human sin, as Jotham's curse, delivered earlier, begins to unfold with precision. This verse serves as a grim reminder that actions have consequences, and that those who sow seeds of treachery and violence often reap a harvest of destruction, aligning with biblical principles of justice and retribution.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "God Gives Them Over to a Debased Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at the gate of Shechem, where Gaal unknowingly walks into Abimelech's trap, offers timeless lessons for spiritual vigilance and discernment. Just as Gaal was blind to the hidden danger, we too can be susceptible to unseen threats, whether from spiritual adversaries, deceptive influences, or the subtle workings of our own unchecked desires. This narrative calls us to cultivate a posture of watchfulness, relying on wisdom and discernment to navigate life's complexities. Furthermore, Abimelech's story serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power through unrighteous means. It prompts us to examine our own motivations and to seek integrity and justice in all our endeavors, understanding that true leadership is characterized by service and righteousness, not manipulation and violence. Ultimately, while this verse depicts human treachery, the broader narrative of Judges 9 assures us that divine justice prevails, reminding us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His perfect timing for bringing all things to account.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be unknowingly walking into a "trap" due to a lack of discernment or overconfidence?**
* **How does Abimelech's use of deception challenge me to consider the integrity of my own actions and motivations, especially in pursuit of goals?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of seeking power or success through manipulative or unrighteous means, as illustrated by Abimelech's fate?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual vigilance and rely on God's wisdom to navigate potential dangers or deceptions in my life?**

### FAQ

**Why was "the gate of the city" such a significant location in ancient times?**

Answer: The city gate in ancient Near Eastern societies was far more than a simple entrance or exit. It was the primary hub of civic life. All major roads converged there, making it the center for commerce and trade. Legal proceedings, including trials and judgments, were conducted at the gate, often by elders or judges, making it a place of justice and authority. Public announcements, news, and decrees were also proclaimed there. Militarily, it was the most vulnerable point of a city's defenses, yet also a strategic place for observation and defense. Thus, Gaal "standing in the entering of the gate" ([Judges 9:35](/judges/9-35 "Gaal at the City Gate")) signified a public, prominent presence, making him an ideal target for Abimelech's ambush.

**What does Abimelech "lying in wait" reveal about his character and the nature of warfare in the Judges period?**

Answer: Abimelech "lying in wait" (Hebrew: _meha'orev_) signifies a deliberate, pre-meditated ambush, a tactic of deception and surprise. This reveals Abimelech's ruthless and cunning character, consistent with his earlier act of murdering his seventy half-brothers to seize power ([Judges 9:5](/judges/9-5 "Abimelech's Murder of His Brothers")). He preferred strategic, hidden maneuvers over open, honorable combat, reflecting a pragmatic and often brutal approach to warfare common in the tumultuous Judges period. The era was marked by tribal conflicts and a lack of centralized authority, where survival often depended on such decisive and often deceptive military tactics, highlighting the moral decline and chaos of the time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaotic and violent narrative of Judges 9, particularly the deceptive ambush in verse 35, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a righteous and true King. Abimelech, a self-appointed and murderous "king," represents the antithesis of godly leadership. His reign, built on bloodshed and sustained by treachery, ultimately leads to his own destruction and the devastation of those who followed him, demonstrating the futility of human attempts to establish lasting peace or justice apart from God. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, the true King, whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), founded not on violence or deception but on truth, righteousness, and self-sacrifice. While Abimelech lay in wait to destroy his enemies, Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not to ambush but to be ambushed, willingly offering Himself as a sacrifice for humanity's sin. He is the one who triumphs over the true enemy, not through hidden tactics but through open victory on the cross, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Ultimately, the failed kingship of Abimelech points forward to the perfect, eternal reign of Christ, who will return not from "lying in wait" but in glorious power to establish His kingdom of justice and peace, bringing true order where human ambition once wrought only chaos ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Christ's Return as King of Kings")).

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.