### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻEbed**, represented by `{{H5651}}`, is the proper name of two Israelites mentioned in the scriptures. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**. The name's primary function is to identify these specific individuals within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5651}}` appears most prominently in the account of Gaal, the son of **Ebed**, who challenged the rule of Abimelech in the city of Shechem [[Judges 9:26]]. Gaal incited a rebellion by questioning why the people of Shechem should serve Abimelech, referencing Abimelech's officer Zebul and urging the people to serve the descendants of Hamor instead [[Judges 9:28]]. This challenge led to a direct confrontation with Abimelech [[Judges 9:35]]. The name also appears in a genealogical context, identifying **Ebed**, the son of Jonathan, as one of the men who returned from exile with Ezra [[Ezra 8:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The narrative surrounding `{{H5651}}` is connected to several key related words:
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to work, to serve): This word is central to the challenge made by Gaal son of Ebed, who asks why the people should **serve** Abimelech [[Judges 9:28]]. The term is used throughout scripture to denote service to God [[Joshua 24:15]], service to false gods [[Exodus 20:5]], and service to men.
* `{{H6496}}` **pâqîyd** (overseer, officer): Gaal uses this word to identify Zebul as Abimelech's **officer** in Shechem [[Judges 9:28]]. This term describes a superintendent with civil, military, or religious authority, such as the overseers of the Levites in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:22]] or officials appointed over a kingdom [[Genesis 41:34]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H5651}}` is a personal name, its primary narrative context raises significant theological themes.
* **The Question of Allegiance:** The story of Gaal son of Ebed directly confronts the question of whom to **serve** [[Judges 9:28]]. This choice of loyalty is a recurring biblical theme, most importantly in the decision to **serve** the LORD exclusively ([[Joshua 24:15]], [[1 Samuel 7:3]]).
* **Human Authority and Service:** The conflict between Gaal and Abimelech highlights the dynamics of human leadership and servitude. The use of words like **serve** `{{H5647}}` and **officer** `{{H6496}}` grounds the narrative in a structure of authority that is a common feature of biblical accounts.
* **Identity in the Covenant Community:** The appearance of **Ebed** in the records of Ezra underscores the importance of the individual's place within the restored community of Israel [[Ezra 8:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5651}}` functions as the proper name **Ebed**, identifying two men in the Old Testament. The more detailed account, that of Gaal son of Ebed, provides a narrative framework for exploring crucial questions of loyalty, authority, and service. Through its direct connection to words like **ʻâbad** (to serve), the story involving this name ties into a much broader theological conversation about whom humanity is ultimately meant to serve.
TRV