Judges 9:23-41

23God sent a spirit that stirred up trouble between Abimelech and the leading citizens of Shechem, and they revolted.

24God was punishing Abimelech for murdering Gideon’s seventy sons, and the citizens of Shechem for supporting him in this treachery of murdering his brothers.

25The citizens of Shechem set an ambush for Abimelech on the hilltops and robbed everyone who passed that way. But someone warned Abimelech about their plot.

26One day Gaal son of Ebed moved to Shechem with his brothers and gained the confidence of the leading citizens of Shechem.

27During the annual harvest festival at Shechem, held in the temple of the local god, the wine flowed freely, and everyone began cursing Abimelech.

28“Who is Abimelech?” Gaal shouted. “He’s not a true son of Shechem, so why should we be his servants? He’s merely the son of Gideon, and this Zebul is merely his deputy. Serve the true sons of Hamor, the founder of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech?

29If I were in charge here, I would get rid of Abimelech. I would say to him, ‘Get some soldiers, and come out and fight!’”

30But when Zebul, the leader of the city, heard what Gaal was saying, he was furious.

31He sent messengers to Abimelech in Arumah, telling him, “Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to live in Shechem, and now they are inciting the city to rebel against you.

32Come by night with an army and hide out in the fields.

33In the morning, as soon as it is daylight, attack the city. When Gaal and those who are with him come out against you, you can do with them as you wish.”

34So Abimelech and all his men went by night and split into four groups, stationing themselves around Shechem.

35Gaal was standing at the city gates when Abimelech and his army came out of hiding.

36When Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look, there are people coming down from the hilltops!” Zebul replied, “It’s just the shadows on the hills that look like men.”

37But again Gaal said, “No, people are coming down from the hills. And another group is coming down the road past the Diviners’ Oak.”

38Then Zebul turned on him and asked, “Now where is that big mouth of yours? Wasn’t it you that said, ‘Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!”

39So Gaal led the leading citizens of Shechem into battle against Abimelech.

40But Abimelech chased him, and many of Shechem’s men were wounded and fell along the road as they retreated to the city gate.

41Abimelech returned to Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.