Gaal

Gaal, the son of Ebed, appears in Judges 9 as the leader of a revolt against Abimelech, the ruler of Shechem. After Abimelech had ruled Shechem for three years, Gaal arrived in the city and gained the trust of the people (Judges 9:26-29). He challenged Abimelech's authority and encouraged the people to follow him instead. When Abimelech was informed of Gaal's actions, he devised a plan to attack the city (Judges 9:30-33). Gaal and his followers went out to fight against Abimelech but were defeated and driven out of Shechem (Judges 9:34-41). Abimelech then destroyed the city and scattered salt over it, symbolizing its complete destruction (Judges 9:45). The story of Gaal's failed revolt illustrates the internal conflicts and power struggles that occurred during the period of the judges in Israel.