Judges 9:26-35

New International Version

²⁶ Now Gaal son of Ebed^(A) moved with his clan into Shechem, and its citizens put their confidence in him. ²⁷ After they had gone out into the fields and gathered the grapes and trodden^(B) them, they held a festival in the temple of their god.^(C) While they were eating and drinking, they cursed Abimelek. ²⁸ Then Gaal son of Ebed^(D) said, “Who^(E) is Abimelek, and why should we Shechemites be subject to him? Isn’t he Jerub-Baal’s son, and isn’t Zebul his deputy? Serve the family of Hamor,^(F) Shechem’s father! Why should we serve Abimelek? ²⁹ If only this people were under my command!^(G) Then I would get rid of him. I would say to Abimelek, ‘Call out your whole army!’”^[a](H)

³⁰ When Zebul the governor of the city heard what Gaal son of Ebed said, he was very angry. ³¹ Under cover he sent messengers to Abimelek, saying, “Gaal son of Ebed and his clan have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you. ³² Now then, during the night you and your men should come and lie in wait^(I) in the fields. ³³ In the morning at sunrise, advance against the city. When Gaal and his men come out against you, seize the opportunity to attack them.^(J)”

³⁴ So Abimelek and all his troops set out by night and took up concealed positions near Shechem in four companies. ³⁵ Now Gaal son of Ebed had gone out and was standing at the entrance of the city gate^(K) just as Abimelek and his troops came out from their hiding place.^(L)