Ebed (Father of Gaal who challenged Abimelech in Shechem)
Father of Gaal
Tuomarien aika?
Ebed is known only from the Bible as the father of Gaal, who led a revolt against Abimelech in Shechem. He is mentioned in the book of Judges chapter 9, where his son Gaal attempted to challenge Abimelech's rule over Shechem. Beyond this, there is no further information about Ebed's life or deeds in Scripture.
28And Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, with Zebul as his deputy? Serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem! Why should we serve him?
31He sent messengers secretly to Abimelech, saying, "Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and they are stirring up the city against you.
33In the morning, at sunrise, set out early and sweep down on the city. And when Gaal and the men with him come out against you, do to him whatever your hand finds to do.
36Gaal saw the troops and said to Zebul, "Look, troops are coming down from the mountaintops!" But Zebul said to him, "You are seeing the shadows of the mountains as if they were men."
38Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big talk now? You said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Are these not the men you despised? Go out now and fight them!"