Who was Gaal in the Bible?

Man living before Israel’s Monarchy

Gaal, mentioned in Judges9:26, is a person living before Israel’s monarchy. He is the son of Ebed. Gaal is a figure in the Old Testament who appears in the context of the story of Abimelech’s rise to power in Shechem. Gaal’s actions and words are significant in the narrative of Judges9 as he challenges Abimelech’s rule and incites rebellion among the people of Shechem.

In a biblical perspective, Gaal serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of rebellion against God-ordained authority. The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting and submitting to legitimate authority, as seen in passages like Romans 13:1-2 which states, Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Gaal’s actions in Judges9 highlight the dangers of pride, arrogance, and rebellion. His story serves as a reminder to believers to humbly submit to God’s appointed authorities and to seek His guidance and wisdom in all situations. Through Gaal’s story, we are reminded of the importance of obedience and the consequences of going against God’s established order.

In conclusion, Gaal is a character in the Old Testament who serves as a negative example of rebellion and pride. His story underscores the biblical principles of respecting authority and submitting to God’s will. By studying Gaal’s narrative, we can learn valuable lessons about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of humility and submission in the Christian life.