And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait.
Gaal, the son of Ebed, went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate. Then Abimelech and his men got up from where they had been hiding in ambush.
This verse describes the moment when Gaal stepped outside the city just as Abimelech and his forces emerged from their hidden positions, setting up a deadly confrontation.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the civil war between Abimelech (the self-proclaimed king who had murdered his 70 brothers) and the citizens of Shechem who had turned against him. Gaal was a newcomer who had stirred up rebellion against Abimelech's rule. Ancient city gates were strategic points where business was conducted and battles often began, making this location significant for the coming conflict.
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