שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ח

A sharp political speech is delivered by Gaal son of Ebed, designed to undermine Abimelech's legitimacy in the city of Shechem and spark a rebellion. Using a mix of personal insults, historical arguments, and biting sarcasm, he attempts to convince the local residents that their submission to the current leadership is completely illogical. He begins by drawing a sharp contrast between the ruler and the ruled. The primary approach among commentators is that Gaal highlights the massive gap and lack of connection between the two sides: it is absurd to compare Abimelech, an outsider of lowly status, to the honorable residents of Shechem [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, he uses the city's name as a derogatory jab at Abimelech himself, mocking his attempt to parade as a regional leader in the style of the historical figure Shechem son of Hamor [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

The attack then shifts to Abimelech's lineage. Gaal argues that the ruler is merely riding on the past glory of his father, Jerubbaal. The salvation his father brought belongs to a previous generation and holds no obligation for the people today [מצודת דוד]. Moreover, Jerubbaal was actually viewed as a foreigner and an enemy to the local culture because he actively fought against their Baal worship [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Taking the insult further, Gaal even casts doubt on Abimelech's true paternity. Because Abimelech's mother was a concubine, Gaal mockingly suggests that his real father might not be Jerubbaal at all, but rather Zebul, the officer appointed to oversee the city [מלבי״ם]. Regardless of his true parentage, the commentators agree on the underlying logic: if Abimelech himself has no legitimate claim to rule the city, then his appointed officer Zebul certainly has no authority [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רלב״ג].

Pivoting to historical mockery, Gaal cynically suggests that if the residents of Shechem are determined to submit to a ruler based purely on ancestral lineage, they should serve the descendants of Hamor, the ancient founder and original prince of the city, rather than Abimelech, whose connection to Shechem is only partial [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This suggestion carries a double insult. First, it implies that the residents are acting like donkeys—a play on the name Hamor—who willingly allow themselves to be enslaved [מלבי״ם]. Second, it stings them for repeating a historical mistake: just as the ancient Hamor agreed to submit for the sake of a woman, the current residents are submitting to Abimelech simply because his mother is a local woman [אלשיך].

Finally, Gaal questions why he and his own men should be subjected to this rule, effectively removing his group from the obligation. This is either because they are not native to Shechem and therefore unbound by its history [מלבי״ם], or because they outright refuse to accept such shameful servitude [אלשיך]. Although Gaal tries to align himself with the locals to win their favor [מצודת דוד], his speech reflects a fractured reality. The city remained deeply divided, as Zebul maintained his position and a faction of the residents continued to support Abimelech's rule [רלב״ג].