שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק ל״ט

As the conflict erupts in Shechem, Gaal steps forward to take direct military command. By marching ahead of the city's leaders, he assumes the front position, physically guiding the local forces into the upcoming battle [מצודת דוד]. The ensuing clash with Abimelech is not a personal duel between two rival commanders. Instead, it is a broad, full-scale military campaign waged against Abimelech and his entire army [ביאור שטיינזלץ].