Definition: And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who [is] Abimelech, and who [is] Shechem, that we should serve him? [is] not [he] the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:28. It’s a really complex story about justice and revenge, and it's a bit tricky to fully understand at first glance. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Massacre: The story begins with a brutal massacre in Moab. A group of people, led by a man named Gaal, kill many men – called Shechem – who were previously respected and prospered. This is a major injustice. Seeking Justice: The Israelites (and their allies) are desperate for revenge. They want to know who these people were and why they were targeted. Asking Questions: Gaal asks a series of very pointed questions – “Who is Abimelech? Who is Shechem?” – to try to identify the victims. What the Verse Means (Simplified): This verse essentially says: "We need to know who these people are and what happened to them. We need to understand why they were targeted." It’s a plea for information and a demand for justice. Let's unpack it further: “Who [is] Abimelech?” – This refers to a king named Abimelech, who was a powerful leader in Israel. “…and who [is] Shechem?” – This refers to a man named Shechem, who was a respected and wealthy man who lived in the area after the massacre. “that we should serve him?” – This is the key part. The Israelites are asking if these people were actually serving someone – perhaps a powerful figure or group. The Significance - It’s About Accountability: This verse highlights that the injustice of the massacre demanded accountability. The Israelites needed to understand who was responsible and why they were being wronged so they could take appropriate action. It's about establishing justice and preventing further harm. Important Note: This is a very ancient text, and its meaning has been debated over the centuries. It’s more about the need for information than a straightforward explanation of who these people were. In short, this verse is a foundational moment in biblical history – it’s a plea for justice and a demand for answers to a terrible tragedy. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger narrative of the Old Testament?