Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:35. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Gaal the Son of Ebed: This is a man named Gaal who was a leader (possibly a judge) in a specific area. “Ebed” is a Hebrew word that refers to a place or boundary, and it suggests he was guarding something important. Went out, stood in the gate of the city: Gaal left his position and went outside, essentially standing at the entrance of the city. He was observing what was happening. Abimelech rose up…and the people that were with him…from lying in wait: This is the really key part. “Abimelech” is a name from the Bible – it’s a reference to King David. The phrase "people that were lying in wait" means that others were secretly watching and preparing to attack Gaal. What's Happening - A Bit of Mystery: This verse describes a situation where someone was deliberately positioned to hinder or even attack Gaal. It’s not just a casual observation; it suggests there was an organized effort to stop him. The word “lying in wait” is key – it implies a plan and deliberate action. Possible Interpretations (It's tricky!): Opposition to David: This is the most common interpretation. The verse speaks about opposition to King David, who was growing in power. Gaal was seen as a threat to David’s position. A Warning: It could also be interpreted as a warning, perhaps about the dangers of rebellion or challenging established authority. In short, this verse describes a situation where someone intentionally positioned themselves to oppose someone powerful. --- Important Note: Biblical texts are often symbolic and open to interpretation. The exact meaning of this passage is debated by scholars. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of Judges 9? Explore a specific interpretation of the verse?