GAAL (Hebr. ga'al, “annoyance”). — A popular leader who rebelled against Abimelech (v. Abimelech). He was the son of Obed, although his words indicate that he was of Canaanite origin. He incited his fellow-countrymen, the Shechemites, claiming the government of the city for the descendants of the Hivite Hamor (Iudc. 9:28; cf. Gen. 34:2).
It is legitimate to discern in his revolt a racial resentment against the new Israelite ethnic group, which was beginning to supplant the indigenous element. The uprising, however, prepared during a country festival on the occasion of the grape harvest, was unsuccessful. Abimelech, informed in time by his lieutenant Zebul, lay in ambush around Shechem, where he easily defeated G., who was banished from the city (Iudc. 9:28–41). Angelo Penna