translation_id: net-engnet

book_id: JDG

label: NET study note

text: The name Gaal derives from, or at least sounds like, a Hebrew verb meaning “to abhor, loathe.” His father’s name, Ebed , means “servant.” Perhaps then this could be translated, “loathsome one, son of a servant.” This individual’s very name (which may be the narrator’s nickname for him, not his actual name) seems to hint at his immoral character and lowly social status.


text: Perhaps the Tower of Shechem was a nearby town, distinct from Shechem proper, or a tower within the city.


text: The name El-Berith means “God of the Covenant.” It is probably a reference to the Canaanite high god El.


text: A hand mill consisted of an upper stone and larger lower stone. One would turn the upper stone with a handle to grind the grain, which was placed between the stones. An upper millstone , which was typically about two inches thick and a foot or so in diameter, probably weighed 25-30 pounds (11.4-13.6 kg). See G. F. Moore, Judges (ICC), 268; C. F. Burney, Judges , 288.