Hakim-hakim 5:6

5:6 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath,

in the days of Jael caravans ¹  disappeared; ² 

travelers ³  had to go on winding side roads.

Hakim-hakim 9:26

9:26 Gaal son of Ebed ⁴  came through Shechem with his brothers. The leaders of Shechem transferred their loyalty to him. ⁵ 

[5:6]  ¹ tc The translation assumes the form אֳרְחוֹת (’orÿkhot, “caravans”) rather than אֳרָחוֹת (’orakhot, “roadways”) because it makes a tighter parallel with “travelers” in the next line.

[5:6]  ² tn Or “ceased.”

[5:6]  ³ tn Heb “Ones walking on paths.”

[9:26]  ⁴ sn 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.

[9:26]  ⁵ tn Heb “trusted in him.” Here the verb probably describes more than a mental attitude. It is likely that the Shechemites made an alliance with Gaal and were now trusting him for protection in return for their loyalty (and probably tribute).