The name Ebed (Hebrew: ‘Ebed) literally translates to “servant” or “slave.” In the Holy Scriptures, this name identifies two specific men: one associated with a period of civil unrest in the days of the Judges, and another who participated in the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
1. Ebed, Father of Gaal
The first mention of Ebed is in the book of Judges. He was the father of Gaal, a man who led a failed rebellion against the usurper Abimelech (the son of Gideon).
- The Rebellion at Shechem: Gaal, the son of Ebed, moved into Shechem and gained the confidence of its citizens. During a festival of wine and revelry, Gaal publicly mocked Abimelech’s authority and lineage, inciting the people to return to the leadership of the original Shechemites.”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?” (Judges 9:28, KJV)
- The Conflict: Zebul, the ruler of the city and a loyalist to Abimelech, heard Gaal’s boasts and sent word to Abimelech. A battle ensued, and Gaal was eventually defeated and driven out of the city. While Ebed himself is not described in action, his name is preserved through the account of his son’s bold but ill-fated challenge to a wicked ruler.
2. Ebed, Son of Jonathan
A second Ebed is listed among the exiles who returned from Babylon with Ezra the scribe during the reign of King Artaxerxes.
- The Return to Jerusalem: This Ebed was a descendant of Adin. He was one of the heads of families who joined the second wave of returning captives to help rebuild the spiritual and physical foundations of Israel.”Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.” (Ezra 8:6, KJV)
- Significance: His inclusion in this list highlights his commitment to the restoration of the House of God and the preservation of his family’s heritage in the Promised Land.
Distinction from Ebed-melech
It is important to distinguish these men from Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, whose name means “servant of the king.” Ebed-melech was the courageous eunuch in the court of King Zedekiah who rescued the prophet Jeremiah from a miry dungeon (Jeremiah 38:7-13, KJV). While they share a root name, their roles in biblical history are distinct.