And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren be come to Shechem; and, behold, they fortify the city against thee.
He secretly sent messages to Abimelech, warning him that Gaal, son of Ebed, and his family had arrived in Shechem and were strengthening the city against him.