Zebul
“Habitation or dwelling”
☩Position and Loyalty
Zebul served as the ruler of the city of Shechem, governing as Abimelech's deputy while Abimelech resided elsewhere. When Gaal son of Ebed came to Shechem and incited the Shechemites to revolt against Abimelech during a harvest festival, Zebul secretly sent word to his master warning him of the conspiracy.
☩Confrontation with Gaal
When Abimelech approached the city at night with his forces, Zebul stood with Gaal in the city gate. As Gaal noticed the approaching troops, Zebul initially deceived him by claiming they were merely shadows on the mountains. When Gaal could no longer deny the reality of the army, Zebul taunted him to make good on his boasting and go out to fight. After Abimelech defeated Gaal's forces, Zebul expelled Gaal and his family from Shechem.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zebul," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zebul," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).