Zebul
Zebul was the governor of Shechem who served under Abimelech, the son of Gideon, during his reign as king.
The name Zebul means “a habitation”
MaleOld Testament1 book6 verses
Summary
A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Judges 9:28; only referred to as Zebul (זְבֻל).
Glossary entries
Alternative names
- זְבֻלZebul
Mentions
Includes 1 verse that refer to Zebul without naming them, as “he”, “she”, or the subject of a verb.
- Then Gaal son of Ebed said, “Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal, and is not Zebul his officer? You are to serve the men of Hamor, the father of Shechem. Why should we serve Abimelech?
- When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger.
- Judges 9:31Referred to, not namedSo he covertly sent messengers to Abimelech to say, “Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem and are stirring up the city against you.
- When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountains!” But Zebul replied, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.”
- “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!”
- Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.