Abimelech Appraised Of Gaal’s Move Series

Chapter 42

Abimelech Appraised of Gaal’s Move [Judges 9.30-9.33]

Scripture: Judges 9:30-33 (KJV)

30 And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.

31 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.

32 Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:

33 And it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and set upon the city: and, behold, when he and the people that is with him come out against thee, then mayest thou do to them as thou shalt find occasion.

Commentary

30 And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.--Judges 9.30 (KJV)

30 Zebul, Shechem's ruler, heard what Gaal (son of Ebed) had said, and he became angry.--Judges 9.30 (GW)

And when Zebul the ruler of the city…

When Zebul is first mentioned it isn’t certain who he really is. But in this verse he is called the “ruler of the city,” that is sar, while earlier Gaal used the word “paša?.” When referring to him as paša?, Gaal didn’t use as respectful a word as sar. Abimelech had placed Zebul there in Shechem, under him, but in the position of “ruler of the city”: as such, he was his loyal confidant, or at least he was thought to be.

Heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled;

Perhaps Zebul was inclined to be on the side of the Shechemites against Abimelech, before Gaal made his speech; but now, he is incensed at the words of Gaal and determined to take the side of Abimelech, and let him know how things were going against him. He may have deceived both Gaal and the Shechemites by quietly listening to the speech and appearing to be in agreement with it. Zebul’s anger would have been hot at Gaal’s words of rebellion and because he wanted to keep his position of “ruler of the city”; but also because of the disrespect shown to him; Gaal spoke disrespectfully of him when he referred to him as “paša?.”

31 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.–Judges 9:31 (KJV)

31 He secretly sent messengers to Abimelech. “Watch out! Gaal (son of Ebed) and his brothers have come to Shechem. They have turned the city against you.–Judges 9:31 (GW)

And he sent messengers unto Abimelech privily…

This rebellious speech by Gaal was reported to Abimelech by the town-prefect Zebul, who sent messengers to him, either through deceit or secrecy or both, not allowing anyone to know that he sent them. At the time Abimelech was in Tormah (also called Arumah, which seems to have been his capital (see [1]Judges 9.41); or Ophrah, the birthplace of his father. Zebul would betray Gaal while feigning friendship for him and the men of Shechem.

saying, Gaal the son of Ebal, and his brethren, be come to Shechem;

The message they carried was “behold they stir up the city against thee.” Zebul, through these messengers let Abimelech know that Gaal the son of Ebal, and his brethren was in Shechem, campaigning against him. It was a family that Abimelech knew some things about; Gaal the son of Ebed and his brethren. And he knew they were of the race of the old Canaanites, so he would easily perceive their plan. Since Zebal fooled Gaal and Shechem’s leaders by pretending to support their cause, he betrayed them by informing Abemilech of what was happening within the city. Betrayers are often betrayed by some among them.

and, Behold, they fortify the city against thee;

Under the pretence of repairing the walls and towers, they were actually making the place ready to defend against attack by repairing its fortifications, or adding new works. They placed sentries at the gates, along the walls and in the towers, since they expected Abemilech would come with an army to besiege Shechem by surrounding it with his soldiers; no one would be able to leave the city. But Gaal planned to seize the government as soon as they knew Abemilech was preparing to attack them.

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[1]Judges 9.41; KJV) “And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Shechem.”

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32 Now therefore up by night, thou and the people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the field:--Judges 9:30 (GW)