Zebul was the governor of Shechem and an assistant to Gideon's son Abimelech during the time of the Israelite judges.
About Zebul
Ruler of Shechem who served as an officer of Abimelech (Jgs 9:28–30). Zebul apparently obtained his position when Abimelech was crowned king at Shechem. When Gaal the son of Ebed incited the Shechemites to rebel against Abimelech, Zebul played an instrumental role in Abimelech’s victory. After he goaded Gaal into attacking Abimelech outside of the city, Zebul shut Gaal out of the city, preventing retreat into its confines. It is difficult to determine Zebul’s fate when Abimelech later attacked and destroyed the city, but it is possible that he too met a treacherous fate.
Key References
When Zebul the governor of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, he burned with anger.
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.”
Abimelech stayed in Arumah, and Zebul drove Gaal and his brothers out of Shechem.
All Scripture References (5)
Judges (5)
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.
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.