Judges 9:30

30 When Zebul the commander of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, {he became angry},

Judges 9:30 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 9:30

And when Zebul the ruler of the city
Whom Abimelech had placed there under him: heard

the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled;
because he spoke slightly of him, and wished to have his place; perhaps before Zebul was inclined to be on the side of the Shechemites against Abimelech, or at least dissembled that he was; but now, being incensed at the words of Gaal, determined to take the side of Abimelech, and let him know how things were carrying on against him.

Judges 9:30 In-Context

28 Then Gaal son of Ebed said, "Who [is] Abimelech, and who [are we of] Shechem that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerub-Baal, and [is not] Zebul his chief officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem. Why should we serve him?

29 If only this people {were in my command}! Then I would remove Abimelech, and I would have said, 'Increase your army and come out!'"

30 When Zebul the commander of the city heard the words of Gaal son of Ebed, {he became angry},

31 and he sent messengers to Abimelech in Tormah, saying, "Look, Gaal son of Ebed and his relatives [are] coming to Shechem, and they [are] stirring up the city against you.

32 So then, get up [by] night, you and the army that [is] with you, and lie in ambush in the field.

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "his nose became hot"