Judges 9:30

30 And Zebul, prince of the city, heareth the words of Gaal son of Ebed, and his anger burneth,

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 And Gaal son of Ebed saith, `Who [is] Abimelech, and who [is] Shechem, that we serve him? is [he] not son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his commander? Serve ye the men of Hamor father of Shechem, and wherefore do we serve him -- we?
29 and oh that this people were in my hand -- then I turn Abimelech aside;' and he saith to Abimelech, `Increase thy host, and come out.'
30 And Zebul, prince of the city, heareth the words of Gaal son of Ebed, and his anger burneth,
31 and he sendeth messengers unto Abimelech deceitfully, saying, `Lo, Gaal son of Ebed and his brethren are coming into Shechem, and lo, they are fortifying the city against thee;
32 and, now, rise by night, thou and the people who [are] with thee, and lay wait in the field,
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.