How can we apply the lessons from Judges 9:36 to discernment in leadership? Verse focus Judges 9:36 — “When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, ‘Look, people are coming down from the mountains!’ Zebul replied, ‘The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.’” What was really happening • Gaal’s eyes caught movement on the hills; he rightly sensed danger but could not name it. • Zebul, secretly loyal to Abimelech, dismissed the warning as nothing more than shadows, buying time for the ambush to close in. • The text reminds us that human vision, left unchecked, can be clouded by both natural limitations and intentional deception. Key observations for discerning leaders • Not every “shadow” is harmless; not every report is paranoia. • Counsel can either clarify reality or deliberately blur it (Proverbs 14:15). • Motives matter: Zebul’s allegiance to Abimelech overrode his duty to speak truth (Proverbs 27:6). • A moment of misjudged perception can determine the outcome of an entire conflict. Timeless principles for discernment in leadership • Look beyond first impressions — “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). • Test every word against objective reality and Scripture (1 John 4:1). • Evaluate the adviser’s loyalty and track record; hidden agendas warp vision. • Remember spiritual optics: “be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). • Confusion often precedes attack; clarity is protection (1 Peter 5:8). Practical steps you can adopt today 1. Slow down: pause before acting on any urgent report. 2. Compare what you hear with observable facts; ask for corroboration. 3. Keep Scripture central; it steadies perception when emotions surge. 4. Invite multiple godly voices; “in an abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Pray for specific wisdom; “God gives to all generously… without reproach” (James 1:5). 6. Watch for patterns of half-truths in advisers; consistent obscurity signals misplaced loyalty. Supplementary Scriptures • Hebrews 5:14 — mature believers have “their senses trained to distinguish good from evil.” • Psalm 119:105 — God’s word is the lamp that exposes hidden gaps in our sight. • Ephesians 5:11 — “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Closing reflection Gaal saw the threat; Zebul labeled it a shadow. The difference between safety and destruction hinged on one leader’s discernment and another’s deceit. Let the episode call us to sharpen our perception, test our counselors, and anchor every decision in the clear light of God’s unchanging word. |
    |