What lessons can we learn from Zebul's response to Gaal in Judges 9:37? Setting the Scene Abimelech has stationed men in ambush around Shechem. Gaal, newly arrived in the city, has loudly challenged Abimelech’s authority. Zebul, the city ruler who secretly remains loyal to Abimelech, accompanies Gaal on the wall as dawn breaks. Scripture Focus Judges 9:37: “But Gaal spoke up again, ‘Look, troops are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.’” Additional context: Judges 9:36: “When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, ‘Look! People are coming down from the hilltops.’ But Zebul replied, ‘You are seeing the shadows of the mountains as if they were men.’” Judges 9:38: “Then Zebul said to him, ‘Where now is your boasting, you who said, “Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?” Are these not the troops you despised? Go out now and fight them!’” What Zebul Actually Does • Downplays the threat at first, buying Abimelech precious time. • Casts doubt on Gaal’s eyesight: “You are seeing the shadows.” • Waits until retreat is impossible, then challenges Gaal to act on his earlier words. • Exposes Gaal’s bravado publicly, forcing him into a fight he cannot win. Lessons About Pride and Boasting • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Gaal’s loud claims meet quick humiliation once Zebul corners him. • Ecclesiastes 5:2: “Do not be hasty to speak…” – Empty talk invites eventual reckoning. Lessons About Discernment and Deception • Zebul’s tactic shows how deceit can masquerade as counsel. • James 1:5 urges believers to ask God for wisdom so they are not misled by subtle words. Lessons About Loyalty and Treachery • Zebul is loyal to Abimelech, yet uses treachery to protect that loyalty. • Psalm 101:7 warns: “He who practices deceit shall not dwell in My house.” – Loyalty does not excuse unrighteous methods. Lessons About God’s Providential Justice • Judges 9 as a whole records God repaying Abimelech, the citizens of Shechem, and all involved in Gideon’s legacy of sin (Judges 9:23–24). • Galatians 6:7: “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” – Zebul, Gaal, and the city all enter a cycle of poetic justice orchestrated by the Lord. Takeaways for Today • Guard the tongue; confident speech must align with righteous action. • Ask God for discernment before accepting counsel, especially when motives are unclear. • Loyalty is commendable only when it aligns with God’s truth; deceitful means inevitably backfire. • God oversees even hidden schemes, turning them to fulfill His purposes and expose human pride. |
    |