Lexical Definition

‎זְבֻל‎ Zᵉbul (zeb-ool') Zebul ^N:N-M-P
the same as ‎זְבוּל‎; dwelling

Zebul. Compare ‎זְבוּל‎.

• § Zebul = "exalted"
• Zebul, an Israelite

1) chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites

Extended Information

• A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.28

Brown-Driver-Briggs

II. ‎זְבֻל‎ proper name, masculine an officer of Abimelech Judg 9:28; Judg 9:30; Judg 9:36 (twice in verse); Judg 9:38; Judg 9:41.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Male • Governor of Shechem under Abimelech

Man living before Israel's Monarchy

Zebul was the governor of Shechem who served under Abimelech, the son of Gideon, during his reign as king.

• A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.9.28;
• only referred to as Zebul זְבֻל.

Zebul was the governor of the city of Shechem during the reign of Abimelech, the son of Gideon, who had declared himself king over Israel. When Gaal, son of Ebed, came to Shechem and incited the people against Abimelech, Zebul remained loyal to Abimelech and informed him of the rebellion. Acting on Abimelech's instructions, Zebul challenged Gaal to fight against Abimelech's forces. In the ensuing battle, Gaal and his followers were defeated, and Abimelech took control of the city. Zebul then drove out Gaal and his brothers from Shechem. Zebul's actions demonstrate his loyalty to Abimelech and his role in quelling the rebellion and maintaining Abimelech's authority over the city of Shechem. The narrative highlights the political tensions and power struggles that existed during the period of the judges.

All entries for Zebul: זְבֻל