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And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains!” But Zebul said to him, “You see the shadows of the mountains as if they were men.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” But Zebul said to him, “You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were people.” <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, &#8220Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.&#8221 But Zebul said to him, &#8220You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” But Zebul said to him, “You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.” <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Gaal saw the people and said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” But Zebul said to him, “You are seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.” <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops.” But Zebul said to him, “You are only seeing the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.” <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Gaal saw the troops, he said to Zebul, “Look, troops are coming down from the mountaintops! ” But Zebul said to him, “The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, &#8220Look, people are coming down from the mountaintops!&#8221 But Zebul said to him, &#8220The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the tops of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and Gaal saw them. Zebul was standing there with Gaal, and Gaal remarked, "Zebul, that looks like a crowd of people coming down from the mountaintops." "No," Zebul answered, "it's just the shadows of the mountains. It only looks like people moving." <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the tops of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Gaal saw the troops, he said to Zebul, "Look, troops are coming down from the mountaintops!" Zebul replied, "The shadows of the mountains look like men to you." <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Gaal saw them and said to Zebul, "Look! There are men coming down from the mountaintops!" "Those are not men," Zebul answered. "They are just shadows on the mountains." <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Gaal saw the army, he observed to Zebul, "Look there! People are coming down from the top of the mountains." But Zebul replied to him, "You're looking at morning shadows cast by the mountains. They just look like men to you." <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, ?Look, people are coming down from the mountains!? But Zebul replied, ?The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.? <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Gaal saw the men and said to Zebul, "Look, men are coming down from the tops of the hills." But Zebul said to him, "You are seeing the shadows on the hills--it just looks like men." <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, "Look, there are people coming down from the tops of the mountains." Zebul said to him, "You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men." <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said to him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> When Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” Zebul said to him, “You see the shadows of the mountains as if they were men.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Gaal sees the people and says to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the top of the hills”; and Zebul says to him, “You are seeing the shadow of the hills like men.” <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Gaal seeth the people, and saith unto Zebul, 'Lo, people are coming down from the top of the hills;' and Zebul saith unto him, 'The shadow of the hills thou art seeing like men.' <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Gaal will see the people, and he will say to Zebul, Behold, people coming down from the heads of the mountains. And Zebul will say to him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as men.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul: Behold a multitude cometh down from the mountains. And he answered him: Thou seest the shadows of the mountains as if they were the heads of men, and this is thy mistake. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when Gaal had seen the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, a multitude is descending from the mountains.” And he responded to him, “You are seeing the shadows of the mountains, as if they were the heads of men, and so you are being deceived by this error.” <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Gaal saw the soldiers and said to Zebul, “There are soldiers coming down from the mountaintops!” But Zebul answered him, “It is the shadow of the hills that you see as men.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And when Gaal saw them, he said to Zebul, “Look, people are coming down from the mountain tops!” And Zebul said to him, “The shadows on the mountains look like people to you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there are people coming down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said to him, You see the shadows of the mountains that look like men. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Gael saw the people and said to Zabal: “Behold the people are coming down from the top of the mountain!” And Zabal said to him, “It is shadows of the mountain you see like men!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul: 'Behold, there come people down from the tops of the mountains.' And Zebul said unto him: 'Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.' <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Gaal the son of Jobel saw the people, and said to Zebul, Behold, a people comes down from the top of the mountains: and Zebul said to him, Thou seest the shadow of the mountains as men. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-36.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2973" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">The Fall of Shechem</a> …35Now Gaal son of Ebed went out and stood at the entrance of the city gate just as Abimelech and his men came out from their hiding places. 36<a href="/hebrew/1603.htm" title="1603: ga·‘al (N-proper-ms) -- Probably a Canaanite. From ga'al; loathing; Gaal, an Israelite.">When Gaal</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2083.htm" title="2083: zə·ḇul (N-proper-ms) -- An officer of Abimelech. The same as zbuwl; dwelling; Zebul, an Israelite.">Zebul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Look,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ‘ām (N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yō·w·rêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">are coming down</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: mê·rā·šê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">from the mountains!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: he·hā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2083.htm" title="2083: zə·ḇul (N-proper-ms) -- An officer of Abimelech. The same as zbuwl; dwelling; Zebul, an Israelite.">But Zebul</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6738.htm" title="6738: ṣêl (N-msc) -- A shadow. From tsalal; shade, whether literal or figurative.">“The shadows</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: he·hā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">of the mountains</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">look</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: kā·’ă·nā·šîm (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">like men</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">to you.”</a> 37Then Gaal spoke up again, “Look, people are coming down from the center of the land, and one company is coming by way of the Diviners’ Oak.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/17-43.htm">1 Samuel 17:43-44</a> “Am I a dog,” he said to David, “that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. / “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17-20</a> Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. / As the Arameans came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Please strike these people with blindness.” So He struck them with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. / And Elisha told them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are seeking.” And he led them to Samaria. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">2 Chronicles 20:12</a> Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Isaiah 29:14</a> Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.” <a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a> They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand. <a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a> “Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. <a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a> “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. <a href="/daniel/5-23.htm">Daniel 5:23</a> Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways. <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a> This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/mark/8-18.htm">Mark 8:18</a> ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? <a href="/luke/24-16.htm">Luke 24:16</a> But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” <a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a> ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ <a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a> as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said to him, You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.seest the shadow.<a href="/ezekiel/7-7.htm">Ezekiel 7:7</a> The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.<a href="/mark/8-24.htm">Mark 8:24</a> And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Hills</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-14.htm">Mistake</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-52.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Top</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Tops</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/11-37.htm">Hills</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-6.htm">Mistake</a> <a href="/judges/16-3.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/judges/11-37.htm">Mountains</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-13.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-9.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-9.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/job/7-2.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/judges/9-51.htm">Top</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-24.htm">Tops</a> <a href="/judges/9-38.htm">Zebul</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 9</div>1. <a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Abimelech by conspiracy with the Shechemites, and murder of his brothers, is made king</a> 7. <a href="/judges/9-7.htm">Jotham by a parable rebukes them, and foretells their ruin</a> 22. <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Gaal conspires with the Shechemites against him</a> 30. <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Zebul reveals it</a> 34. <a href="/judges/9-34.htm">Abimelech overcomes them, and sows the city with salt</a> 46. <a href="/judges/9-46.htm">He burns the hold of the god Berith</a> 50. <a href="/judges/9-50.htm">At Thebez he is slain by a piece of a millstone</a> 56. <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Jotham's curse is fulfilled.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Gaal saw the people Gaal, a newcomer to Shechem, is observing the movements of people from a strategic vantage point. His presence in Shechem is significant as he represents a challenge to Abimelech's rule. This moment is set during a time of political instability in Israel, where tribal allegiances and power struggles were common. Gaal's observation indicates his awareness and concern about potential threats, reflecting the tension and suspicion prevalent in the period of the Judges.he said to Zebul Zebul is the governor of the city under Abimelech, acting as his loyal supporter. His role is crucial in maintaining Abimelech's control over Shechem. The interaction between Gaal and Zebul highlights the political intrigue and the divided loyalties within the city. Zebul's position requires him to be vigilant and strategic, as he navigates the complexities of leadership under a contentious ruler like Abimelech.“Look, people are coming down from the mountains!” The mountains surrounding Shechem provide a natural defense and a vantage point for observing approaching threats. Gaal's exclamation suggests a sense of urgency and alarm, as he perceives a potential attack. The geography of the region plays a significant role in the narrative, as the mountainous terrain offers both protection and a strategic challenge. This phrase also reflects the broader theme of vigilance and the need for discernment in times of conflict.But Zebul replied Zebul's response is calculated and aims to dismiss Gaal's concerns. His reply is indicative of his loyalty to Abimelech and his desire to maintain control over the situation. Zebul's role as a mediator and protector of Abimelech's interests is crucial in this narrative, as he seeks to undermine Gaal's influence and maintain stability in Shechem.“The shadows of the mountains look like men to you.” Zebul's statement is an attempt to downplay Gaal's observation, suggesting that what Gaal sees is merely an illusion caused by the play of light and shadow. This response can be seen as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of appearances and the importance of discernment. In a broader biblical context, this phrase can be connected to themes of spiritual blindness and the need for true insight, as seen in passages like <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a>, where Jesus speaks of spiritual sight and blindness. Zebul's dismissal of Gaal's concerns reflects the tension between perception and reality, a recurring theme in the narrative of Judges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gaal.htm">Gaal</a> A man who opposed Abimelech and sought to lead a rebellion against him. He is a central figure in this passage, expressing concern over what he perceives as an approaching threat. 2. <a href="/topical/z/zebul.htm">Zebul</a> The governor of the city of Shechem and a supporter of Abimelech. He attempts to calm Gaal by dismissing his concerns as mere illusions. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the surrounding account. Abimelech was a son of Gideon who declared himself king and ruled over Israel for three years. 4. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> A significant city in the account, where much of the conflict between Abimelech and his opponents, including Gaal, takes place. 5. <a href="/topical/m/mountains.htm">Mountains</a> The geographical feature from which Gaal perceives people descending. The mountains serve as a backdrop for the unfolding events and symbolize the looming threat.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/perception_vs._reality.htm">Perception vs. Reality</a> Our perceptions can often be misleading. Like Gaal, we may see threats where there are none or misinterpret situations based on fear or bias. It's crucial to seek God's wisdom to discern truth from illusion. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_misjudgment.htm">The Danger of Misjudgment</a> Misjudging situations can lead to unnecessary conflict and strife. We should strive for clarity and understanding, seeking counsel from trusted sources and aligning our perspective with biblical truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> Zebul's response to Gaal highlights the influence leaders have in shaping perceptions. As Christians, we are called to lead with integrity and truth, guiding others toward peace and understanding. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> Despite human schemes and misunderstandings, God's sovereign plan prevails. We can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when situations seem uncertain or threatening.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 9</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_names_and_titles_of_god.htm">What are the Names and Titles of God?</a> <a href="/q/bible_books'_order.htm">What is the order of the Bible's books?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_righteousness_apart_from_law.htm">(Romans 3:21-22) How do we reconcile the idea of being made righteous 'apart from the law' with Old Testament passages that emphasize strict adherence to the law?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_belgic_confession's_beliefs.htm">What are the core beliefs of the Belgic Confession?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(36) He said to Zebul.--The narrative is too brief to enable us to understand clearly the somewhat anomalous position of Zebul. He seems to have been deposed from his office, and yet to have retained the confidence of Gaal and the Shechemites.Thou seest the shadow of the mountains.--The shadow advancing as the sun rose. It was, of course, Zebul's object to keep Gaal deceived as long as possible. But it is evident that Gaal's suspicions were by no means lulled. Zebul treats him almost as if he were still suffering from the intoxication of his vaunting feast.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 36. - Saw the people, i.e. Abimelech's followers. He said to Zebul, whom he looked upon as a friend and confederate. Zebul said to him, etc. Partly to give Abimelech time, and partly to conceal his own complicity in Abimelech's movements, Zebul affected not to see the men, and explained the appearance as being merely the shadows of the mountains cast before the rising sun. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-36.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When Gaal גַּעַל֮ (ga·‘al) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1603.htm">Strong's 1603: </a> Gaal -- probably a Canaanite saw וַיַּרְא־ (way·yar-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see the people, הָעָם֒ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock he said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Zebul, זְבֻ֔ל (zə·ḇul) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2083.htm">Strong's 2083: </a> Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech “Look, הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! people עָ֣ם (‘ām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock are coming down יוֹרֵ֔ד (yō·w·rêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend from the mountains!” מֵרָאשֵׁ֖י (mê·rā·šê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head But Zebul זְבֻ֔ל (zə·ḇul) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2083.htm">Strong's 2083: </a> Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech replied, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “The shadows צֵ֧ל (ṣêl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6738.htm">Strong's 6738: </a> A shadow of the mountains הֶהָרִ֛ים (he·hā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country look רֹאֶ֖ה (rō·’eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see like men כָּאֲנָשִֽׁים׃ (kā·’ă·nā·šîm) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person to you.” אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-36.htm">Judges 9:36 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">OT History: Judges 9:36 When Gaal saw the people he said (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-37.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:37"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:37" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>