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Go out and fight them!&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Zebul turned on him and asked, “Now where is that big mouth of yours? Wasn’t it you that said, ‘Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?’ The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!” <a href="/esv/judges/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them.” <a href="/bsb/judges/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Where is your gloating now?” Zebul replied. “You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!” <a href="/kjv/judges/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. <a href="/nkjv/judges/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where then is your boasting with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you rejected? Go out now and fight them!” <a href="/nasb/judges/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Zebul said to him, &#8220Where is your boasting now with which you said, &#8216Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?&#8217 Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!” <a href="/lsb/judges/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boasting now with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you rejected? Go out now and fight with them!” <a href="/amp/judges/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Zebul said to Gaal, “Where is your [boasting] mouth now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!” <a href="/csb/judges/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Zebul replied, “What do you have to say now? You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? ’ Aren’t these the troops you despised? Now go and fight them! ” <a href="/hcsb/judges/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Zebul replied, &#8220Where is your mouthing off now? You said, &#8216Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?&#8217 Aren&#8217t these the people you despised? Now go and fight them!&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. <a href="/cev/judges/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then Zebul replied, "What good is all of your bragging now? You were the one who said Abimelech shouldn't be the ruler of Shechem. Out there is the army that you made fun of. So go out and fight them!" <a href="/erv/judges/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them. <a href="/gwt/judges/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big mouth now? You were the one who said, 'Who's Abimelech that we should serve him?' Aren't these the troops [whose ruler] you despised? Now go out and fight him." <a href="/gnt/judges/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Zebul said to him, "Where is all your big talk now? You were the one who asked why we should serve this man Abimelech. These are the men you were making fun of. Go on out now and fight them." <a href="/isv/judges/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> So Zebul replied, "Right... So where's your boasting now? You said, 'Who is Abimelech? Should we serve him?' Isn't this the army that you insulted? So go out right now and fight them!" <a href="/msb/judges/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Where is your gloating now?? Zebul replied. ?You said, ?Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?? Are these not the people you ridiculed? Go out now and fight them!? <a href="/net/judges/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Zebul said to him, "Where now are your bragging words, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?' Are these not the men you insulted? Go out now and fight them!" <a href="/nheb/judges/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Zebul said to him, "Where is now your mouth, that you said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Is not this the people that you have despised? Please go out now and fight with them." <a href="/wbt/judges/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said Zebul to him, Where is now thy mouth, with which thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? are not these the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them. <a href="/web/judges/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Zebul said to him, “Now where is your mouth, that you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Isn’t this the people that you have despised? Please go out now and fight with them.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Zebul says to him, “Where [is] your mouth now, in that you say, Who [is] Abimelech that we serve him? Is this not the people against which you have kicked? Please go out now and fight against it.” <a href="/ylt/judges/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Zebul saith unto him, 'Where is now thy mouth, in that thou sayest, Who is Abimelech that we serve him? is not this the people against which thou hast kicked? go out, I pray thee now, and fight against it.' <a href="/slt/judges/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Zebul will say to him, Where now thy mouth with which thou wilt say, Who Abimelech, that we shall serve him? is not this the people which thou despised it? now go forth now, and fight with it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Zebul said to him: Where is now thy mouth wherewith thou saidst? Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? Is not this the people which thou didst despise? Go out, and fight against him. <a href="/cpdv/judges/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Zebul said to him: “Where is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Is this not the people that you were despising? Go out and fight against him.” <a href="/nabre/judges/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Zebul said to him, “Where now is your boast, when you said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ Are these not the troops for whom you expressed contempt? Go out now and fight with them.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your boast now, you who said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are not these the troops you made light of? Go out now and fight with them.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Zebul said to him, Where is now your mouth with which you said, Who is Abimeleck that we should serve him? Are not these the people whom you have despised? Go out now and fight with them. <a href="/hpbt/judges/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Zabal said to him: “Where is your mouth which was saying, ‘Who is Abimelek, that we should serve him?’ Was this not the people that you despised? Go out now and fight with him!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then said Zebul unto him: 'Where is now thy mouth, that thou saidst: Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them.' <a href="/sep/judges/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Zebul said to him, And where is thy mouth as thou spokest, Who is Abimelech that we should serve him? Is not this the people whom thou despisedst? go forth now, and set the battle in array against him. <a href="/parallel/judges/9-38.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=2994" 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> …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.” 38<a href="/hebrew/346.htm" title="346: ’ay·yêh (Interrog) -- Where?. Prolonged from 'ay; where?.">“Where</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: p̄î·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">is your gloating</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/645.htm" title="645: ’ê·p̄ō·w (Conj) -- Then. Or hephowe; from poh; strictly a demonstrative particle, here; but used of time, now or then.">now?”</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/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/559.htm" title="559: tō·mar (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">“You said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">‘Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">is Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp:: 3mse) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">we should serve him?’</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Are these not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></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/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: mā·’as·tāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">you ridiculed?</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ṣê- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">Go out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">now</a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: wə·hil·lā·ḥem (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Imp-ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">and fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">them!”</a> 39So Gaal went out before the leaders of Shechem and fought against Abimelech,…<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/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a> David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” <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="/1_kings/20-11.htm">1 Kings 20:11</a> And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” <a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">2 Kings 19:22</a> Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! <a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Isaiah 37:23</a> Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. <a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5</a> This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. <a href="/ezekiel/28-2.htm">Ezekiel 28:2</a> “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. <a href="/obadiah/1-3.htm">Obadiah 1:3</a> The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ <a href="/zephaniah/2-15.htm">Zephaniah 2:15</a> This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist. <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a> You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. <a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a> For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. <a href="/luke/14-11.htm">Luke 14:11</a> For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” <a href="/luke/18-14.htm">Luke 18:14</a> I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a> For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said Zebul to him, Where is now your mouth, with which you said, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that you have despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.<a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Judges 9:28,29</a> And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him? … <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">2 Samuel 2:26,27</a> Then Abner called to Joab, and said, Shall the sword devour for ever? knowest thou not that it will be bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return from following their brethren? … <a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-14</a> Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-35.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/judges/1-7.htm">Big</a> <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/judges/5-18.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-15.htm">Kicked</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/judges/7-6.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/mark/5-40.htm">Ridiculed</a> <a href="/judges/6-27.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/judges/9-28.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/judges/6-17.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/judges/9-9.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/30-13.htm">Who</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">Zebul</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/9-39.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Big</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-19.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-17.htm">Despised</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-37.htm">Kicked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-12.htm">Loud</a> <a href="/judges/11-35.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-21.htm">Ridiculed</a> <a href="/judges/10-10.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/judges/10-6.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">Subject</a> <a href="/judges/11-40.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-8.htm">Who</a> <a href="/judges/9-41.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>“Where is your gloating now?” This phrase is a direct challenge from Zebul to Gaal, highlighting the shift in circumstances. Gloating, or boasting, is often condemned in Scripture as prideful (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>). Zebul's question underscores the futility of Gaal's earlier arrogance and serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall.Zebul replied. Zebul was the governor of Shechem under Abimelech. His role is significant as he represents the internal political dynamics and loyalties within the city. His reply indicates his allegiance to Abimelech and his strategic position in the unfolding events. This interaction reflects the complex political landscape of the time, where local leaders often had divided loyalties.“You said, ‘Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?’ This recalls Gaal's earlier defiance against Abimelech, questioning his legitimacy and authority. The rhetorical question mirrors the challenge posed by the Israelites in <a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a>, questioning Moses' authority. It highlights the recurring theme of questioning God-appointed leadership, which often leads to conflict and judgment.Are these not the people you ridiculed? Zebul points out Gaal's previous mockery of Abimelech's forces, emphasizing the irony of the situation. Ridicule and scorn are frequently depicted in the Bible as tools of the wicked (<a href="/psalms/1.htm">Psalm 1:1</a>). This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of underestimating one's opponents and the biblical warning against speaking ill of others.Go out now and fight them!” Zebul's command to Gaal is a call to action, challenging him to back his words with deeds. This reflects the biblical principle that faith and words must be accompanied by action (<a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a>). The challenge to fight also echoes the numerous biblical battles where God’s people are called to stand firm and trust in divine deliverance, though in this case, it is a test of Gaal's own bravado.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/z/zebul.htm">Zebul</a> The governor of Shechem and a supporter of Abimelech. He plays a crucial role in the events leading up to the conflict between Abimelech and Gaal. 2. <a href="/topical/g/gaal.htm">Gaal</a> A man who opposed Abimelech and sought to lead a rebellion against him. He is the one being addressed by Zebul in this verse. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a> The son of Gideon (Jerubbaal) who declared himself king over Shechem and its surrounding areas. His rule is marked by treachery and violence. 4. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> An ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim, significant in Israel's history. It becomes a focal point of conflict in this account. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_conflict.htm">The Conflict</a> The tension between Abimelech and the people of Shechem, particularly Gaal, who challenges Abimelech's authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> Gaal's arrogance leads to his downfall. Pride often precedes destruction, and humility is a safeguard against such outcomes. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a> Gaal's challenge to Abimelech without God's guidance results in failure. Rebellion against authority, especially without divine direction, can lead to chaos and defeat. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite human schemes, God's purposes prevail. The events in Shechem demonstrate that God can use even flawed leaders to accomplish His will. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Zebul's role as a counselor to Abimelech shows the impact of advice, whether for good or ill. Seeking godly counsel is crucial in decision-making. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a> Zebul holds Gaal accountable for his words, reminding us of the importance of being responsible for what we say and do.<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/why_no_opposition_to_abimelech's_act.htm">How could Abimelech have murdered seventy of Gideon's sons without immediate opposition (Judges 9:5)?</a> <a href="/q/why_send_an_evil_spirit_in_judges_9_23.htm">Why would God send an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem (Judges 9:23)?</a> <a href="/q/does_abimelech's_rule_conflict_with_ot.htm">Does the account of Abimelech's violent rule conflict with other Old Testament portrayals of just leadership (Judges 9:22-24)?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</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>(38) Where is now thy mouth . . .?--"Mouth" here means boastfulness. This is usually taken as a bitter taunt, as though Zebul could now safely throw off his deceitful acquiescence in Gaal's plans. It may be so, for the narrative gives us no further details; but unless Zebul was in some way secured by his own adherents from Gaal's immediate vengeance, it seems better to take it as a sort of expostulation against Gaal's past rashness.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - Then said Zebul, etc. Zebul now throws off the mask, and dares Gaal to carry out his boast in ver. 28. <a href="/commentaries/judges/9-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Where אַיֵּ֨ה (’ay·yêh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_346.htm">Strong's 346: </a> Where? is your gloating פִ֙יךָ֙ (p̄î·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to now?” אֵפ֥וֹא (’ê·p̄ō·w) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_645.htm">Strong's 645: </a> Here, now, then Zebul זְבֻ֗ל (zə·ḇul) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2083.htm">Strong's 2083: </a> Zebul -- an officer of Abimelech replied. וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (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 “You said, תֹּאמַ֔ר (tō·mar) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Who מִ֥י (mî) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is Abimelech אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ (’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name that כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we should serve him?’ נַעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ (na·‘aḇ·ḏen·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> To work, to serve, till, enslave Are these not הֲלֹ֨א (hă·lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the people הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock you ridiculed? מָאַ֣סְתָּה (mā·’as·tāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> To spurn, to disappear Go out צֵא־ (ṣê-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim now עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time and fight them!” וְהִלָּ֥חֶם (wə·hil·lā·ḥem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/9-38.htm">Judges 9:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/9-38.htm">OT History: Judges 9:38 Then said Zebul to him Where (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/9-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 9:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 9:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/9-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 9:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 9:39" /></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>