ZEBUL . A lieutenant of Abimelech (wh. see), who was left by him as governor of Shechem. He cleverly assisted his master in suppressing the revolt of Gaal ( Judges 9:26-41 ). The episode is obscure, but he apparently acted loyally from the first; having no force at his command, he was obliged to use craft. This is clear, if Judges 9:42 ff. belong to a different narrative.

C. W. Emmet.