Zebul
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(dwelling place, habitation) (Judg. 9:28, 41) — ruler of the city of Shechem, under Abimelech, son of Gideon. During Abimelech’s absence, Gaal son of Ebed formed a conspiracy to transfer power to Hamor, father of Shechem. Zebul, having sent Abimelech secret word of this and having advised him to make a feigned attack on the city, then began to taunt Gaal with cowardice, and so forced him to come out and give battle to Abimelech, while he himself meanwhile ordered the gates shut and would not let him back into the city.