Bible Figure
Zebul
mayor of Shechem in Abimilech's time per Judges 9:28-41
Zebul was the governor or ruler of Shechem under Abimelech who opposed Gaal and helped Abimelech regain control of the city.
Biography
Judges 9 describes Gaal son of Ebed gaining the confidence of Shechem's leaders and publicly challenging Abimelech. Zebul, the city's ruler, became angry and secretly warned Abimelech, advising him to approach by night and ambush Gaal. When the forces appeared, Zebul mocked Gaal's earlier boasts and urged him to fight. After Gaal's defeat, Zebul drove him and his relatives out of Shechem.
Biblical Significance
Zebul is a significant secondary figure in the collapse of Abimelech's violent kingship. His political maneuvering illustrates the factionalism and instability that followed Shechem's decision to make Abimelech king.