When Zebul, Abimelech’s appointed official, hears Gaal’s challenge to Abimelech’s authority, he becomes angry.

When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed: This clause is independent in Hebrew, which is literally “And Zebul … heard the words…,” but many languages may wish to follow Revised Standard Version by rendering it as a temporal clause. Translators may introduce this clause with “But when” (New Living Translation) or any other appropriate conjunction. In verse 9.28 Zebul was introduced as an “officer” appointed by Abimelech. Here we learn his position is important, since he is identified as the ruler of the city of Shechem. For the Hebrew word rendered ruler (sar), see the comments on verse 4.2, where it is translated “commander.” Here it refers to a leader in control of a town. The Hebrew word for words is plural and certainly refers not only to the questions that Gaal used to stir up the people of Shechem, but also to the challenge that he made. Zebul may not have heard the words directly but could have been informed of what Gaal had said.

His anger was kindled: When Zebul hears Gaal’s mockery of the man who certainly gave him his high position, he gets angry. This clause is literally “and his nose burned.” For this Hebrew idiom see the comments on verse 2.14. In many languages anger may be expressed with images involving fire and heat, for example, “his heart heated up” or “he burned with anger.” If possible, translators can try to use similar expressions in their language.

Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version reverse the order of the two clauses in this verse, starting with Zebul’s anger. A model that keeps the original order is:

• But Zebul, the governor of Shechem, heard what Gaal had said, and he became furious.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .