Where Is Your Mouth?

Word of the plot by Gaal and the men of Shechem to overthrow Abimelech comes to the ears of Zebul, Abimelech’s deputy in the city. It is difficult to understand how this can happen, for a move against Zebul should be the first order of business for Gaal and his co-conspirators. They may simply be sloppy rebels or they may believe that they have concealed their plans from Zebul. It’s also possible that Zebul overhears them in the very midst of their plotting and acts before they do. But the underlying cause of this turn of events, of course, is God’s providential work to bring judgment on Abimelech and the Shechemites. Zebul therefore learns of the plot and, filled with anger, quickly sends word to Abimelech. Gaal and the Shechemites, he says, are “ ‘fortifying the city’ ” against Abimelech, but he can deal with the rebels if he moves quickly. Ironically, therefore, it is Abimelech’s own deputy who delivers Gaal’s challenge.

Abimelech responds with lightning speed, following Zebul’s recommendations to the letter. He marches his men to the vicinity of Shechem by night, divides them into four companies, and stations them around the city to await the opening of the gate at dawn. As the sky lightens, Zebul goes to the gate to see what will happen. Coincidentally, Gaal also shows up as Abimelech’s companies begin moving in. Looking toward the mountains, Gaal sees the movement and actually comments on it to Zebul, who he thinks is unaware of his plot. Zebul, thinking fast and hoping to distract Gaal or at least delay his response, assures Gaal he is seeing mere shadows, but Gaal spots two other companies closing in. Zebul then drops all pretense and angrily cries, “ ‘Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, “Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?” Are these not the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now.’ ” With these strong words, Zebul challenges Gaal to put up or shut up.

Gaal makes the effort, leading the men of Shechem out to meet Abimelech’s onslaught, but they are no match. Gaal himself turns and runs for the gate as the battle goes against him, and Abimelech and his men strike down many of the Shechemites as they retreat to the city. Zebul then is able to drive out Gaal and his brothers. But Shechem has just begun to feel the heat of judgment that Jotham prophesied.