Judges 9 38

Judges 9:38 kjv

Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them.

Judges 9:38 nkjv

Then Zebul said to him, "Where indeed is your mouth now, with which you said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out, if you will, and fight with them now."

Judges 9:38 niv

Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your big talk now, you who said, 'Who is Abimelek that we should be subject to him?' Aren't these the men you ridiculed? Go out and fight them!"

Judges 9:38 esv

Then Zebul said to him, "Where is your mouth now, you who said, 'Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?' Are not these the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them."

Judges 9:38 nlt

Then Zebul turned on him and asked, "Now where is that big mouth of yours? Wasn't it you that said, 'Who is Abimelech, and why should we be his servants?' The men you mocked are right outside the city! Go out and fight them!"

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 38 Meaning

Judges 9:38 captures Zebul's stinging taunt and challenge to Gaal, exposing the hollowness of Gaal's earlier boasts against Abimelech. After Gaal's troops are caught outside the city gates, Zebul, who had been instrumental in allowing Gaal's earlier rhetoric but secretly aligned with Abimelech, now sarcastically questions Gaal's previous defiance and courage. He ridicules Gaal for despising Abimelech and his forces, presenting a stark confrontation between Gaal's grand words and the present grim reality, compelling him to act upon his claims. This verse marks a turning point where Gaal is publicly shamed and forced into a direct, unfavorable conflict.

Judges 9 38 Context

Judges chapter 9 recounts the tumultuous reign of Abimelech, son of Gideon by a concubine. After Gideon's death, Abimelech brutally murders his 70 half-brothers at Ophrah to seize power, with only Jotham, the youngest, escaping. Jotham then delivers the prophetic "Fable of the Trees," warning the people of Shechem about the consequences of their decision to make Abimelech king, comparing him to a useless thornbush that will consume them. Three years into Abimelech's reign, God sends discord between him and the men of Shechem. A new leader, Gaal son of Ebed, arises in Shechem, stirring rebellion against Abimelech, proclaiming, "Who is Abimelech, and who are we Shechemites, that we should serve him?" He boasts of overthrowing Abimelech if given command. Zebul, Abimelech's officer and the city governor, heard Gaal's boasts and cleverly manipulated the situation to his master's advantage, warning Abimelech and setting a trap for Gaal outside the city gates. Verse 38 is the direct confrontation from Zebul to Gaal after Abimelech's forces have cornered Gaal and his followers. It underscores the swift reversal of fortunes and the public humiliation of the boastful rebel leader.

Judges 9 38 Word analysis

• Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now...

  • Zebul: As Abimelech’s appointee as governor of Shechem, Zebul acted as a double agent, appearing to accommodate Gaal’s rebellion but secretly relaying information to Abimelech. His words are not merely taunts but strategically designed to push Gaal into open combat, ensuring his downfall.
  • "Where is your mouth now...": The Hebrew word for mouth is peh (פֶּה), which denotes not only the physical mouth but also speech, utterance, and authority of declaration. This is a highly rhetorical and sarcastic question. Zebul mocks Gaal's previous vocal confidence and grand proclamations. The phrase implies a loss of Gaal's boasting power or courage. It highlights the stark contrast between Gaal's past boasts and his present compromised position, suggesting that his words were hollow.
  • "...with which you said...": Emphasizes that Gaal’s downfall is directly linked to his own words. It points to verbal accountability.

• "...‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’

  • "Who is Abimelech": This is a direct quote from Gaal's earlier boast in Judges 9:28, an expression of contempt and dismissiveness, questioning Abimelech's legitimacy and worth. It echoes other biblical instances where challengers question authority, often defiantly (e.g., Pharaoh against God, Ex 5:2; Goliath against Israel, 1 Sam 17:26). By repeating it, Zebul twists Gaal’s own words into a humiliating challenge.
  • "...that we should serve him?": A rejection of submission and leadership. It represents a proud refusal to acknowledge Abimelech’s dominion, implying a challenge to his very right to rule.

• Is not this the people whom you despised? Go out now and fight with them!”

  • "Is not this the people whom you despised?": The term for despised is ma'as (מָאַס), meaning to reject, scorn, or loathe. Zebul reminds Gaal of his earlier disdain not only for Abimelech but for his forces. This serves as another cutting remark, confronting Gaal with the very enemy he so easily dismissed. It’s a bitter irony that Gaal must now face those he once deemed insignificant.
  • "Go out now and fight with them!”: A direct, mocking challenge and command. This is Zebul's ultimate move to corner Gaal, leaving him no option but to defend his words with actions, thus precipitating his destruction. It strips Gaal of any escape or further excuses. The challenge highlights Gaal's current military predicament – caught between Zebul's sarcasm and Abimelech's attacking forces.

Judges 9 38 Bonus section

This verse perfectly encapsulates the principle of "what goes around comes around" or "reaping what you sow" in the context of one's words and pride. Gaal's fall is hastened by his own tongue. Zebul’s use of Gaal's own words against him (a direct quote from Judg 9:28) is a sophisticated form of psychological warfare, designed to break Gaal's spirit before battle. This strategy emphasizes Zebul’s intelligence and loyalty to Abimelech. The incident also portrays the dangers of leadership founded on rhetoric rather than genuine capability or divine anointing. It further reinforces the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance themes present throughout the book of Judges, albeit here with human manipulation and ambition driving events rather than immediate divine intervention.

Judges 9 38 Commentary

Judges 9:38 serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the narrative from Gaal's boastful rhetoric to his unavoidable confrontation with reality. Zebul's sarcastic words expose the superficiality of Gaal's confidence and illustrate the consequences of arrogant pride and defiance without corresponding strength. It's a vivid display of verbal humiliation preceding physical defeat. The verse underscores the theme that boastful words often return to mock the speaker, particularly when true courage and might are absent. Gaal's earlier dismissal of Abimelech becomes the very trigger for his public shaming and desperate last stand. This exchange highlights Zebul’s shrewdness as he meticulously corners Gaal, orchestrating a direct clash to solidify Abimelech's position. It is a harsh reminder that boasts unbacked by substance ultimately lead to shame and destruction.

• Practical application: Beware of empty boasting, for words have consequences. True character is revealed not in defiant pronouncements but in consistent, humble action, especially when faced with adversity. What we say, especially about others, can quickly turn to our own condemnation.