Definition: And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:30. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense anger within Zebul, the ruler of Jerusalem, after hearing a warning from Gaal. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: Judges 9:30 – The Specifics: This is a short section in Judges, a book about a time of great upheaval and conflict in Israel. “And when Zebul the ruler of the city…” - This identifies Zebul as the leader of a city (likely Jerusalem). It’s important to note that he's acting as a representative of the entire region. “…heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed…” – This is the key part. “Gaal” was a very powerful and influential figure, often associated with the worship of Baal. "The son of Ebed" refers to a specific person named Ebed, who was known for his dark magic and influence. The word “words” means a message or statement. “His anger was kindled.” – This is where it gets interesting. This isn’t just a simple reaction; Zebul's anger kindled . "Kindled" suggests a spark, an ignition of something that was already present within him. It means he felt a strong and sudden surge of resentment and hostility towards Gaal. So, what does this tell us? This verse paints a picture of a man who was already feeling uneasy about the presence of Baal worship. The warning from Gaal, which likely warned against the dangers of idol worship, triggered a deep-seated anger within Zebul. It suggests that Zebul's anger wasn’t simply a reaction to one warning; it was fueled by a combination of factors – perhaps a growing suspicion and fear about the true nature of the religious practices happening around him. Important Context: This is a crucial moment in the story of Judges, setting the stage for further conflict and highlighting the challenges of maintaining justice and faithfulness to God’s laws. It shows that even those who appear strong can be vulnerable to intense emotions when confronted with something they don't understand or feel threatened by. In short: Zebul’s anger was sparked by a warning, revealing a deeper issue – his discomfort with the presence of Baal worship and potentially hinting at a larger conflict brewing. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about the significance of the story surrounding this verse? Connect it to a specific biblical theme (like faith, judgment, or rebellion)?