The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

When Zebul Heard - Judges 9:30

In the book of Judges we learned how Gaal said to the men of Shechem, “would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out”, and in chapter nine and verse thirty of Judges, we learn what happened, “when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal" where we read,

And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed,

his anger was kindled.

The verse reads, “And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, …” The writer began with the words, “and when Zebul” which means “and at the time and moment Zebul whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites” “the ruler of the city” which means “the prince, leader, chief, chieftain and official belonging to the habitation, abode and dwelling place” “heard the words of Gaal” or “was given the faculty for hearing, perceiving and understanding the spoken speech and utterance belonging to Gaal” “the son of Ebed” which means “the male offspring of Ebed whose name means ‘servant’ and was father of Gaal in the time of the judges” the following occurred. The writer shared how “Zebul” was given the faculty for hearing and perceiving that which “Ebed’s male offspring” “Gaal” declared and the following happened.

The verse continues, “… his anger was kindled.” The writer added the words “his anger” which means “his, Zebul’s, wrath and ire that wrinkles the nostrils and nose” “was kindled” or “existed as furious, burning and incensed”. The writer shared how “Zebul’s” ire was burning hot after hearing what “Gaal” declared.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gaal’s” words were perceived by “Zebul” who was the chief leader within the dwelling place of “Shechem”, and those declarations made him furious. We shall see what “Zebul” does about this in our next verses, but for now let us consider that Jehovah God sent the “evil spirit” among them to cause all this turmoil to exist. (See Judges 9:23) God knows what is best for mankind, and when we make His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the grave after three days our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to keep Him as the ruler of our lives that never needs to be ruled by foolish people. (See John 3:16; Jeremiah 5:21-26)

Next time we learn how Zebul, “sent messengers unto Abimelech privily", so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Under My Hand - Judges 9:29

In the book of Judges we learned how concerning Abimelech that, “the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-nine of Judges, we learn how Gaal said, “would to God this people were under my hand" where we read,

And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.

And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.

The verse reads, “And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech.” The writer began with the words, “and would to God” which means “and Oh to the Supreme Deity that” “this people were under my hand” which means “these human beings existed beneath my, Gaal’s, power, might, strength and authority”! “Then would I remove Abimelech” or “at that time I, Gaal, would with certainty turn aside, depose and put away Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’ and was the son of Gideon by a concubine”. The writer shared how “Gaal” passionately desired to rule over the people of “Shechem” because he said he would certainly depose “Abimelech” from his position as king.

The verse goes on to say, “And he said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.” The writer continued with the words “and he said to Abimelech” which means “and he, Gaal, declared and proclaimed to Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’”, “increase your army” or “make numerous, abundant and multiplied your, Abimelech’s, host of battling and wartime men”, “and come out” which means “and go forth, depart and exit”. The writer shared how “Gaal” challenged “Abimelech” to multiply the warriors in his battle host and proceed toward him to fight.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Gaal” desired to be the leader over the “men of Shechem”, and he vowed to rid the men of “Shechem” of “Abimelech” if he ruled over them by challenging “Abimelech” to make more numerous his “army” and to proceed toward him to fight. What desperation this was. God was aware of all these plans of men, and because He knows what is in everyone’s heart and mind, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live with Him as our Ultimate authority regardless of who rules among men. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 45:5; Romans 13:1)

Next time we learn what happened, “when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal", so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Who is Abimelech and Shechem? - Judges 9:28

In the book of Judges we learned about Abimelech that, “the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-eight of Judges, we learn how “Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem?” where we read,

And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal? and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?

The verse reads, “And Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? is not he the son of Jerubbaal?” The writer began with the words, “and Gaal” whose name means “loathing” and was “the son of Eved or Ebed who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech” “the son of Ebed” which means “the male offspring of Ebed whose name means ‘servant’” “said” or “uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked”, “who is Abimelech” which means “what person exist Abimelech whose name means “Melek is father or my father is king’ and was the male offspring of Gideon by a concubine”, “and who is Shechem” or “and what person exists Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”, “that we should serve him” which means “so that we, the men of Shechem, out to him, Abimelech”? “Is not he the son of Jerubbaal” or “doesn’t he, Abimelech, exist as the male offspring belonging to Jerubbaal whose name means ‘let Baal contend’ and was the name given to Gideon by his father when he destroyed the altar of Baal”? The writer shared how “Gaal” led the revolt of the “men of Shechem” in opposition to “Abimelech” by questioning what person “Abimelech” and the “men of Shechem” were that they ought to be slaves and bondmen to him.

The verse continues, “and Zebul his officer? serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: for why should we serve him?” The writer added the words “and Zebul his officer” which means “and Zebul whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the chief man of the city of Shechem at the time of the contest between Abimelech and the native Canaanites”? “Serve the men of Hamor” or “work and labor for the male human beings belonging to Hamor whose name means ‘He-ass’ and was the Hivite prince of the city of Shechem when Jacob entered Palestine”, “the father of Shechem” which means “the immediate male progenitor and ancestor belonging to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’”: “for why should we serve him” or “because, since and on what account ought we, Gaal and the men of Shechem, to labor and work for him, Zebul”? The writer shared how “Gaal” questioned the reasons he and the men of “Shechem” ought to labor and work for “Zebul” who was “Abimelech’s” chief man.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more drama to this story concerning the “men of Shechem” and “Abimelech”. Although they thought this relationship would be beneficial to both of them, now “Gaal” and “Abimelech’s” chief man were involved. What a tangled web of subterfuge and deceit this was, and yet, Jehovah God was overseeing all of it. (We should be reminded that He sent the “evil spirit” to be among them. See Judges 9:23) This is the way it usually turns out when people forsake Jehovah God and His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and puts full confidence in Him regardless of the circumstances that surround us. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

Next time we learn how Gaal says, “would to God this people were under my hand", so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Into the Fields and Gathering Vineyards - Judges 9:27

In the book of Judges we learned, “When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-seven of Judges, we learn how “they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards” where we read,

And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

The verse reads, “And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, …” The writer began with the words, “and they went out” which means “and they, the men of Shechem alongside Gaal, left and departed” “into the fields” which means “to the cultivated land or country”, “and gathered their vineyards” or “and collected and assembled their, the men of Shechem’s, fields for grapevines”, “and trode the grapes” which means “and treaded, marched and pressed upon and the fruit known as grapes”, “and made merry” or “and fashioned, accomplished and produced rejoicing, praise and celebration for harvest”. The writer shared how “Gaal” and the “men of Shechem” departed to their “grape vineyards” and collected “fruit known as grapes, pressed them and produced rejoicing within themselves”.

The verse continues, “… and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.” The writer added the words “and went into the house” which means “and left and departed into the habitation, abode and dwelling place” “of their god” or “belonging to their, the men of Shechem’s, deity”, “and did eat and drink” which means “and devoured and consumed food and imbibed banqueting beverages”, “and cursed Abimelech” or “and trifled, slighted and made little account of Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or my father is king’ and was Gideon’s son by a concubine”. The writer shared how the “men of Shechem” departed to the dwelling place of their deity, ate food and drank as they trifled “Abimelech”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gaal” influenced the “men of Shechem” as they proceeded forth to their grapevine “fields”, collect fruit from them, pressed the grapes and rejoiced and were glad. They also departed into the dwelling place belonging to their “deity”, ate, drank and slighted “Abimelech”. We can see how there is a plan with the “men of Shechem” which included feasting and celebrating their denouncing of “Abimelech”. Jehovah God observed all these things, and we shall see how this works out for them. God had a plan to rescue Israel from “Abimelech”, and each of these details were known by Him. God wants us to have full confidence and trust in Him, and when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all ruth and empower us to live according to that truth so we have full confidence and trust in Him regardless of the people and circumstances who are employed to perform His perfect plan. (See John 3:16; Proverbs 19:21)

Next time we learn how, “Gaal the son of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem", so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gaal the Son of Ebed - Judges 9:26

In the book of Judges we learned, “When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-six of Judges, we learn how “Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren” where we read,

And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem:

and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.

The verse reads, “And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem:” The writer began with the words, “and Gaal” whose name means “loathing” and was “the son of Eved or Ebed who aided the Shechemites in their rebellion against Abimelech” “the son of Ebed” which means “the male offspring belonging to Ebed whose name means ‘servant’ and was the “father of Gaal in the time of the judges” “came with his brethren” or “arrived and entered alongside and accompanying his, Gaal’s, male siblings”, “and went over to Shechem” which means “and proceeded and carried forth across to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder’ and was a city in Manasseh; located in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles (54 km) north of Jerusalem and 7 miles (10.5 km) southeast of Samaria”. The writer shared how one known as “Gaal” who was “Ebed’s” male offspring arrived alongside of his brothers and proceeded forth across the way to “Shechem”.

The verse goes on to say, “and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him.” The writer continued with the words “and the men of Shechem” which means “and the male human beings belonging to Shechem whose name means ‘back or shoulder” “put their confidence in him” or “set and placed their, the men of Shechem’s, trust, faith and security within Gaal”. The writer shared how the male human beings from “Shechem” placed their trust and security within “Gaal”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how ”Gaal” and his brothers became involved with the “men of Shechem”, and they trusted him. We shall see what “Gaal” does with the “men of Shechem” in our next verse, but for now let us realize God was aware of all these people and deeds. Sometimes His ways are beyond our finding out, (See Isaiah 55:8-9) and when He is determined to deliver His people Israel from the hand of oppressors, He will do so. God also desires to deliver us from the power of sin and death, and to do this He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and keep us aware that He is always in control even when it seems like others are. (See John 3:16; Psalm 103:19)

Next time we learn how, “they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Liers in Wait - Judges 9:25

In the book of Judges we learned, “When Abimelech had reigned three years over Israel, then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. That the cruelty done to the threescore and ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew them; and upon the men of Shechem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-five of Judges, we learn how “the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains” where we read,

And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains,

and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

The verse reads, “And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him in the top of the mountains, …” The writer began with the words, “and the men of Shechem” which means “and on the male human beings belonging to Shechem whose name means “back or shoulder” “set liers in wait for him” which means “put, established and assigned lurking men and ambushes on behalf of him, Abimelech” “in the top of the mountains” or “within the summit, upper part, chief, height and principle part of the risings above the plain our mound”. The writer shared how the male human beings belonging to “Shechem” established ambushes for “Abimelech” within the chief and summit part of the risings above the plain.

The verse continues, “… and they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.” The writer added the words “and they robbed all that came along that way” which means “and they, the men of Shechem who were established in ambushes, seized, plundered and took away by force each, every and the whole of he people who traversed and made their journey down that path beside them, the men of Shechem who were set in ambushes” “by them” or “through the means of them”: “and it was told Abimelech” which means “and it, that the men of Shechem setting up ambushes for him and robbing people, was uttered, declared and proclaimed to Abimelech whose name means ‘Melek is father or father is king”. The writer shared how the “men of Shechem” who were established in ambushes for “Abimelech” plundered everyone who journeyed down the pathway they were set in, and this was declared to “Abimelech”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how there is trouble within the kingdom of “Abimelech”. The “men of Shechem” who chose him were now setting up ambushes for him and plundering people who traveled upon their pathway. “Abimelech” has been informed at this point, and we shall see how he responds in our next verses. Let us be mindful that Jehovah God knew all these things were happening, and even though the people thought themselves to be in control, He was actually over all of it. God loves the people of Israel, and He is their defense. He loves us, and He is our defense as well. He proved His love to us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and keep us under His protection and provision so we never stray from Him. (See John 3:16; Isaiah 41:10)

Next time we learn how, “Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…