שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק מ״א

Following the battle, Abimelech retreated to his familiar base in the nearby city of Arumah, resuming his residence there just as he had done in the past [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Meanwhile, a surprising political shift occurred within Shechem itself as Zebul managed to expel the rebel leader Gaal. This turn of events naturally raises a question. How could Zebul, an official loyal to Abimelech, drive out the very man who had recently led the city's rebellion and fought on their behalf? [רד״ק, רלב״ג].

The answer lies in the shifting balance of power within the city walls. As long as Gaal enjoyed the undivided backing of the people, Zebul was completely powerless to act against him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Therefore, the expulsion was not an immediate action but a gradual process that unfolded only as Zebul's influence began to grow [מצודת דוד]. The turning point was Gaal's crushing defeat on the battlefield, which resulted in heavy casualties for the people of Shechem.

In the wake of this military disaster, public sentiment rapidly shifted. A faction within the city, remembering their shared roots with Abimelech, threw their support behind Zebul. As Gaal's supporters lost their resolve, Zebul's faction quickly gained the upper hand [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Beyond merely relying on this newfound strength, Zebul likely employed sharp political strategy. He managed to persuade even those who still opposed Abimelech that Gaal was entirely responsible for the recent tragedy and the loss of life. By shifting the blame, Zebul successfully convinced the city to turn against their former defender and cooperate in driving him out [רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].