It seems he had temporized and complied with the people's humour and plot against Abimelech, either in dissimulation and design, and by Abimelech's connivance or advice, or really; but when he heard Gaal's words, and himself traduced and struck at by them, he changed his mind, repented of his defection from Abimelech, and intended to return himself, and to bring the people again to the obedience of their lord and king.
Related Commentaries of Judges 9:30
Judges 9:30
30 And when Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his anger was kindled.i