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Commentary on Judges 9 verses 7–21
We have here the only testimony that appears to have been borne against the wicked confederacy of Abimelech and the men of Shechem. It was a sign they had provoked God to depart from them that neither any prophet was sent nor any remarkable judgment, to awaken this stupid people, and to stop the progress of this threatening mischief. Only Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, who by a special providence escaped the common ruin of his family (Jdg 9:5), dealt plainly with the Shechemites, and his speech, which is here recorded, shows him to have been a man of such great ingenuity and wisdom, and really such an accomplished gentleman, that we cannot but the more lament the fall of Gideon's sons. Jotham did not go about to raise an army out of the other cities of Israel (in which, one would think, he might have made a good interest for his father's sake), to avenge his brethren's death, much less to set up himself in competition with Abimelech, so groundless was the usurper's suggestion that the sons of Gideon aimed at dominion (Jdg 9:2); but he contents himself with giving a faithful reproof to the Shechemites, and fair warning of the fatal consequences. He got an opportunity of speaking to them from the top of Mount Gerizim, the mount of blessings, at the foot of which probably the Shechemites were, upon some occasion or other, gathered together (Josephus says, solemnizing a festival), and it seems they were willing to hear what he had to say.
I. His preface is very serious: "Hearken unto me, you men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you, Jdg 9:7. As ever you hope to obtain God's favour, and to be accepted of him, give me a patient and impartial hearing." Note, Those who expect God to hear their prayers must be willing to hear reason, to hear a faithful reproof, and to hear the complaints and appeals of wronged innocency. If we turn away our ear from hearing the law, our prayer will be an abomination, Pro 28:9.
II. His parable is very ingenious - that when the trees were disposed to choose a king the government was offered to those valuable trees the olive, the fig-tree, and the vine, but they refused it, choosing rather to serve than rule, to do good than bear sway. But the same tender being made to the bramble he accepted it with vain-glorious exultation. The way of instruction by parables is an ancient way, and very useful, especially to give reproofs by.
1.He hereby applauds the generous modesty of Gideon, and the other judges who were before him, and perhaps of the sons of Gideon, who had declined accepting the state and power of kings when they might have had them, and likewise shows that it is in general the temper of all wise and good men to decline preferment and to choose rather to be useful than to be great. (1.) There was no occasion at all for the trees to choose a king; they are all the trees of the Lord which he has planted (Psa 104:16) and which therefore he will protect. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to talk of setting a king over them; for the Lord was their king. (2.) When they had it in their thoughts to choose a king they did not offer the government to the stately cedar, or the lofty pine, which are only for show and shade, and not otherwise useful till they are cut down, but to the fruit-trees, the vine and the olive. Those that bear fruit for the public good are justly respected and honoured by all that are wise more than those that affect to make a figure. For a good useful man some would even dare to die. (3.) The reason which all these fruit-trees gave for their refusal was much the same. The olive pleads (Jdg 9:9), Should I leave my wine, wherewith both God and man are served and honoured? for oil and wine were used both at God's altars and at men's tables. And shall I leave my sweetness, saith the fig-tree, and my good fruit (Jdg 9:11), and go to be promoted over the trees? or, as the margin reads it, go up and down for the trees? It is intimated, [1.] That government involves a man in a great deal both of toil and care; he that is promoted over the trees must go up and down for them, and make himself a perfect drudge to business. [2.] That those who are preferred to places of public trust and power must resolve to forego all their private interests and advantages, and sacrifice them to the good of the community. The fig-tree must lose its sweetness, its sweet retirement, sweet repose, and sweet conversation and contemplation, if it go to be promoted over the trees, and must undergo a constant fatigue. [3.] That those who are advanced to honour and dignity are in great danger of losing their fatness and fruitfulness. Preferment is apt to make men proud and slothful, and thus spoil their usefulness, with which in a lower sphere they honoured God and man, for which reason those that desire to do good are afraid of being too great.
2.He hereby exposes the ridiculous ambition of Abimelech, whom he compares to the bramble or thistle, Jdg 9:14. He supposes the trees to make their court to him: Come thou and reign over us, perhaps because he knew not that the first motion of Abimelech's preferment came from himself (as we found, Jdg 9:2), but thought the Shechemites had proposed it to him; however, supposing it so, his folly in accepting it deserved to be chastised. The bramble is a worthless plant, not to be numbered among the trees, useless and fruitless, nay, hurtful and vexatious, scratching and tearing, and doing mischief; it began with the curse, and its end is to be burned. Such a one was Abimelech, and yet chosen to the government by the trees, by all the trees; this election seems to have been more unanimous than any of the others. Let us not think it strange if we see folly set in great dignity (Ecc 10:6), and the vilest men exalted (Psa 12:8), and men blind to their own interest in the choice of their guides. The bramble, being chosen to the government, takes no time to consider whether he should accept it or no, but immediately, as if he had been born and bred to dominion, hectors, and assures them they shall find him as he found them. See what great swelling words of vanity he speaks (Jdg 9:15), what promises he makes to his faithful subjects: Let them come and trust in my shadow: a goodly shadow to trust in! How unlike to the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, which a good magistrate is compared to! Isa 32:2. Trust in his shadow! - more likely to be scratched if they came near him - more likely to be injured by him than benefited. Thus men boast of a false gift. Yet he threatens with as much confidence as he promises: If you be not faithful, let fire come out of the bramble (a very unlikely thing to emit fire) and devour the cedars of Lebanon - more likely to catch fire, and be itself devoured.
III. His application is very close and plain. In it, 1. He reminds them of the many good services his father had done for them, Jdg 9:17. He fought their battles, at the hazard of his own life, and to their unspeakable advantage. It was a shame that they needed to be put in mind of this. 2. He aggravates their unkindness to his father's family. They had not done to him according to the deserving of his hands, Jdg 9:16. Great merits often meet with very ill returns. especially to posterity, when the benefactor if forgotten, as Joseph was among the Egyptians. Gideon had left many sons that were an honour to his name and family, and these they had barbarously murdered; one son he had left that was the blemish of his name and family, for he was the son of his maid-servant, whom all that had any respect to Gideon's honour would endeavour to conceal, yet him they made their king. In both they put the utmost contempt imaginable upon Gideon. 3. He leaves it to the event to determine whether they had done well, whereby he lodges the appeal with the divine providence. (1.) If they prospered long in this villany, he would give them leave to say they had done well, Jdg 9:19. "If your conduct towards the house of Gideon be such as can be justified at any bar of justice, honour, or conscience, much good may it do you with your new king." But, (2.) If they had, as he was sure they had, dealt basely and wickedly in this matter, let them never expect to prosper, Jdg 9:20. Abimelech and the Shechemites, that had strengthened one another's hands in this villany, would certainly be a plague and ruin one to another. Let none expect to do ill and fare well.
Jotham, having given them this admonition, made a shift to escape with his life, Jdg 9:21. Either they could not reach him or they were so far convinced that they would not add the guilt of his blood to all the rest. But, for fear of Abimelech, he lived in exile, in some remote obscure place. Those whose extraction and education are ever so high know not to what difficulties and straits they may be reduced.
But lest I should appear to some to be sophistical, and to conjecture these things from mere probabilities, and to babble, I will bring forward to you, O virgins, from the Old Testament, written prophecy from the book of Judges, to show that I speak the truth, where the future reign of chastity was already clearly foretold.…Now it is clear that these things are not said of trees growing out of the earth. Inanimate trees cannot be assembled in council to choose a king since they are firmly fixed to the earth by deep roots. But on the whole these things are narrated concerning souls that—before the incarnation of Christ—luxuriated too deeply in transgressions, who approach God as beggars asking for mercy so that they may be governed by his pity and compassion. This mercy is what Scripture expresses by the figure of the olive, because oil is of great advantage to our bodies: it takes away our fatigue and ailments and offers light. For all lamplight increases when nourished by oil. So also God’s mercies entirely dispel death, assist the human race and nourish the light of the heart. Consider the laws [which were in effect] from the first created man successively on to Christ. Weren’t they imaginatively set forth in these words by the Scripture, in opposition to which the devil has deceived humanity? In it the fig tree has been associated with the command given to the man in paradise, because, when he was deceived, he covered his nakedness with the leaves of a fig tree; and the vine [has been related] to the instruction given to Noah at the time of the deluge, because he was mocked when overpowered by wine. The olive signifies the law given to Moses in the desert, because the prophetic grace, the holy oil, had failed from their inheritance when they broke the law. Lastly, the bramble aptly refers to the law that was given to the apostles for the salvation of the world: by their instruction we have been taught virginity, which is the only figure that the devil has not been able to make into a deceptive image. For this reason, also, the four Gospels have been given, because God has four times given the gospel to the human race and has instructed them by four laws, the times of which are clearly known by the diversity of the fruits. For the fig tree, on account of its sweetness and richness, represents the delights of man, which he had in paradise before the fall. Indeed, as we shall afterwards show, the Holy Spirit frequently takes the fruit of the fig tree as an emblem of goodness. But the vine, on account of the gladness produced by wine and the joy of those who were saved from wrath and from the deluge, signifies the change produced from fear and anxiety into joy. Moreover, the olive, on account of the oil that it produces, indicates the compassion of God, who again, after the deluge, bore patiently when people turned aside to ungodliness, so that he gave them the law and manifested himself to some, and nourished by oil the light of virtue, which is now almost extinguished.
And no one has been so illiterate as to think that similar fables of Aesop, related for the same purpose, ought to be called lies. But also in the sacred writings such passages are found, as in the book of Judges the trees look for a king to rule over them and speak to the olive and the fig and the vine and the bramble. Surely, all this is invented in order that we may reach the matter intended by means of a narrative [that is] fictitious, to be sure, but bearing a true and not a false signification.
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SUMMARY
Judges 9:14 represents the satirical and tragic climax of Jotham's parable, where the noble and productive trees, having been successively rejected by the olive, fig, and vine, turn in desperation to the worthless and destructive bramble, imploring it to assume kingship over them. This pivotal verse encapsulates the profound irony and folly of the Shechemites' decision to crown Abimelech, a murderous and self-serving individual, as their king, powerfully foreshadowing the inevitable ruin and devastation that such an illegitimate and tyrannical leader would bring upon them and the region.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Jotham's parable in Judges 9 is a masterclass in Allegory and Satire. The entire narrative functions as an allegorical tale, where the characters (trees) and their actions directly correspond to real individuals and events (the Shechemites and Abimelech). The Symbolism is rich and potent: the olive, fig, and vine represent wise, productive, and humble leaders who prioritize their inherent good contributions, while the bramble powerfully symbolizes Abimelech—a worthless, self-serving, and ultimately destructive ruler. The core of the parable's impact lies in its biting Irony: the noble trees, symbols of life and sustenance, are forced to beg a thorny, flammable shrub to rule them, highlighting the profound absurdity and danger of the Shechemites' choice. This ironic twist is amplified by Foreshadowing, as the bramble's inherent nature (thorny, combustible) directly predicts the painful and fiery end of Abimelech's reign and the destruction of Shechem. The parable's effective Personification of the trees allows for a vivid, memorable, and accessible critique of human folly, political corruption, and the consequences of choosing illegitimate authority.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 9:14, within Jotham's parable, offers profound theological insights into the nature of leadership, human responsibility, and divine judgment. It underscores the biblical principle that true authority is rooted in service, righteousness, and the production of good fruit for the community, not in self-aggrandizement, coercion, or mere ambition. The Shechemites' choice of Abimelech, a "bramble" who offered nothing but thorns and fire, serves as a stark warning against elevating individuals who lack moral character and genuine concern for the well-being of those they govern. This narrative highlights God's sovereignty over human affairs, even in the midst of human sin and folly, demonstrating that unrighteous leadership inevitably leads to self-destruction and divine retribution. It reminds us that God raises up and casts down rulers, and that discerning leadership is a spiritual imperative, reflecting a deeper understanding of God's design for order and justice.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jotham's parable, culminating in the trees' plea to the bramble, offers timeless lessons for discerning leadership and understanding the profound consequences of our choices. In every sphere of life—whether political, communal, or ecclesiastical—we are faced with decisions about who to empower and follow. The "bramble" represents those who are quick to seize power, make grand promises, and prioritize self-interest above all else, often leading to division, pain, and destruction. True leadership, as exemplified by the noble trees, is characterized by humility, service, and a commitment to producing good fruit for the benefit of others, quietly contributing to the well-being of the community without seeking personal glory. This passage challenges us to look beyond superficial charm, aggressive ambition, or mere expediency and to seek out leaders whose character reflects integrity, wisdom, and a genuine desire to serve rather than to be served. It also warns us against the dangers of desperation or a pragmatic compromise on our values, reminding us that short-term convenience or a perceived lack of alternatives can lead to long-term devastation and regret.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the trees choose the bramble after the others refused?
Answer: The parable suggests a progression from ideal candidates to the least suitable, driven by the trees' (representing the Shechemites') desperation to have a king. The olive, fig, and vine, symbolizing wise and productive leaders, refused the kingship because it would distract them from their inherent purpose of yielding good fruit and providing honor. Their refusal highlights that true leadership is often a burden, not a prize, and that those truly capable and virtuous may not be those who eagerly seek power for themselves. The bramble, however, had no "fruit" to produce and was eager to seize control, offering only the promise of fire and self-aggrandizement. This choice underscores the folly of settling for an unsuitable leader out of expediency, a lack of better options, or simply because the bramble was the only one willing to take the job. It reflects a societal or political vacuum where a destructive force can rise to power when more virtuous options decline or are unavailable, leading to disastrous consequences for the people.
What is the significance of the bramble's fire in the parable?
Answer: The bramble, though small and seemingly insignificant, is highly flammable and burns fiercely, often destroying what is around it. This characteristic is deeply symbolic and serves as a powerful foreshadowing device in Jotham's parable. It directly predicts the destructive nature of Abimelech's reign, which was marked by violence, betrayal, and ultimately, fire. Abimelech's rule culminates in the burning of the tower of Shechem, where many people perished (Judges 9:49), and his own ignominious death by a millstone, after being wounded by a woman (Judges 9:53). The bramble's fire thus symbolizes the painful, destructive, and self-consuming nature of unrighteous and self-serving leadership, demonstrating that those who seize power through violence and deceit will ultimately be consumed by their own destructive methods, bringing ruin upon themselves and those they rule.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jotham's parable, with its stark contrast between the noble, fruit-bearing trees and the destructive bramble, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus. Unlike the bramble-like Abimelech, who seized power through murder and brought ruin, Jesus is the true and rightful King who did not cling to power or self-gain but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, not a tyrant who consumes them. While Abimelech's reign was marked by fire and destruction, Jesus' kingdom brings life, peace, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). His crown was not one of earthly gold but of thorns, yet His rule is eternal and righteous, established through self-sacrifice on the cross, not through violence or ambition. The parable warns against choosing a king who burns and destroys, but in Christ, we find the King who, though crowned with thorns, brings eternal life and true flourishing, fulfilling the deepest human desire for a righteous ruler who genuinely serves and saves His people. His kingdom is not of this world, established through spiritual transformation rather than earthly conquest (John 18:36), offering true refuge and abundant life under His benevolent reign.