Judges 9:9

KJV

But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

KJV (with Strong's)

But the olive tree {H2132} said {H559} unto them, Should I leave {H2308} my fatness {H1880}, wherewith by me they honour {H3513} God {H430} and man {H582}, and go {H1980} to be promoted {H5128} over the trees {H6086}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But the olive tree replied, 'Am I supposed to leave my oil, which is used to honor both God and humanity, just to go and hold sway over the trees?'

Berean Standard Bible

But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’

American Standard Version

But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honor God and man, and go to wave to and fro over the trees?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 9:9 is a pivotal verse within Jotham's powerful parable, where the noble olive tree, approached first by the other trees seeking a king, steadfastly refuses the offer of kingship. It expresses contentment with its current role of producing "fatness" (oil), which is used to honor both God and humanity. This refusal highlights a profound wisdom: true value and honor are found not in wielding power or seeking promotion, but in faithfully fulfilling one's inherent purpose and contributing productively to the well-being of the community and the glory of God. The olive tree's stance contrasts sharply with the later eager acceptance of the thorny bramble, foreshadowing the destructive nature of ambition divorced from humble service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jotham's parable, delivered from Mount Gerizim as a scathing rebuke and prophetic warning to the citizens of Shechem. Immediately preceding this, Abimelech, the illegitimate son of Gideon, has brutally murdered seventy of his half-brothers on one stone, leaving only Jotham alive. The parable (Judges 9:7-15) serves as a direct commentary on Abimelech's tyrannical ambition and the folly of the people of Shechem in elevating such a man to kingship. The trees' search for a king mirrors the Israelites' desire for a monarch, while the noble trees (olive, fig, vine) represent potential leaders who understand the burdens and true nature of valuable service, contrasting sharply with the worthless bramble, which eagerly accepts the crown, symbolizing Abimelech's destructive reign. The olive tree is the first and most esteemed tree approached, setting the stage for the subsequent refusals and the eventual, ironic acceptance by the bramble.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a lack of centralized leadership, often leading to cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. After Gideon's death, a power vacuum emerged, which Abimelech ruthlessly exploited. Shechem, a significant city with a history tied to covenant renewal (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")), becomes the tragic setting for this act of treachery and the subsequent parable. Culturally, the olive tree was one of the most vital agricultural assets in ancient Israel. Olive oil, its "fatness" or "richness," was indispensable: it was a primary food source, used for cooking, light (lamps), cosmetic purposes, medicinal applications, and, crucially, for sacred anointing and offerings in the tabernacle and temple. Its produce was a symbol of prosperity, blessing, and divine favor (e.g., [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Deuteronomy 8:8 - A Land of Olives and Honey")). The olive tree's refusal to leave such a profoundly honorable and beneficial role for the precarious and burdensome position of kingship would have resonated deeply with the audience.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 9:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Humility vs. Ambition**. The olive tree embodies contentment and humble service, finding fulfillment in its natural, productive purpose, which contrasts starkly with the bramble's unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of power sought for its own sake. Secondly, it explores the nature of **True Leadership**. The parable suggests that genuine leadership is characterized by a heart of service and contribution, not by the desire for authority or personal exaltation. The olive tree's "fatness" is a metaphor for its valuable and beneficial contribution to society and worship. Thirdly, the verse underscores the concept of **Honoring God and Man**. The olive oil's dual use in sacred rituals (e.g., [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Anointing of Aaron") for anointing priests, [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - Grain Offerings") for grain offerings) and practical daily life (e.g., [1 Kings 17:16](/1_kings/17-16 "1 Kings 17:16 - The Widow's Unfailing Oil")) highlights the sacred and practical value of its service, demonstrating how productive contribution brings honor. Finally, the parable, through the olive tree's refusal, questions the very **Nature of Human Kingship**, suggesting that those truly qualified to lead might be reluctant to take on the burdens of power, preferring to continue their valuable, humble service, echoing [Gideon's earlier refusal of kingship](/judges/8-23 "Judges 8:23 - Gideon Refuses Kingship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fatness (Hebrew, _shemen_):** This word literally means "oil" and carries rich symbolic weight. In ancient Israel, olive oil was a staple for food, light, cosmetic purposes, and, crucially, for anointing priests and kings, and for various offerings in the tabernacle and temple. The term _shemen_ often signifies abundance, richness, prosperity, and blessing. The olive tree's "fatness" is its essence, its valuable output, which brings honor and utility. Its question, "Should I leave my oil...?" underscores that its current role is already one of profound honor and utility, both spiritually and practically.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _kavad_):** The verb _kavad_ means "to be heavy," "to be glorious," or "to honor." Here, it signifies the high esteem and reverence accorded to God and humanity through the olive tree's produce. The oil's use in sacred rituals directly honors God (e.g., in sacrifices and anointing), while its practical uses (food, light, healing) honor and benefit humanity. The olive tree perceives its current function as a source of significant "weight" or "glory," a role it does not wish to abandon for a position of mere political authority.
* **Promoted (Hebrew, _lanu'a_):** The KJV "go to be promoted" translates the Hebrew verb _lanu'a_, which means "to sway," "to wave," or "to be moved." In this context, it implies moving from its stable, productive position to a place of elevated authority, "swaying over" or ruling the other trees. The olive tree's reluctance to "move" from its established, honorable service to a potentially unstable and burdensome position of power highlights its contentment and wisdom, contrasting with the bramble's eager desire to "sway over" others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the olive tree said unto them,"**: This introduces the first and most noble of the trees approached by the others seeking a king. The olive tree's response sets the tone for the subsequent refusals by the fig tree and the vine, establishing a pattern of reluctance among the truly valuable.
* **"Should I leave my fatness,"**: This rhetorical question expresses the olive tree's deep contentment and commitment to its current, productive role. "Fatness" refers to its rich oil, which is its inherent gift and contribution. The question implies that abandoning its natural, beneficial function for a different, potentially less productive role would be a loss.
* **"wherewith by me they honour God and man,"**: This clause specifies the profound significance of the olive tree's "fatness." Its oil is used in sacred rituals for God's glory (e.g., anointing, offerings) and provides essential sustenance, light, and healing for humanity. This highlights the dual purpose and immense value of its service, which brings honor to both divine and human spheres.
* **"and go to be promoted over the trees?"**: This final rhetorical question underscores the olive tree's rejection of kingship. It views the proposed "promotion" not as an advancement but as a departure from its valuable, honorable service. The phrase "go to be promoted over the trees" implies a shift from productive contribution to a position of mere authority or dominion, which it deems less desirable than its current role of faithful service.

#### Literary Devices
Jotham's parable in Judges 9 is rich with **Allegory** and **Personification**. The trees are personified, speaking and making decisions, serving as an allegorical representation of the people of Israel and their potential leaders. The olive tree, fig tree, and vine symbolize noble, productive, and humble individuals, while the bramble represents an unworthy, self-serving, and destructive leader like Abimelech. The entire narrative is steeped in **Irony**: the most valuable and productive trees refuse the kingship, recognizing the burden and potential distraction from their true purpose, while the useless, thorny bramble eagerly accepts, promising only shade and fire. This ironic contrast highlights the folly of Shechem's choice and the inherent danger of seeking power for power's sake. The rhetorical questions posed by the trees, particularly the olive tree, serve as a powerful **Didactic** tool, prompting the audience to reflect on the true nature of leadership and value.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The olive tree's refusal in Judges 9:9 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true leadership and the pitfalls of worldly ambition. It champions the biblical principle that genuine honor and influence stem from humble service and faithful stewardship of one's gifts, rather than from the pursuit of status or control. The tree's contentment in its productive role, which honors God and benefits humanity, stands as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing human tendency to seek power and exaltation. This perspective challenges us to re-evaluate what constitutes "success" or "promotion" in God's kingdom, suggesting that often, the most impactful roles are those of quiet, consistent contribution, rather than those of overt authority. The parable implicitly critiques a system where leadership is seen as an opportunity for personal gain or dominion, advocating instead for a model of leadership rooted in self-giving and valuable output for the common good and God's glory.

* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25 "Matthew 20:25-28 - True Greatness is Service")
* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock Humbly")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 9:9 provides timeless wisdom for every believer, challenging our perceptions of success, leadership, and purpose. The olive tree's contentment in its "fatness" – its inherent gifts and productive capacity – and its refusal to abandon this for a perceived "promotion" speaks directly to the human tendency to chase titles, recognition, or positions of power. It encourages us to find deep satisfaction and honor in faithfully stewarding the gifts and roles God has given us, recognizing that true impact often comes from consistent, humble contribution rather than from elevated status. This verse calls us to examine our motivations: do we seek to "sway over" others, or do we desire to produce "fatness" that genuinely honors God and serves humanity? In a world that often equates influence with authority, the olive tree reminds us that our greatest value lies in our capacity to bless and benefit others through our unique, God-given purpose, wherever we are planted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Am I content in my current sphere of influence, or am I constantly seeking a "promotion" that might distract me from my true purpose?**
* **What motivates my desire for leadership or recognition – is it a heart of service, or a longing for control and status?**
* **How am I using my "fatness" (my gifts, talents, resources, and time) to genuinely honor God and serve those around me?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to leave a place of humble, productive service for a position that offers more prestige but less actual contribution?**

### FAQ
**Why is the olive tree chosen first by the trees seeking a king?**

Answer: The olive tree is chosen first because of its immense cultural, economic, and religious significance in ancient Israel. It was one of the most valuable trees, symbolizing prosperity, blessing, and divine favor. Its oil ("fatness") was indispensable for food, light, medicine, and, crucially, for sacred anointing and offerings, directly honoring God and benefiting humanity. Its prominence makes its refusal all the more impactful, setting a high standard for leadership that the bramble fails to meet.

**What does "honour God and man" mean specifically in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "honour God and man" refers to the dual utility and sacred significance of the olive tree's oil. It honors God because olive oil was a vital component in various temple rituals and offerings (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1-2](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1-2 - Grain Offering with Oil")), and it was used to anoint priests (e.g., [Exodus 29:7](/exodus/29-7 "Exodus 29:7 - Anointing of Aaron")) and kings, signifying their consecration to God. It honors man by providing essential sustenance (food), light (for lamps), cosmetic uses, and medicinal properties, all of which contributed to human well-being and flourishing. The olive tree's service was thus both sacred and practical, benefiting all.

**How does this parable, particularly the olive tree's refusal, relate to Gideon's earlier refusal of kingship?**

Answer: The olive tree's refusal in Jotham's parable directly echoes and reinforces Gideon's earlier rejection of kingship in [Judges 8:23](/judges/8-23 "Judges 8:23 - Gideon Refuses Kingship"). After his victory over Midian, the Israelites offered Gideon kingship, but he famously declared, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you." Both Gideon and the noble trees (olive, fig, vine) represent a leadership ideal rooted in humble service and deference to God's ultimate sovereignty, rather than human ambition. Their refusal highlights a wisdom that values faithful contribution over worldly power, contrasting sharply with Abimelech's self-serving and destructive pursuit of the crown.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 9:9, with the olive tree's humble refusal of kingship, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the olive tree refused a worldly crown to continue its honorable service, Christ, the true King, did not cling to His divine status but willingly emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant. Unlike Abimelech, who grasped for power through violence, Jesus embodied the very essence of servant leadership, declaring that He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He is the true "fatness," the "oil of gladness" with which God anointed Him (as referenced in [Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Christ Anointed with the Oil of Gladness")), poured out not for His own exaltation but to honor God and redeem humanity. Christ's life, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death, perfectly illustrates the principle that true authority and honor are found not in being "promoted over" others, but in self-giving love and service, culminating in His ultimate exaltation by God because of His humility and obedience ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). He is the King who washes the feet of His disciples ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), demonstrating that His reign is one of humble, life-giving service, far surpassing the fleeting and destructive rule of any earthly bramble.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 29:7

Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour [it] upon his head, and anoint him.

Exodus 29:2

And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: [of] wheaten flour shalt thou make them.

1 Kings 19:15

And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria:

1 Kings 19:16

And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint [to be] king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint [to be] prophet in thy room.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

Job 1:7

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.