Judges 9:12

¹¹But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’ ¹²Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’

Sermons

What Happened?

K.P. Yohannan

Summary

In this verse, trees are personified as they seek a king to rule over them. The olive tree, fig tree, vine, and thornbush each decline the offer, symbolizing different responses to leadership. The olive tree, representing honor and richness, refuses to give up its fruitfulness. The fig tree, symbolizing sweetness and nourishment, also declines. The vine, associated with joy and vitality, rejects the offer. Lastly, the thornbush, representing uselessness and harm, accepts the role of king. This parable serves as a warning about the consequences of choosing unworthy or harmful leaders over those who are honorable and fruitful.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Then said the trees unto the vine,.... Another emblem of good and useful men; and it may be observed, that Jotham takes no notice of any trees but fruitful ones till he comes to the bramble, and them only such as were well known, and of the greatest use, in the land of Judea, as olives, figs, and vines, see Deu 8:8. come thou, and reign over us; this Jarchi applies to Gideon; but since there are three sorts of trees brought into the fable, and when the kingdom was offered to Gideon, it was proposed to him, and to his son, and his son's son, and refused, some reference may be had unto it in this apologue. Abarbinel thinks three sorts of men are intended as proper persons for rule and government, as honourable ones, such as are wealthy and rich, and also of good behaviour to God and man, as Gideon's sons were; but Abimelech was all the reverse.

Judges 9:12

Jotham’s Parable

¹¹But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’ ¹²Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’