The Parable of the Trees

Good Morning Friends,

I’m making my way through Judges this month and came across Chapter 9, verses 7-15 a couple of days ago. The metaphors used here intrigued me so I took to Google search to learn more. In my searching, one article referred to these passages as the Parable of the Trees. How have I not heard this parable, before? Well, obviously if I had spent more time in my scripture reading before the ripe age of 37, this would not be new to me.

I encourage you to read the full chapter for context. It is a disturbingly, violent story of how Abimelech came to rule. Jotham, the last remaining son of Gideon, delivers the parable, which also is a curse to Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem. Below is the NKJV version:

7 Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them:

“Listen to me, you men of Shechem,
That God may listen to you!

8 “The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them.
And they said to the olive tree,
‘Reign over us!’
9 But the olive tree said to them,
‘Should I cease giving my oil,
With which they honor God and men,
And go to sway over trees?’

10 “Then the trees said to the fig tree,
‘You come and reign over us!’
11 But the fig tree said to them,
‘Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit,
And go to sway over trees?’

12 “Then the trees said to the vine,
‘You come and reign over us!’
13 But the vine said to them,
‘Should I cease my new wine,
Which cheers both God and men,
And go to sway over trees?’

14 “Then all the trees said to the bramble,
‘You come and reign over us!’
15 And the bramble said to the trees,
‘If in truth you anoint me as king over you,
Then come and take shelter in my shade;
But if not, let fire come out of the bramble
And devour the cedars of Lebanon!’

There is so much to digest here; so much symbolism to decipher. But today, I want to focus on the callings of the fig tree, olive tree, and grape vine. For this is what stole my attention the first time I read the passages. When asked to rule, they did not jump at the chance for power and prestige. Instead, they were content with their current role, recognizing they were fulfilling what they were created to do. I think many of us are trying to figure this out in our own lives. I know I am. I pray that God guides us to serve Him in the ways we were created for; may His will, not our own, be done.

Blessings to you my friend,

A