“The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them…” (Judges 9:8-ff).  Did you know that there are fables, allegories, and parables in the Old Testament? (e.g., Numbers 23:24; Judges 9:7-15; 2 Samuel 12:1-4; 14:1-7; 1 Kings 20:35-40; 2 Kings 14:9; Isaiah 5:1-6; Ezekiel 17:1-10; 19:1-9; 24:3-5).

{Here are a few definitions: (1) A fable “is an analogy presented in fancied words and acts of beings not possessing reason” (Principles of Interpretation by Clinton Lockhart, p. 170).  “The truth or moral to be enforced may be of a very high order, but the actors are selected from those beings incompetent to do such things” (Hermeneutics by D.R. Dungan, p. 244).  Talking trees would be an example.  (2) The term allegory is used in more than one way.  It may refer to “a continual (extended, long B.H.) metaphor” (Figures of Speech in the Bible by E.W. Bullinger, p. 748).  It is also used to refer to “a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  Galatians 4:21-ff, The Allegory of Sarah/Isaac and Hagar/Ishmael, would be an example of the second usage.  (3) A parable is “a story by which something real in life is used as a means of presenting a moral thought.  The actors in a parable are real – human beings are the actors, and they do nothing which they could not do” (Dungan, p. 227).  Dungan quotes Webster saying, “The distinction in scripture between a parable and an allegory is said to be, that a parable is a supposed history, and an allegory is a figurative application of real facts” (Dungan, p. 258-259).  The Parable of the Sower is an example (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).}

Let’s consider The Fable of the Trees (Note: For those who grew up in the 1970s and 80s, please do not confuse this with the 1978 song The Trees by Rush. We are speaking of the Biblical fable.) …

1.   The Olive Tree.  “And they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’ 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?’” (Judges 9:8-9). 

The olive tree had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

2.  The Fig Tree.  “Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I cease my sweetness and my good fruit, and go to sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:10-11).

The fig tree also had no desire to be king.  It knew its role and was happy to serve in that role. 

3.  The Vine.  “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘You come and reign over us!’ But the vine said to them, ‘Should I cease my new wine, which cheer both God and men, and go sway over trees?’” (Judges 9:12-13). 

The vine, like the first two, had no desire to be king.  It knew its role. 

These first three trees represent Gideon, his sons, and grandsons (cf. Judges 8:22-23).  Gideon refused to be king.  He said, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23).  This is how it was to be at this point.

4.  The Bramble.  “Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘You come and reign over us!’ 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!’” (Judges 9:14-15).

The bramble was different from the first three.  It desired to be king.  If it was not allowed to be king, then it would bring destruction.

There is irony in this fable.  (1) The bramble said, “Come take shelter in my shade.”  Yet, it was not able to provide shade or shelter.  It was a bramble.  The NIV translates this “thornbush.”  The NIV Study Bible comments, “Probably the well-known buckhorn, a scraggly bush common in the hills of Palestine and a constant menace to farming.  It produced nothing of value.”  It could not provide shelter or shade to cedars of Lebanon.  (2) The one who sought power, and become king, was the least valuable in the fable. It was the least qualified to lead.

The bramble represents Abimelech (Judges 8:29-31; 9:1-6; 9:16-21; 9:22-57).  He desired power.  He killed 69 of the 70 sons of Gideon in order to eliminate any potential rival (Judges 9:1-6).  He appealed to close relations with the men of Shechem (Judges 8:31; 9:1-3).  In the end, he brought fire to Shechem (Judges 9:15; 9:19-20; 9:30-49).

Application For Us

1.  One should never take a role or position for which he has no divine authority.

2.  One should use whatever role he has in life to be useful and serve others, not to promote self.  The Olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine used what they had to serve others. The bramble served himself. 

3.  Sometimes those who seek power are dangerous. Moreover, the bramble was the least qualified to lead.  Caution is needed in selection.

4.  Blood relations is not always a good indicator of character. Nepotism and respect of persons is not wise.