Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 9:12

"And the trees said unto the vine, Come thou, and reign over us." — Judges 9:12 (ASV)

Unto the vine. —We might have felt surprise that the vine was not the first choice, but the low-growing, trellised vine, which needs support for its own tendrils, might seem less suitable. Indeed, ancient nations talked of the female vine—

“Or they led the vine
To wed her elm; she round about him flings
Her marriageable arms,” etc.—Milton.