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Verse Takeaways
1
The Bible's First Fable
Commentators identify this story as the first of only two fables in the Old Testament. Jotham uses this creative story of trees seeking a king to make a sharp political and spiritual point. The valuable, fruit-bearing trees, starting with the olive, represent worthy leaders who are contrasted with the worthless bramble (Abimelech) who will later accept the offer.
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Judges
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Commentaries
4
Albert Barnes
On Judges 9:8–20
18th Century
Theologian
This fable and the one mentioned in the margin are the only two of their kind found in Scripture. The parables of the Old Testament are somewhat di…
Charles Ellicott
On Judges 9:8
19th Century
Bishop
The trees went forth. — As in this chapter we have the first Israelite “king” and the first massacre of brothers, so here…
John Gill
On Judges 9:8
17th Century
Pastor
The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them
This is an apologue or fable, and a very fine and beautifu…
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Matthew Henry
On Judges 9:7–21
17th Century
Minister
There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king; they are all the trees of the Lord that He has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel…