What lessons can we learn from the trees' choice in Judges 9:8? Text: Judges 9:8 “Once when the trees had resolved to anoint a king over themselves, they went to the olive tree and said, ‘Reign over us.’” Setting the Scene • The verse sits inside Jotham’s parable (Judges 9:7-15), spoken after Abimelech murdered his brothers to seize power. • Real trees do not talk; yet the inspired text records this fable exactly as Jotham delivered it, conveying God-breathed truth (2 Timothy 3:16). • Israel, like the trees, was seeking a king. The parable exposes the danger of craving leadership for the wrong reasons (1 Samuel 8:6-20). Observations from the Trees’ Choice • “Resolved to anoint a king” – Initiative comes from the trees, not from God. • They approach the “olive tree” first—symbol of fruitfulness and blessing (Psalm 52:8; Romans 11:17). • They assume rulership is just another task the olive tree can add to its agenda. • The request appears flattering but is actually self-serving: “Reign over us” so we don’t bear the burden of responsibility ourselves. Timeless Lessons for Today • Legitimate authority originates with God, not with a majority vote (Romans 13:1). • A fruitful, God-honoring life is easily diverted by the lure of position or applause (John 12:43). • The best leaders often decline power because they value their current, God-given calling more than status (compare Moses’ reluctance, Exodus 3:11). • A community that demands a ruler before examining motives risks elevating the wrong person (Proverbs 29:2). • Seeking human solutions apart from divine direction invites trouble (Psalm 118:8-9). New Testament Echoes • Jesus refuses earthly kingship offered on wrong terms (John 6:15), mirroring the olive tree’s refusal. • The church is warned against appointing immature leaders quickly (1 Timothy 3:6), guarding against an “Abimelech” scenario. • True greatness is service, not position (Mark 10:42-45). Personal Application Checklist □ Am I pressuring gifted believers to take roles God has not assigned them? □ Do I measure leadership by character and fruit, or by charisma and convenience? □ Have I surrendered my own desire for control to God’s perfect kingship? Learning from the trees guards us from hasty, flesh-driven choices and points us back to the Sovereign King who never fails (Isaiah 33:22). |
    |