Judges 9 10

Judges 9:10 kjv

And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, and reign over us.

Judges 9:10 nkjv

"Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come and reign over us!'

Judges 9:10 niv

"Next, the trees said to the fig tree, 'Come and be our king.'

Judges 9:10 esv

And the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come and reign over us.'

Judges 9:10 nlt

"Then they said to the fig tree,
'You be our king!'

Judges 9 verses

Judges 9 10 Meaning

Jotham's Fable begins with the trees seeking a king. In this verse, the trees approach the fig tree, inviting it to assume rulership over them. This initial proposal highlights the trees' desire for human-like kingship, and implicitly sets up a contrast with the theocratic system under God, where human kingship was viewed with caution.

Judges 9 10 Context

Judges 9:10 is part of Jotham's Fable, delivered from Mount Gerizim to the citizens of Shechem, specifically those who had aligned with Abimelech. Jotham is the youngest and only surviving son of Gideon, Abimelech having murdered all his other brothers (seventy men) on one stone in an attempt to solidify his own kingship. This fable serves as a prophetic warning and a severe critique of the Shechemites for choosing Abimelech, a "bramble," as their king. It contrasts true, life-giving leadership (represented by the olive tree, fig tree, and vine) with the destructive ambition of the bramble. The earlier verses of the fable describe the trees first approaching the olive tree, which refuses, leading to the fig tree in this verse. The historical context is a period in Israel where there was "no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25), but a desire for human monarchy was beginning to emerge, as seen in Israel's earlier offer of kingship to Gideon, which he refused.

Judges 9 10 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew: waw (ו). Connects the action of this verse to the preceding one, where the trees first approached the olive tree. It marks the narrative's continuous progression.
• the trees: Hebrew: ha’etsim (הָעֵצִים). Refers collectively to the other trees, representing the people of Shechem or, broadly, Israel. In the fable, these symbolize the citizens who are seeking a ruler. This initial plural "trees" embodies the collective will.
• said: Hebrew: vayyō’mərū (וַיֹּאמְרוּ). A standard Hebrew narrative perfect form, "and they said," indicating a direct address. It denotes a unanimous and intentional proposition by the collective "trees."
• to the fig tree: Hebrew: ʾel-hattə’ēnāh (אֶל-הַתְּאֵנָה). The "fig tree" (tə’ēnāh) is a distinct, highly valued fruit tree in ancient Israel, known for its sweet fruit (Judges 9:11). Symbolically, it represents a source of provision, nourishment, and natural sweetness, associated with prosperity and peace in biblical literature (1 Kgs 4:25, Mic 4:4). Its character is rooted in its inherent productivity.
• ‘Come: Hebrew: ləkî (לְכִי). An imperative verb, "go" or "come," specifically feminine singular. This directly addresses the fig tree, urging it to action. It conveys a persuasive invitation.
• you: Implicit in ləkî (feminine singular) and molkî (feminine singular reign). Emphasizes the personal request and burden on the specific tree.
• and reign: Hebrew: ûmāləkhî (וּמָלְכִי). Conjoining "and" (waw) with the feminine singular imperative verb māləkhî (from the root melek, king). This is a direct command/invitation to exercise kingship, to be sovereign. It implies ruling with authority.
• over us.’: Hebrew: ‘ālênû (עָלֵינוּ). Means "over us" or "upon us." It specifies the scope of the requested reign—direct dominion and authority over those who are inviting it. It denotes submission and granting of power from the supplicants.

Judges 9 10 Bonus section

The repeated rejection of kingship by the valuable trees (olive, fig, and vine) underscores a profound biblical truth: true fruitfulness and service to God often conflict with the desire for worldly power and prestige. The "sweetness and good fruit" of the fig tree point to its inherent, natural benefit to creation and its God-given purpose, which would be forsaken for the fleeting glory and duties of human kingship. This subtly champions a theology where service and genuine contribution, bringing "honor to God and people" (Judges 9:13), are considered superior to the often burdensome and corrupting nature of human rule. It implicitly criticizes seeking earthly kingship over divine covenantal leadership or humble, God-directed service.

Judges 9 10 Commentary

Judges 9:10 unveils a pivotal moment in Jotham's Fable, directly following the olive tree's refusal. Here, the "trees"—symbolizing the people of Shechem—extend their plea for kingship to the fig tree. The choice of the fig tree is deliberate, as it represents a source of substantial, delightful produce. Its produce provides pleasure and sustenance, making it a fitting allegory for a leader expected to provide benefits to his people. The imperative "Come... and reign over us" reveals the trees' longing for external governance and stability, mirroring Israel's later demand for a king "like all the nations" (1 Sam 8:5). This request implies a transfer of power from the people to the chosen leader, an act that Jotham intends to expose as misguided, especially when true "fruitfulness" (spiritual or material benefit) would be compromised by the burdens of kingship. The fig tree's subsequent refusal, on the grounds that it would mean abandoning its valuable "sweetness and good fruit" to "sway over the trees" (Judg 9:11), sets the stage for the dramatic and ominous choice of the "bramble." This highlights a core theme: that those truly valuable for their inherent contribution (fruitfulness, oil, wine) often shun the burdens and self-seeking nature of power, preferring instead their God-given purpose of blessing others. It's a critique of self-serving ambition versus humble service.