Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and reign over us.’
Jotham alone stood against Abimelech's wickedness, though God sent neither prophet nor judgment to awaken the Shechemites from their stupor. This young man, preserved by special providence when his brothers fell, gave faithful reproof from Mount Gerizim, not seeking to raise armies or claim power, but warning them plainly of ruin to come.
AI summary
Commenting on Judges 9:7-21
Then said all the trees unto the bramble,.... Perceiving they could not prevail upon any of the useful and fruitful trees to take the government of them, they unite in a request to a bramble, scarce to be called a tree, and however a very barren and fruitless one, yea, hurtful and distressing: come thou, and reign over us; this respects Abimelech, and describes him...
Jotham chose Mount Gerizim precisely because it rises as a wall above Shechem's valley, where his voice could carry with perfect clarity to the city below. Eastern people love parables to convey reproofs they cannot speak plainly, and the parable of rival trees fitted the very landscape before them.
AI summary
Commenting on Judges 9:7-21