if you then have acted in good faith and integrity with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you.
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
If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and his house this day,.... If they could in their consciences think and believe they had done well, and acted the faithful and upright part by him and his family, which he left with them to consider of: then rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you; may you be happy in...
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