The parable of the bramble and the trees, found in Judges 9, is one of the earliest parables in Scripture and provides profound insights into leadership, ambition, and divine judgment. Spoken by Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal), this parable serves as a prophetic indictment against Abimelech, who usurped power in Shechem through treachery and murder. Jotham’s parable uses the imagery of trees seeking a king to illustrate the folly of choosing an unworthy leader and the consequences of such decisions. This essay will explore the historical context, meaning, and lessons of this parable, with applications…
Bible Themes and Doctrines