(Judges 9)

I. The background

A. The time of the judges (Judges 2:16-19; 17:6; 21:25)
B. Gideon’s service as judge (Judges 8:30-31, 33)
C. Abimelech’s lust for power (Judges 9:1-6)

II. The fable of Jotham

A. The trees = the people of Shechem (Judges 9:8)
B. Rejected by the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine (Judges 9:9-13; cf. 8:22-23)
C. In desperation the trees demand the bramble to rule (Judges 9:14-15)

III. The results

A. Jotham challenges the truth and sincerity of the people and warns of the consequences of their actions (9:16-20)
B. Abimelech had a short reign of 3 years (9:22) before the people turned on him (9:23-25)
C. Ultimately killed when trying to take the tower in Thebez (9:50-55)

IV. Lessons for us

A. Abimelech allowed his lust for power to overtake his common sense
B. The people showed poor judgment in choosing a leader
C. Whether leading or being led, look to God for guidance!