Judges 9:7–15

^7–9When this was all told to Jotham, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and shouted:

Listen to me, leaders of Shechem.

And let God listen to you!

The trees set out one day

to anoint a king for themselves.

They said to Olive Tree,

“Rule over us.”

But Olive Tree told them,

“Am I no longer good for making oil

That gives glory to gods and men,

and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

^10–11The trees then said to Fig Tree,

“You come and rule over us.”

But Fig Tree said to them,

“Am I no longer good for making sweets,

My mouthwatering sweet fruits,

and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

^12–13The trees then said to Vine,

“You come and rule over us.”

But Vine said to them,

“Am I no longer good for making wine,

Wine that cheers gods and men,

and to be demoted to waving over trees?”

^14–15All the trees then said to Tumbleweed,

“You come and reign over us.”

But Tumbleweed said to the trees:

“If you’re serious about making me your king,

Come and find shelter in my shade.

But if not, let fire shoot from Tumbleweed

and burn down the cedars of Lebanon!”