Judges 9:7-21 The First Parable
Channel: Mike Attwood
Date: 2022-05-06

The stench of the flesh comes off the page of the text of this chapter.  It is unpleasant, but instructive in our walk.

Key words and phrases:  "Reign thou over us" is seen several times.  The word "promoted" is also seen several times.

Trees are symbolic of men in many places in Scripture.  Gideon was similar to the fruitful trees in this parable, and he refused to reign over the people as the also the trees in this parable.

This talk considers the symbolic meanings of the olive and fig trees, the vine, and the bramble bush.  Each exhibits traits and behaviour that are instructive in our Christian walk.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they were living like kings before the time.  It's not the time for reigning now.  One day we will reign, but now is the time for humble service.

God waited three years before acting, and then acted behind the scenes.  This emphasizes the sovereignty of God.    Isaiah 45:15 says, "Thou art a God that hideth thyself".  Sometimes God may hide himself, but he is not absent.  He may not be visible, but it doesn't mean He is not working.

We see in the events that followed the parable how the men's own wrath was that which would fulfil Yotham's curse.  God often makes the instruments of men's sins the means of their punishment.

The men who broke faith with the family of Gideon then proceed to break faith with their chosen king, and to choose another king equally bad.  This was seen at Calvary: when our Lord rode into Jerusalem they said, "Hoshianah!" and a few days later they cried, "Crucify him!".