In the book of Judges we learned how, “all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, you men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you” and in chapter nine and verse eight of Judges, we learn how Jotham said, “the trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them” where we read,
The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them;
and they said unto the olive tree, Reign you over us.
The verse reads, “The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them;” The writer began with the words, “the trees went forth on a time” which means “the timbers, planks and stalks departed, proceeded and moved at a specific moment” “to anoint a king over them” which means “to rub with oil and consecrate a royal ruler and leader to be higher and above them, the trees”. The writer shared how “Jotham” used a story about “trees” selecting a ruler to relay to the people of “Shechem” their choosing “Abimelech” as their royal ruler.
The verse continues, “and they said unto the olive tree, Reign you over us.” The writer added the words, “and they said unto the olive tree” which means “and they, the trees, uttered, declared and proclaimed to a tree that produces olive berries”, “reign you over us” which means “have authority and rule high and above us”, “that God may hearken unto you” or “so the Supreme Deity might listen and pay attention to you, the olive tree”. The writer shared how “Jotham” continued his story by saying the “trees” asked the “olive tree” to have dominion above them.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Jotham” continued to speak to the people of “Shechem” by telling them about “trees” that were looking for someone to rule over them. Their first choice was an “olive tree” whom they asked to have authority above them. We shall see how the “olive tree” responds in our next few verses, but for now let us be mindful that “Jotham” knew about the people of “Shechem” choosing “Abimelech” as their “king”, and he was purposed to show them their error. The first step in a personal relationship with God is to recognize our need for him because of the sins, errors and wrongs in our lives. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”, (See Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (See Romans 6:23a), however, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23b) God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so when we turn to Him, repent of our sins and ask Him to come into our lives, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that is under His leadership and rule. (See John 3:16: Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)
Next time we learn how, “the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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