13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?
13 "But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine, which cheers both gods and humans, to hold sway over the trees?'
13 But the vine said to them, 'Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?'
13 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?"
13 But the vine said to them, 'Should I cease my new wine, Which cheers both God and men, And go to sway over trees?'
13 But the grapevine also refused, saying, 'Should I quit producing the wine that cheers both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:13
Commentary on Judges 9:7-21
(Read Judges 9:7-21)
There was no occasion for the trees to choose a king, they are all the trees of the Lord which he has planted. Nor was there any occasion for Israel to set a king over them, for the Lord was their King. Those who bear fruit for the public good, are justly respected and honoured by all that are wise, more than those who merely make a figure. All these fruit-trees gave much the same reason for their refusal to be promoted over the trees; or, as the margin reads it, to go up and down for the trees. To rule, involves a man in a great deal both of toil and care. Those who are preferred to public trust and power, must forego all private interests and advantages, for the good of others. And those advanced to honour and dignity, are in great danger of losing their fruitfulness. For which reason, they that desire to do good, are afraid of being too great. Jotham compares Abimelech to the bramble or thistle, a worthless plant, whose end is to be burned. Such a one was Abimelech.