The Church Fathers on this verse
THEOSIS
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Judges 9:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And it answered them: Can I forsake my wine, that cheereth God and men, and be promoted among the other trees?

Douay-Rheims

וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ הַגֶּ֔פֶן הֶחֳדַ֙לְתִּי֙ אֶת־תִּ֣ירוֹשִׁ֔י הַֽמְשַׂמֵּ֥חַ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַאֲנָשִׁ֑ים וְהָ֣לַכְתִּ֔י לָנ֖וּעַ עַל־הָעֵצִֽים׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

4 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Augustine of Hippo

5th centuryChurch Father

Even the least educated individual would not consider the fables of Aesop, which serve a similar purpose, to be falsehoods. Likewise, the Holy Scriptures contain comparable instances; for example, in the Book of Judges, the trees seek a sovereign to appoint, expressing their desires to the oak, fig tree, vine, and bramble. These narratives, although fictional, are crafted to help us comprehend the core truth they represent, using fictional events solely to convey the authentic meaning rather than convey something deceptive.

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

The vine, the fig tree, and the olive tree symbolize the essence of the Savior, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit respectively, while temporarily excluding the pomegranate tree from consideration. This concept is elaborated in the book of Judges, where the barren trees convene to establish a king and urge the vine, fig tree, and olive tree to govern them. However, the vine, fig tree, and olive tree reject this opportunity for leadership and do not accept the honor of ruling over the fruitless trees.

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In interpreting the message of the prophet Haggai, many associate the fig tree, olive tree, and vineyard with the profound truth of the Trinity. The fig tree represents the sweetness of the Holy Spirit, while the vineyard signifies our Lord Jesus Christ, who proclaims in the Gospel: ‘I am the true vine’ (John 15:1). The olive tree stands for God the Father Almighty, the source of enlightenment from whom all light emanates. We can affirm, O olive tree! ‘in thy light we shall see light’ (Psalm 35:10), meaning that through the Son, we perceive the Holy Spirit. Thus, from this fruitful tree and abundant vineyard, the barren trees approach, as described in Judges, requesting to be ruled by them.

Methodius of Patara

3rd centuryChurch Father

It is clear that the reference is not made regarding trees emerging from the soil. Trees, lacking souls and bound to the ground, cannot unify themselves to choose a ruler. Rather, this narrative pertains to souls who, before the birth of Christ, were steeped in sin, pleading with God to hear their cries and to reign over them with compassion and humility. This is illustrated in Scripture by the olive tree, symbolizing the goodness of oil, which alleviates pain and sickness and provides light. The oil nourishes the flames in lamps, just as each of God’s mercies rescues from death and sin, aids humanity, and nourishes the light of the spirit.

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We should reflect on whether Scripture implies by this the laws established from the dawn of humanity up to Christ, a pattern that the devil has distorted in deceiving mankind through his falsehoods. The commandment given to man in paradise is compared to the fig tree, as Adam, after his deception, attempted to cover his nakedness with fig leaves (Gen. 3:7). The commandment to Noah during the flood is likened to the vine, following his mockery upon succumbing to wine (Gen. 9:22). The commandments passed to Moses in the wilderness are represented by the olive tree, as the prophetic anointing, that sacred oil, diminished among the Jews due to their participation in wickedness. Finally, the commandments given to the apostles for the salvation of all are symbolized by thorns, as they taught us about virginity, a state where the devil could not present any deceitful temptations.

Nilus of Sinai

5th centuryChurch Father

It is evident from observation that those who lack fulfillment at home often seek to exert control over others. One who has experienced inner stillness and begun to engage in contemplation will resist the urge to entangle their mind with worldly concerns and will not divert their attention from the spiritual vision, especially when their thoughts are inclined towards excess, in order to focus on earthly matters.

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This principle is further illustrated by the well-known parable presented by Jotham to the Shechemites, which states, "And the trees of the forest went forth to anoint a king over them, and they said to the vine, 'Come, and reign over us.' But the vine said to them, 'Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?'" Just as the vine, fig tree, and olive tree declined the offer of rulership over the trees of the forest, valuing their fruit more than the position of authority, those who perceive the fruits of virtue within themselves and experience their benefits, even when pressed by many to accept such leadership, ultimately reject the accolades bestowed upon them, choosing their own spiritual well-being instead.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.