Judges 9:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even the least educated person would not mistakenly label the fables of Aesop, which serve a similar purpose, as fabrications. The Holy Scriptures contain comparable passages as well; for example, in the Book of Judges, the trees seek out a king to appoint over them, making their appeals to the oak, the fig tree, the vine, and the bramble. In all these instances, the narratives are constructed to help us understand the core truth being conveyed, utilizing fictional events that are employed solely to illuminate the genuine meaning, distinguishing it from the false.

No individual exists solely for themselves, whether virtuous or wicked. Much like the air that takes on different aromas based on what it encloses, we readily conform to those around us: we tend to emulate the righteous to a lesser degree and the unrighteous more readily, as it is simpler to follow the path of wrongdoing. Should such a person ascend to the role of bishop, even if they are the most deplorable and corrupt, the scripture that states ‘thorns reign over the trees’ comes to fruition.

They approach the tree, the sovereign of their desolation, known as the thorn tree, entwined with thorns that grasp everything that comes near, causing injuries and consuming the life of the afflicted. Furthermore, this tree emits flames that consume the surrounding trees. In this context, the thorn symbolizes the adversary, and we shall interpret its essence based on the characteristics of this plant. The prophet Haggai conveys that the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vineyard do not dominate over the forest trees reserved for fire; rather, the thorn-laden tree, akin to a heretic residing in Babylon and perpetually dwelling in ravines, exercises authority over them. This tree possesses not only thorns but also fire, which wounds and scorches all it encounters. Consequently, the flames issued forth and devastated the trees of the forest.

It is clear that this statement does not pertain to trees emerging from the ground. Trees, which lack a soul and are firmly anchored in the earth, cannot unify themselves to choose a ruler. Rather, this narrative concerns souls who, prior to Christ’s Incarnation and overwhelmed by sin, beseeched God to hear their cries and govern them with compassion and humility. The Scripture illustrates this concept through the olive tree, symbolizing the goodness of oil for the body, which alleviates pain and illness, and provides light. Indeed, the flames of lamps are kindled by the oil that is added, just as God’s mercies rescue us from death and sin, nurture humanity, and illuminate the soul’s inner light.

In the parable of the trees, which foolishly sought a king from the olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine, ultimately selecting the thornbush, he illustrated to the people their lack of gratitude toward their creator and the arrogance of Abimelech.