8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

Other Translations of Judges 9:8

New International Version

8 One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, 'Be our king.'

English Standard Version

8 The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.'

The Message

8 The trees set out one day to anoint a king for themselves. They said to Olive Tree, "Rule over us."

New King James Version

8 "The trees once went forth to anoint a king over them. And they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us!'

New Living Translation

8 Once upon a time the trees decided to choose a king. First they said to the olive tree, 'Be our king!'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 9:8

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.