There is an excellent story about choice of leadership in the Bible. It came at a time after Gideon had delivered Israel from his enemies. Like even the best of men, Gideon eventually died. He left 70 sons behind. One, Abimelech, who was actually the son of one of Gideon's concubine, was hungry for power. Thinking that his half-brothers had the same thirst for vain glory, Abimelech used his peculiar family status to propose to the nascent nation of Israel the argument of all arguments. Reminding the people that “Too many chiefs spoil the broth“ he asked” Which is better for you, that all seventy of the sons of Gideon rule over you, or that one rule over you?” Opting for one tyrant instead of 70,Abimelech was elected. The Bible tells us that as a result, Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him. And he went to his father's house at Ophrah and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, seventy men, on one stone. But Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left, for he hid himself. (Judges 9:4-5)
Jotham eventually came back to haunt Abimelech. He challenged the people’s wisdom and choice with the following parable. The trees once went out to anoint a king over them, and they said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.' But the olive tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?' And the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come and reign over us.' But the fig tree said to them, 'Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?' And the trees said to the vine, 'You come and reign over us.' But the vine said to them, 'Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?' Then all the trees said to the bramble, 'You come and reign over us.' And the bramble said to the trees, 'If in good faith you are anointing me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade, but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.' (Jdg 9:8-15 ESV) On this parable Bible expositor Matthew Henry comments, 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. Indeed, the bramble didn’t mind ruling because he had no goodness to lose. To this idea proposed in this chapter of the Old Testament can be added Jesus’ statement that certainly, The tree is known by its fruit! (Mat 12:33)
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