Judges 9:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The bramble accepts with a veiled threat: shelter in me, or else fire will devour even the cedars.
What Does Judges 9:15 Mean?
The bramble alone says yes. It demands sincere allegiance -- come, take refuge in my shadow -- yet a thornbush casts almost no shade, and its offer carries menace: if they will not, fire will burst from it and consume even the mighty cedars of Lebanon.
Here the parable lands. The unworthy ruler offers no real shelter, only the threat of mutual destruction. A bramble's 'shadow' is no protection at all, and its fire spreads to the greatest trees. Jotham warns Shechem that the king they have chosen will give them no safety and will burn them along with himself. Power built on threat consumes both the one who wields it and those who submit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 9:15
What does Judges 9:15 mean?
The bramble accepts with a veiled threat: shelter in me, or else fire will devour even the cedars.