The second was the Fig. The fig tree is a sign of peace and prosperity. The fig was the most common fruit in Palestine. It was not a luxury as in some parts of the world but a staple food of the country. It was often used to indicate the health of the nation. When Israel was disobedient and would not repent, there were crop failures. When the nation went into exile, they were the possession of another nation. They lost all they possessed. And although they settled and grew crops and lived their lives, because that’s what God told them to do through the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 29:5); it was not their own land and their own country. When they returned, they were once again able to sit under their own fig tree, which is symbolic of once again possessing land and growing fruit and being at peace. Micah 4:4. Figs are also sweet and delicious fruit.
The third was the vine. The vine is a sign of God’s favour. The vine produced ‘new wine that cheered both God and men’. Judges 9:13 The vine bears fruit for harvest and is associated with celebration and good times. Wine represents joy, celebration, festivity and the abundant blessings of God.
Gideon was the anointed leader (an olive tree like Joshua and Zerubbabel), but he knew who he was and what he was called to. He knew that he was not called to be king over the people, that God was meant to be their King. He was worthy of the position, but he knew he was not God appointed to the role.
If the olive, the fig or the vine were occupied in waving over the trees i.e. ruling over the people. They would be neglecting their own proper gift and office which was to produce olives, figs and grapes. The olive, the fig and the vine were all worthy of the position, but they knew who they were and the function they were designed for. They did not seek to be what they were not. They wanted to be faithful to their calling. Being who they were and doing what they were designed for would bring the anointing, peace, prosperity, favour, blessings and joy.
But the bramble would bring destruction. The bramble wanted the job, the glory, the prestige. Judges 9:1-4. Brambles or thorn bushes were used to kindle fires. They could choke out and kill trees. The first order the bramble gave was to shelter under its’ branches or be burned with fire. Judg.9:15 Jotham was trying to show that an unrighteous person like Abimelech would oppress, threaten and even destroy them if he didn’t get what he wanted. The base bramble if placed in a position of power could destroy the noble cedar. Abimelech was the least worthy to occupy the position and power of a king. His motivation was to lord it over others even though he didn’t have the ability or character or the giftings or the call of God. He would not rule with righteousness. It would be an oppressive rule. He would come to a sticky end and there would be no more talk of a king until the time of Samuel the prophet. At that time God would allow them to have a king. This would be His permissive will. But this foray into having a king was entirely their own idea.