9 But the olive tree replied,“My oil brings honorto people and gods.I won't stop making oil,just so my branches can waveabove the other trees.”
10 Then they asked the fig tree,“Will you be our king?”
11 But the fig tree replied,“I won't stop growingmy delicious fruit,just so my branches can waveabove the other trees.”
12 Next they asked the grape vine,“Will you be our king?”
13 But the grape vine replied,“My wine brings cheerto people and gods.I won't stop making wine,just so my branches can waveabove the other trees.”
14 Finally, they wentto the thornbush and asked,“Will you be our king?”
15 The thornbush replied,“If you really want meto be your king,then come into my shadeand I will protect you.But if you're deceiving me,I'll start a firethat will spread out and destroythe cedars of Lebanon.”After Jotham had finished telling this story, he said: