Gerizim is a significant mountain located in the central region of ancient Israel, near the city of Shechem. It holds considerable historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Jotham's parable against the conspiracy of Abimelech, as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Biblical Context

The account of Jotham addressing the Shechemites from Mount Gerizim is found in Judges 9. This event occurs after the death of Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, who had delivered Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Following Gideon's death, his son Abimelech sought to establish himself as king over Shechem and its surrounding areas. Abimelech, born to Gideon and a concubine from Shechem, leveraged his maternal connections to gain support from the leaders of Shechem. In a ruthless bid for power, Abimelech orchestrated the murder of his seventy half-brothers, the sons of Gideon, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who managed to escape.

Jotham's Parable

Jotham, the sole surviving son of Gideon, ascended Mount Gerizim to deliver a poignant and prophetic parable to the people of Shechem. From this vantage point, he addressed the Shechemites, warning them of the consequences of their actions in supporting Abimelech. The parable, often referred to as the "Parable of the Trees," is a powerful allegory that critiques the Shechemites' choice of Abimelech as their leader.

In Judges 9:7-15 , Jotham's parable unfolds as follows:

"When Jotham was told about this, he climbed to the top of Mount Gerizim, raised his voice, and called out to them: 'Listen to me, O leaders of Shechem, and may God listen to you. One day the trees set out to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, "Reign over us." But the olive tree replied, "Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?" Then the trees said to the fig tree, "Come and reign over us." But the fig tree replied, "Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?" Then the trees said to the vine, "Come and reign over us." But the vine replied, "Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?" Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, "Come and reign over us." But the thornbush replied, "If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon!"'"

Interpretation and Significance

Jotham's parable serves as a sharp rebuke to the Shechemites for their folly in choosing Abimelech, likened to a thornbush, as their king. The parable contrasts the noble and productive trees—olive, fig, and vine—with the worthless and dangerous thornbush, symbolizing Abimelech's destructive reign. Jotham's message is a prophetic warning that the choice of an unworthy leader would lead to mutual destruction, a prophecy that ultimately comes to pass as Abimelech's rule ends in violence and treachery.

Theological Implications

Mount Gerizim, in this narrative, becomes a platform for divine truth and justice. Jotham's address from Gerizim underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the moral responsibility of leaders and communities. The account of Jotham and Abimelech serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ungodly ambition and the importance of righteous leadership.

Historical and Geographical Context

Mount Gerizim, along with Mount Ebal, frames the valley where Shechem is situated. In Deuteronomy 11:29, Gerizim is designated as the mountain of blessing, contrasting with Mount Ebal, the mountain of curses. This geographical setting further amplifies the significance of Jotham's address, as he speaks from the mountain associated with blessing, yet warns of impending judgment due to the Shechemites' actions.

In summary, the account of Jotham addressing the Shechemites from Mount Gerizim is a profound narrative that highlights the themes of justice, leadership, and divine retribution within the biblical tradition.Judges 9:7
And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said to them, Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the help of the Lord." He addresses Jael and ... Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon,
escaped the massacre ... election of Abimelech, he ascended Mount Gerizim, and gave ...
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