8. One day the trees went out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to an olive tree, 'Be our king.'
9. "But the olive tree answered, 'Should I give up my olive oil? It's used to honor gods and people alike. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
10. "Next, the trees spoke to a fig tree. They said, 'Come and be our king.'
11. "But the fig tree replied, 'Should I give up my fruit? It's so good and sweet. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
12. "Then the trees spoke to a vine. They said, 'Come and be our king.'
13. "But the vine answered, 'Should I give up my wine? It cheers up gods and people alike. Should I give that up just to rule over the trees?'
14. "Finally, all of the trees spoke to a bush that had thorns. They said, 'Come and be our king.'
15. "The bush spoke to the trees. It said, 'Do you really want to anoint me as king over you? If you do, come and rest in my shade. But if you don't, I will destroy you! Fire will come out of me and burn up the cedar trees of Lebanon!'
16. "Did you act in an honest way when you made Abimelech your king? Did you really do the right thing? Have you been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family? Have you given him the honor he's worthy of?
17. "Remember that my father fought for you. He put his life in danger for you. He saved you from the power of Midian.