9. But the olive tree refused, saying,‘Should I quit producing the olive oilthat blesses both God and people,just to wave back and forth over the trees?’
10. “Then they said to the fig tree,‘You be our king!’
11. But the fig tree also refused, saying,‘Should I quit producing my sweet fruitjust to wave back and forth over the trees?’
12. “Then they said to the grapevine,‘You be our king!’
13. But the grapevine also refused, saying,‘Should I quit producing the winethat cheers both God and people,just to wave back and forth over the trees?’
14. “Then all the trees finally turned to the thornbush and said,‘Come, you be our king!’
15. And the thornbush replied to the trees,‘If you truly want to make me your king,come and take shelter in my shade.If not, let fire come out from meand devour the cedars of Lebanon.’”