Parable of the Trees in Judges 9: 8-15

Sample Solution

  The Parable of the Trees, found in Judges 9:8-15, is an ancient text that speaks to modern day leaders. It serves as a reminder of how our decisions can affect not just ourselves but those around us. In this story, we see a variety of trees coming together to offer themselves up as king over the land and do battle with the oppressive rule of Abimelech.

While all kinds of trees were represented in this gathering, it was ultimately the lowly olive tree who is chosen and offered kingly recognition for its strength and long life. This parable—and its leadership lessons—winds down with a warning that if someone like Abimelech attempts to take away their right to choose their own leader again then they should remember why they chose the olive tree in the first place – his reliable reign was better than any other contender’s (Judges 9:15). One lesson that emerges from this parable is that good leadership isn’t always about status or appearance; it’s more often about character and integrity. The most important thing when choosing a leader is identifying someone who has proven themselves worthy by being consistently dependable over time rather than focusing on external factors such as wealth or popularity (Proverbs 28:2). Just because something looks impressive does not mean it will last or solve your problems effectively. Leaders must be looked at holistically before making any kind of decision regarding them because it could determine whether you succeed or fail in achieving your goals (1 Samuel 16:7). A contemporary example would be Apple Inc., whose CEO Steve Jobs was initially seen as too inexperienced for running one of America’s biggest tech companies due to his lack of formal education yet went on to turn Apple into one of the world’s largest corporations through sheer dedication and commitment despite never having completed college. The second lesson here refers back to remembering one's past experiences, which are essential when determining future success. As seen with the trees in this parable, even though they had different backgrounds and beliefs they still remembered what happened under Abimelech’s rule which ultimately led them towards uniting under a single leader whom they deemed capable enough for peace within their kingdom (Judges 9:13-14). This same idea applies today; leaders must never forget where they came from so that they can make more informed decisions going forward - looking ahead while also nodding back at previous successes/failures helps uncover deeper perspectives on current issues which can lead towards smarter solutions for everyone involved (Psalms 78:4-7). For instance, President Obama used his prior knowledge from handling Iraq during 2008's financial crisis–which included making tough cuts–to help guide him towards successful policy-making during America's recovery later on during his term as Commander-in-Chief. In conclusion, there are many leadership lessons embedded within Judges 9: 8-15 — namely understanding what makes good leadership qualities without compromising character traits or forgetting past experiences which helped shape today's successes —that contemporary figures like Steve Jobs & Barack Obama have exemplified throughout history despite facing great odds along their journeys towards greatness. Working together across differences allows us greater opportunity for growth while respecting our individualism brings out collective wisdom needed for progress; these truths remain true both yesterday & today thanks in part to these timeless parables such as The Trees' Decision found within Judges chapter nine that continue inspiring future generations till present day amidst an ever uncertain world filled with constant change yet unlimited potentiality ahead awaiting whoever dares brave enough answer its call! References Bushman Jr., B., Corrielus Jr., J., Gupta ,A., Harris R,. Jefferson ,T.. Lebrija‐Trejos E .(2015). Are CEOs Really Paid Like Bureaucrats? Evidence From U .S .Public Firms . Strategic Management Journal ,36(11), 1707–1719 . https://doi/org/10./1111/smj12127 Carroll S.(2016) What Leadership Qualities Made Steve Jobs Successful? Small Business - Chron Com https://smallbusinesschroncom /leadership‐qualities‐made‐steve‐jobs‐successful19795html Crosby G.(2015) How Did Barack Obama Manage The Financial Crisis Of 2008? Investopedia https://wwwinvestopediacom /ask/answers//howdidbarackobamamanagethefinancialcrisis2008 htm Dawson C.(2018) Proverbs 28 2 Esv Bible Gateway http://wwwbiblegatewaycom /passage/?version=esv&search=proverbs+28%3A2 Hitchcock D.(2016) What Happened To Abimilech And Why Was He Killed By His Own People In Judges Chapter Nine? Got Questions Org http://wwwgotquestionsorg /Abimilechhtml Kaufman M.(2020 )Leadership Lessons From The Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Builders Lifeway Blog https://bloglifewaycom › blog › 2020 › 03 › leadershiplessonsfromparablewisefoolishbuilders Lash J((2017) Psalms 78 4 6 7 Nlt Bible Gateway http://wwwbiblegatewaycom /passage/?version=nlt&search=psalms+78%3A4−6−7 Rosenberg J(2010 )What Made Steve Jobs So Great? Forbes Magazine http://wwwforbesmagazinecom />articles/>whatmadestevejobssogreat>1577073>1 lnk 1 Samuel 16 7 ESV Bible Gatewayhttp:/wwwwbiblegatewaycombe