Judges 9 · Grade 3
The Bramble King
Read the Story
Abimelech, a son of Gideon, asked the men of Shechem to make him king. They gave him silver, and he hired worthless men. He did a terrible wrong to his brothers, but Jotham the youngest hid himself.
Jotham stood on Mount Gerizim and told a story. The trees went to anoint a king. The olive tree, the fig tree, and the vine all said no. They would not leave their oil, sweet fruit, and wine. Then the bramble told the trees to take refuge in its shade, or fire would come out of it.
After three years, God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and Shechem. They turned against each other, and Abimelech destroyed the city. At Thebez, Abimelech died. Thus God repaid Abimelech's wickedness.
Memory Verse
“The trees set out to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’”
Judges 9:8 (WEB)
Answer the Questions
Who gave Abimelech silver?
Where did Jotham tell his story?
Which trees said no?
What did the bramble say would come out of it?
Who repaid Abimelech's wickedness?
Jotham's Story
Write what happened in each box.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for seeing what is right and wrong. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Why is it wrong to hurt others to get what you want?
- What makes a good leader?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.