The Parable of the Trees

Once upon a time the trees decided to choose a king. First the trees said to the Olive Tree, "Be our king!" But Olive Tree refused, saying, "Should I quit producing my olive oil that blesses both God and people, just to wave back and forth over the trees?" Then they said to the Fig Tree, "You be our king!" But Fig Tree also refused, saying, "Should I quit producing my sweet fruit just to wave back and forth over the trees?" Then the trees said to the Grape Vine, "You be our king." But Grape Vine refused, saying, "Should I quit producing my wine that cheers both God and men, just to wave back and forth over the trees?" Then all the trees finally turned to Bramble Thornbush and said, "Be our king!" And Bramble Thornbush replied to the trees, "If you truly want to make me your king, come and put your trust in my shadow. But if not, let fire come out from me and devour the Cedars of Lebanon." (Judges 9:8-15)