Justin Houtz

Judges 9, James 3

DateVersionReading Plan
August 8, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Judges 9

Observation & Interpretation

Judges 9:1-15 – Jotham went to the top of Mount Gerizim and cried aloud to the leaders of Shechem an illustration of trees.

  • Using the figure of a republic of trees electing a king, [Jotham] pictured Israel’s conduct. He spoke of Gideon and his sons as the olive tree, the fig tree, and the fine, who wisely refused to leave their God-appointed places of usfulness in order to go and reign over the trees. But he likened Abimelech to a bramble, who not only eagerly accepted the invitation but waned that he would destroy the cedars of Lebanon if the trees did not elect him king. (BBC quoting Jenson)

Judges 9:20 – Jotham spoke of Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem and Beth-millo devouring each other by fire.

  • (Judges 9:16-21) Jotham then announced boldly to the people that if they had done right in destroying his brothers, then they could rejoice in their new ruler. But if not, the men of Shechem and Abimelech would become embroiled in civil war and destroy each other. (BBC)

James 3

Observation & Interpretation

James 3:1 – James speaks of how not man should become teachers because they will be judged with greater strictness.

  • This word on teaching seems abrupt, directly following James’ word on faith and works.
  • It is a great responsibility to teach the Bible. The teacher must be prepared to obey what he sees in the Word. He can never hope to lead others beyond what he himself has practiced. The extent of his influence on others will be determined by how much he himself has progressed. The teacher begets other ins his own image; he makes them like himself. If he dilutes or explains away the clear meaning of any Scripture, he hinders growth of his students. If he condones sin in any form, he fosters lives of unholiness. No other book makes such claims on its readers as the NT. It calls for total commitment to Jesus Christ. It insists that He must be Lord of every phase of the believer’s life. It is a serious matter to teach from such a book! (BBC)

James 3:7-8 – Comparison of taming creatures by mankind (of which every creature has been tamed) is made with taming the tongue (which no human being can tame).

  • Man’s success with wild animals does not extend to the area of his own tongue. If we are honest, we have to admit that this is true in our own lives. Because of the fall, we have lost dominion over this small pieces of flesh. Human nature does not have the ability or strength to govern this little member. Only God can bring it under control. (BBC)

Application

James 3:12 – What good news is it that Jesus died on the cross for all our sins of speech! God the Father welcomes even our tongues into eternity because of the sinless speech of His Son. God chose to regenerate us (1:18) by implanting His saving Word inside us (1:21), and now He is calling us both to act and to speak as His holy people. (ESVEC – Response)

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