All the leading men of Shechem and all Beth-millo gathered, and proclaimed Abimelech king by the terebinth of the pillar at Shechem.

News of this was brought to Jotham. He came and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and shouted aloud for them to hear:

‘Hear me, leaders of Shechem,
that God may also hear you!

‘One day the trees went out
to anoint a king to rule over them.
They said to the olive tree, “Be our king!”

‘The olive tree answered them,
“Must I forego my oil
which gives honour to gods and men,
to stand swaying above the trees?”

‘Then the trees said to the fig tree,
“Come now, you be our king!”

‘The fig tree answered them,
“Must I forego my sweetness,
forego my excellent fruit,
to stand swaying above the trees?”

‘Then the trees said to the vine,
“Come now, you be our king!”

‘The vine answered them,
“Must I forego my wine
which cheers the heart of gods and men,
to stand swaying above the trees?”

‘Then all the trees said to the thorn bush,
“Come now, you be our king!”

‘And the thorn bush answered the trees,
“If in all good faith you anoint me king to reign over you,
then come and shelter in my shade.
If not, fire will come from the thorn bush
and devour the cedars of Lebanon.”’

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king;
  how your saving help makes him glad!
You have granted him his heart’s desire;
  you have not refused the prayer of his lips.

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.

You came to meet him with the blessings of success,
  you have set on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked you for life and this you have given,
  days that will last from age to age.

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.

Your saving help has given him glory.
  You have laid upon him majesty and splendour,
you have granted your blessings to him forever.
  You have made him rejoice with the joy of your presence.

O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Let your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your decrees.
Alleluia!