“The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.”
King James Version (KJV)
9:8 The trees, &c. - A parabolical discourse, usual among the ancients, especially in the eastern parts. To anoint - To make a king, which was done among the Israelites, and some others, with the ceremony of anointing. Olive - tree - By which he understands Gideon.