Definition: And the vine said unto them, Should I leave my wine, which cheereth God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 9:13. It's a really interesting and slightly strange passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The Vine is Talking About Wine: The "vine" in this verse refers to the wine produced by God, specifically the wine that is made from grapes and helps us feel good and enjoy life. It's Asking a Difficult Question: The vine is asking a really tough question: “If I leave my wine, which makes me happy and brings joy, and go to a place where I’m in a higher position – perhaps being a leader or having more power – should I do that?” Let’s unpack it further: “Should I leave…” : This is the core of the question. The vine isn't necessarily saying it needs to leave. It's expressing a feeling of longing and wanting something different. “…my wine…” : This emphasizes that the vine’s happiness comes from its product – the wine itself. It’s not about personal power or status; it’s about the joy the wine brings. “Which cheereth God and man…” : This is a crucial part. The vine is saying that the wine does good to both God (who is in control) and humans (people who enjoy the wine). It's a blessing. What it’s trying to say: The vine is grappling with a conflict between its desire for happiness and its sense of duty or responsibility. It’s asking if it should sacrifice its own pleasure to fulfill a higher purpose – perhaps to help others, to be a good example, or to serve God. Important Note: This is a very poetic and symbolic passage. It doesn't necessarily mean the vine wants to abandon its wine. Instead, it’s expressing a deeper longing for something beyond its immediate comfort. In short, the verse suggests that sometimes, pursuing our own happiness can be a distraction from our purpose and responsibilities. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Explore how this verse relates to other stories or themes in the Bible?