שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״א

Following a bold public address that deeply insulted the citizens of Shechem and their newly appointed king, Jotham finds himself in immediate danger. He is forced to run for his life, ultimately escaping to a location known as Be'er or Be'erah.

Commentators agree that his flight and decision to settle in this new place are driven entirely by the fear that his brother, Abimelech, will kill him. By delivering such a harsh speech, Jotham gives his brother an additional reason to want him dead. To survive, he has no choice but to remain in hiding and carefully protect his life.