שופטים, פרק ט׳, פסוק ז׳

Following the massacre of his brothers and the crowning of their murderer, Abimelech, the youngest son, Jotham, receives the news and takes public action. He chooses to make his stand at the peak of Mount Gerizim, which towers over the city of Shechem [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This location is chosen with deep purpose. It is a site rich with historical and spiritual weight, serving as the very mountain where the Israelites once stood to hear the blessings and curses of the Torah [אברבנאל].

When Jotham addresses the crowd, he does not simply call them the people of the city, but rather its masters or lords [מצודת ציון]. This choice highlights a harsh reality. These citizens view themselves as the ultimate rulers of the town, yet they used their power to crown Abimelech rather than seeking justice for the spilled blood of Jotham's brothers [אברבנאל].

Jotham demands their attention, promising that if they listen to his words, God will in turn listen to them [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל]. However, this promise carries a heavy warning. Jotham reminds them that God is the ultimate judge who will weigh the actions of everyone involved [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, his call foreshadows a dark, approaching reality. Just as Jotham now cries out to the city's leaders because of Abimelech, a day will soon arrive when these same leaders will cry out to God, begging for relief from the suffering inflicted by the very king they chose to empower [אברבנאל].