Parables in the Bible
undefined
Of the Bible
The
Hebrew
Hebrew
word for parable:
MASHAL (
MASHAL (
MAWSHAWL
MAWSHAWL
)
)
Simile; poem; proverb; adage – a short
statement expressing a general truth.
A saying usually of metaphorical nature.
- The word occurs approx. 39 times in the O.T.
- EXAMPLE: Job 27:1; 29:1
DEFINING A PARABLE
Job 27:1 ¶ Moreover Job
continued his
parable
,
and said,
Job 29:1 ¶ Moreover Job
continued his
parable
,
and said,
English Words used in KJV for
English Words used in KJV for
“
“
MASHAL
MASHAL
”
”
“proverb” (19 times)
“parable” (18 times)
“byword” (1 time)
“like” (1 time)
One
Greek
Greek
word for parable:
PARABOLE (
PARABOLE (
PARABOLAY
PARABOLAY
)
)
Simile; proverb; adage; comparison; placing
beside or together
A narrative usually of fictitious nature.
- The word occurs approx. 50 times in the N.T.
- EXAMPLE: Matt. 15:15; 24:32
DEFINING A PARABLE
Matt. 15:15 Then answered Peter
and said unto him, Declare unto
us this
parable
.
Mt 24:32 ¶ Now learn a
parable
of the fig tree; When his branch
is yet tender, and putteth forth
leaves, ye know that summer is
nigh:
English Words used in KJV for
English Words used in KJV for
“
“
PARABOLE
PARABOLE
”
”
“proverb”
(1 time)
“parable”
(46 times)
“figure”
(2 times)
“comparison” (1 time)
Another
Greek
Greek
word for parable:
PAROIMIA (
PAROIMIA (
PAR-OY-MEE-AH
PAR-OY-MEE-AH
)
)
Proverb; adage
An illustration usually of fictitious nature.
- The word occurs approx. 4 times in the N.T.
- EXAMPLE: John 10:6; 16:25
DEFINING A PARABLE
John 10:6 This
parable
spake Jesus
unto them: but they understood not
what things they were which he
spake unto them.
John 16:25 These things have I
spoken unto you in
proverbs
: but the
time cometh, when I shall no more
speak unto you in proverbs, but I
shall shew you plainly of the Father.
English Words used in KJV for
English Words used in KJV for
“
“
PAROIMIA
PAROIMIA
”
”
“proverb”
(3 times)
“parable”
(1 time)
Of the Bible
A
A
parable
parable
is an utterance
is an utterance
that involves a comparison
that involves a comparison
WORKING DEFINITION
WORKING DEFINITION
A
A
parable
parable
is an illustration
is an illustration
of one subject by another
of one subject by another
WORKING DEFINITION
WORKING DEFINITION
A
A
parable
parable
is a symbolic
is a symbolic
story, saying or narrative of
story, saying or narrative of
common life that conveys a
common life that conveys a
moral or a lesson
moral or a lesson
WORKING DEFINITION
WORKING DEFINITION
REMEMBER
REMEMBER
that parables sometimes
denote:
a true history
, or
an illustrative
sketch from nature
; sometimes a
proverb or adage
; a
truth darkly or
figuratively expressed
;
a type
; or a
figure
.
INTERPRETING PARABLES
INTERPRETING PARABLES
In the interpretation of a parable, its
primary truth
,
main scope
and
lesson
are
chiefly to be considered. The minute
particulars and details of the parable are
not the main focus, but the
meaning
behind it
.
INTERPRETING PARABLES
INTERPRETING PARABLES
The THREE main questions to ask are:
(1)
What is the parable saying?
(2)
What did it mean then?
(3)
What is applicable to my life?
INTERPRETING PARABLES
INTERPRETING PARABLES
PARABLES ARE JUST ANOTHER
WAY OF SAYING THINGS THAT YOU
EXPECT THOSE WHO NEED TO
KNOW, WILL KNOW; & THOSE WHO
DO NOT WANT TO KNOW; WILL
NOT KNOW
(MATTHEW 13:10-16)
(MATTHEW 13:10-16)
WHY SPEAK IN PARABLES?
WHY SPEAK IN PARABLES?
“The rich man, the poor man
&
the little lamb”
(2 Samuel 12:1-9)
(2 Samuel 12:1-9)
A Familiar O.T. Parable
A Familiar O.T. Parable
The rich man
The rich man
:
Who does
he represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
DAVID
DAVID
The poor man
The poor man
:
Who does
he represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
URIAH
URIAH
The ewe lamb
The ewe lamb
:
Who does
the lamb represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
BATHSHEBA
BATHSHEBA
To whom was the parable
directed?
What was the parable depicting?
What was the lesson or moral of
the parable?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
“THE SOWER”
(Matthew 13:1-23)
(Matthew 13:1-23)
A Familiar N.T. Parable
A Familiar N.T. Parable
The sower
The sower
:
Who does the
sower represent?
MAIN CHARACTER
MAIN CHARACTER
EVANGELIST,
EVANGELIST,
PREACHER, WITNESS,
PREACHER, WITNESS,
BELIEVER
BELIEVER
The seed
The seed
:
What does the seed
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
THE WORD, THE GOSPEL
THE WORD, THE GOSPEL
The way side
The way side
:
What does it
represent & what happened?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
A person who hears but does
A person who hears but does
not understand and is then
not understand and is then
distracted by the devil
distracted by the devil
The stony places
The stony places
:
What does it
represent & what happened?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
A person who hears,
A person who hears,
understands & receives message
understands & receives message
but was not rooted & grounded
but was not rooted & grounded
The thorny places
The thorny places
:
What does it
represent & what happened?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
A person who hears,
A person who hears,
understands & receives message
understands & receives message
but was overwhelmed by
but was overwhelmed by
circumstances & falls away
circumstances & falls away
The good ground
The good ground
:
What does it
represent & what happened?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
A person who hears,
A person who hears,
understands & receives message
understands & receives message
& is a doer of the word, grows
& is a doer of the word, grows
by it & produces more fruit.
by it & produces more fruit.
To whom was the parable
directed?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
MULTITUDES (EVERYONE)
MULTITUDES (EVERYONE)
What was the parable depicting?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
The various responses & results
The various responses & results
than can occur when the word is
than can occur when the word is
preached.
preached.
What was the lesson or moral of
the parable?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
Spread the Word (gospel) and it
Spread the Word (gospel) and it
will accomplish what it wills.
will accomplish what it wills.
The results will speak for
The results will speak for
themselves.
themselves.
“THE TREES”
(Judges 9:1-21)
(Judges 9:1-21)
PARABLE #3
PARABLE #3
Who was the speaker of the
parable?
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
JOTHAM
JOTHAM
(Judges 9:7)
(Judges 9:7)
Who was Jotham?
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The youngest son of
The youngest son of
Jerubbaal & brother of
Jerubbaal & brother of
Abimelech
Abimelech
(Judges 9:1-5)
(Judges 9:1-5)
To whom was the parable
directed?
AUDIENCE
AUDIENCE
THE MEN OF SHECHEM
THE MEN OF SHECHEM
(Judges 9:7)
(Judges 9:7)
The trees
The trees
:
Who does the trees
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
THE MEN OF ISRAEL
THE MEN OF ISRAEL
(Judges 8:22-23)
(Judges 8:22-23)
The olive tree
The olive tree
:
Who does the
olive tree represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
GIDEON
GIDEON
(Judges 8:22-23)
(Judges 8:22-23)
How does Gideon fit into this
picture?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
Gideon is Jerubbaal!!
Gideon is Jerubbaal!!
(Judges 7:1; 8:35)
(Judges 7:1; 8:35)
How does Gideon relate to the
other characters?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
Gideon is the father of
Gideon is the father of
Jotham & Abimelech
Jotham & Abimelech
(Judges 8:30-31; 9:1;5)
(Judges 8:30-31; 9:1;5)
The fig tree
The fig tree
:
Who does the fig
tree represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
GIDEON’S SON
GIDEON’S SON
(Judges 8:22-23)
(Judges 8:22-23)
The vine
The vine
:
Who does the vine
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
GIDEON’S GRANDSON
GIDEON’S GRANDSON
(Judges 8:22-23)
(Judges 8:22-23)
The bramble
The bramble
:
Who does the
bramble represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
ABIMELECH
ABIMELECH
(Judges 9:16-18)
(Judges 9:16-18)
Cedars of Lebanon
Cedars of Lebanon
:
Who does
the cedars represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
THE MEN OF SHECHEM
THE MEN OF SHECHEM
(Judges 9:15; 20)
(Judges 9:15; 20)
Olive tree’s response (vs.9)
Olive tree’s response (vs.9)
:
Shall I leave the sweet, safe,
quiet, useful pursuits and my
significant role, for the sake of
becoming a ruler?
No thank you!
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Olive tree
Olive tree
:
This tree was the most
useful of all the trees in the forest. A
tree yielding oil, used not only in food,
but in various ways in the worship of
God and in the consecration of men to
public office such as kings, and priests,
and prophets.
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Fig tree’s response (vs.11)
Fig tree’s response (vs.11)
:
Shall I leave my productive
service that is important to
others & myself to rule people?
No thank you!
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Fig tree
Fig tree
:
The fruit of this tree is the
sweetest or most luscious of all fruits. A
full-ripe fig, has an indescribable
sweetness; so much so that it is almost
impossible to eat it, till a considerable
time after it is gathered from the trees,
and has gone through an artificial
preparation.
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Vine’s response (vs.13)
Vine’s response (vs.13)
:
Shall I forsake my vital
contribution, which is
appreciated by God & men, to
rule over people?
No thank you!
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Vine
Vine
:
Wine was used for
worship, celebrations, banquets
and weddings, and in its proper
context and moderate usage; God
and people were pleased with it.
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Bramble’s response (vs.15)
Bramble’s response (vs.15)
:
If you make me king & follow me;
then you may expect protection
under my government. But if you
defy me, I will destroy you;
especially you men of Shechem!
YES thanks a lot; I’ll take the job!
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Bramble
Bramble
:
This was a rough, prickly
shrub or bush that was too low to
give shelter to any tree; and so far
from being able to consume others,
that the smallest fire will reduce it
to ashes in a short time.
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
Jotham’s judgment (vs. 19-20)
Jotham’s judgment (vs. 19-20)
:
If you have done right by Gideon &
his sons then you & Abimelech will
be alright, but if not; you &
Abimelech will be at war &
eventually destroy each other.
(Judges 9:22-23; 49-56)
(Judges 9:22-23; 49-56)
INTERPRETATIONS
INTERPRETATIONS
What was the parable depicting?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
The conspiracy of Abimelech & the
The conspiracy of Abimelech & the
men of Shechem to set up
men of Shechem to set up
Abimelech’s kingdom & erase
Abimelech’s kingdom & erase
Gideon’s seed; thus leading to their
Gideon’s seed; thus leading to their
own destruction.
own destruction.
What was the lesson or moral of
the parable?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
Those who seek to fight against
Those who seek to fight against
others & unlawfully take what
others & unlawfully take what
doesn’t belong to them, will one
doesn’t belong to them, will one
day be cut down.
day be cut down.
Those who are most unfaithful and
worthless in private life, are often
most anxious for promotion to
public life; and those who promote
them, may expect through them to
reap the fruit of their folly.
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
Of the Bible
“THE TARES OF THE
FIELD”
(Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)
(Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43)
PARABLE #4
PARABLE #4
The sower
The sower
:
Who does the
sower represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
JESUS
JESUS
The enemy
The enemy
:
Who does the
enemy represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
SATAN
SATAN
The reapers
The reapers
:
Who does the
reapers represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
ANGELS
ANGELS
The servants
The servants
:
Who does
the servants represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
Other ANGELS
Other ANGELS
The field
The field
:
What does the field
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
THE WORLD
THE WORLD
The tares
The tares
:
Who does the tares
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
Unbelievers / Sinners /
Unbelievers / Sinners /
Wicked people
Wicked people
The good seed
The good seed
:
Who does the
good seed represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
SAINTS / BELIEVERS
SAINTS / BELIEVERS
The wheat
The wheat
:
Who does the wheat
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
SAINTS (Growing body of
SAINTS (Growing body of
believers)
believers)
The harvest
The harvest
:
What does the
harvest represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
END OF THE WORLD
END OF THE WORLD
To whom was the parable
directed?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES
MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES
What was the parable depicting?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
Jesus
Jesus
who first planted the
who first planted the
gospel in the world, sent forth
gospel in the world, sent forth
his saints to be witnesses in the
his saints to be witnesses in the
world & church.
world & church.
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
The unbelieving sinners being
The unbelieving sinners being
influenced by Satan, oppose the
influenced by Satan, oppose the
saints & try to discredit their
saints & try to discredit their
ministry and the work of the
ministry and the work of the
gospel.
gospel.
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
The
The
righteous and the wicked
righteous and the wicked
will remain in the world &
will remain in the world &
church until the end comes
church until the end comes
when God will separate the
when God will separate the
wicked unto eternal damnation
wicked unto eternal damnation
& the righteous to eternal
& the righteous to eternal
happiness.
happiness.
What was the lesson or moral of
the parable?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
The children of God will not go
The children of God will not go
unrewarded and the children of
unrewarded and the children of
Satan will not go unpunished.
Satan will not go unpunished.
What was the lesson or moral of
the parable?
PARABLE MESSAGE
PARABLE MESSAGE
God knows those who are his
God knows those who are his
and one day God will clean up
and one day God will clean up
church and the world.
church and the world.
Of the Bible
“THE BARREN FIG
TREE”
(Luke 13:6-9)
(Luke 13:6-9)
PARABLE #5
PARABLE #5
To whom was the parable
directed?
AUDIENCE
AUDIENCE
MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES
MULTITUDE / DISCIPLES
(Luke 13:1; 12:1)
(Luke 13:1; 12:1)
The vineyard owner
The vineyard owner
:
Who
does he represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
GOD: Father / Jesus
GOD: Father / Jesus
The dresser
The dresser
:
Who does he
represent?
MAIN CHARACTERS
MAIN CHARACTERS
Jesus / Ministers /
Jesus / Ministers /
Leaders
Leaders
The fig tree
The fig tree
:
What does it
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
Jews / Unprofitable servants
Jews / Unprofitable servants
The vineyard
The vineyard
:
What does it
represent?
KEY ELEMENTS
KEY ELEMENTS
Judea / Wider communities /
Judea / Wider communities /
The world
The world
Vineyard owner:
God the Father
The dresser:
Jesus
Fig tree:
Jews
Vineyard:
Judea
Summary of theory 1
Summary of theory 1
Vineyard owner:
Jesus
The dresser:
Ministers / Leaders
Fig tree:
Unprofitable servants
Vineyard:
Communities / World
Summary of theory 2
Summary of theory 2
God placed his messengers to win souls, be
witnesses & work for him; but some have not
done anything. As a result the request to
remove the unprofitable messengers was
given, but the plea came to give opportunity
for repentance & growth. If results come then
fine; but if no results come, then the
messengers shall be removed or judged.
INTERPRETATION
INTERPRETATION
If those who enjoy the means of
grace neglect them, and bring forth
no fruits of holiness, God, in due
time, will remove all such blessings
from them, and leave them to
endless barrenness and death.
LESSON APPLICATIONS
LESSON APPLICATIONS
An exploration of parables in the Bible, delving into the Hebrew and Greek words for parable, examples from Job and Matthew, and the different English words used for "parable." The significance of parables in conveying general truths and teachings is highlighted through references from the Old and New Testaments.
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Presentation Transcript
PARABLES Of the Bible
DEFINING A PARABLE The Hebrew word for parable: MASHAL (MAWSHAWL) Simile; poem; proverb; adage a short statement expressing a general truth. A saying usually of metaphorical nature. - The word occurs approx. 39 times in the O.T. - EXAMPLE: Job 27:1; 29:1
Job 27:1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, Job 29:1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
English Words used in KJV for MASHAL proverb (19 times) parable (18 times) byword (1 time) like (1 time)
DEFINING A PARABLE One Greek word for parable: PARABOLE (PARABOLAY) Simile; proverb; adage; comparison; placing beside or together A narrative usually of fictitious nature. - The word occurs approx. 50 times in the N.T. - EXAMPLE: Matt. 15:15; 24:32
Matt. 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. Mt 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
English Words used in KJV for PARABOLE proverb parable figure comparison (1 time) (1 time) (46 times) (2 times)
DEFINING A PARABLE Another Greek word for parable: PAROIMIA (PAR-OY-MEE-AH) Proverb; adage An illustration usually of fictitious nature. - The word occurs approx. 4 times in the N.T. - EXAMPLE: John 10:6; 16:25
John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
English Words used in KJV for PAROIMIA proverb parable (3 times) (1 time)
PARABLES Of the Bible
WORKING DEFINITION A parable is an utterance that involves a comparison
WORKING DEFINITION A parable is an illustration of one subject by another
WORKING DEFINITION A parable is a symbolic story, saying or narrative of common life that conveys a moral or a lesson
INTERPRETING PARABLES REMEMBER that parables sometimes denote: a true history, or an illustrative sketch from nature; sometimes a proverb or adage; a truth darkly or figuratively expressed; a type; or a figure.
INTERPRETING PARABLES In the interpretation of a parable, its primary truth, main scope and lesson are chiefly to be considered. The minute particulars and details of the parable are not the main focus, but the meaning behind it.
INTERPRETING PARABLES The THREE main questions to ask are: (1) What is the parable saying? (2) What did it mean then? (3) What is applicable to my life?
WHY SPEAK IN PARABLES? PARABLES ARE JUST ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING THINGS THAT YOU EXPECT THOSE WHO NEED TO KNOW, WILL KNOW; & THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO KNOW; WILL NOT KNOW (MATTHEW 13:10-16)
A Familiar O.T. Parable The rich man, the poor man & the little lamb (2 Samuel 12:1-9)
MAIN CHARACTERS The rich man: Who does he represent? DAVID
MAIN CHARACTERS The poor man: Who does he represent? URIAH
MAIN CHARACTERS The ewe lamb: Who does the lamb represent? BATHSHEBA
PARABLE MESSAGE To whom was the parable directed? What was the parable depicting? What was the lesson or moral of the parable?
A Familiar N.T. Parable THE SOWER (Matthew 13:1-23)
MAIN CHARACTER The sower: Who does the sower represent? EVANGELIST, PREACHER, WITNESS, BELIEVER
KEY ELEMENTS The seed: What does the seed represent? THE WORD, THE GOSPEL
KEY ELEMENTS The way side: What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears but does not understand and is then distracted by the devil
KEY ELEMENTS The stony places: What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message but was not rooted & grounded
KEY ELEMENTS The thorny places: What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message but was overwhelmed by circumstances & falls away
KEY ELEMENTS The good ground: What does it represent & what happened? A person who hears, understands & receives message & is a doer of the word, grows by it & produces more fruit.
PARABLE MESSAGE To whom was the parable directed? MULTITUDES (EVERYONE)
PARABLE MESSAGE What was the parable depicting? The various responses & results than can occur when the word is preached.
PARABLE MESSAGE What was the lesson or moral of the parable? Spread the Word (gospel) and it will accomplish what it wills. The results will speak for themselves.
PARABLE #3 THE TREES (Judges 9:1-21)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Who was the speaker of the parable? JOTHAM (Judges 9:7)
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Who was Jotham? The youngest son of Jerubbaal & brother of Abimelech (Judges 9:1-5)
AUDIENCE To whom was the parable directed? THE MEN OF SHECHEM (Judges 9:7)
KEY ELEMENTS The trees: Who does the trees represent? THE MEN OF ISRAEL (Judges 8:22-23)
KEY ELEMENTS The olive tree: Who does the olive tree represent? GIDEON (Judges 8:22-23)
KEY ELEMENTS How does Gideon fit into this picture? Gideon is Jerubbaal!! (Judges 7:1; 8:35)
KEY ELEMENTS How does Gideon relate to the other characters? Gideon is the father of Jotham & Abimelech (Judges 8:30-31; 9:1;5)
KEY ELEMENTS The fig tree: Who does the fig tree represent? GIDEON S SON (Judges 8:22-23)
KEY ELEMENTS The vine: Who does the vine represent? GIDEON S GRANDSON (Judges 8:22-23)
KEY ELEMENTS The bramble: Who does the bramble represent? ABIMELECH (Judges 9:16-18)
KEY ELEMENTS Cedars of Lebanon: Who does the cedars represent? THE MEN OF SHECHEM (Judges 9:15; 20)
INTERPRETATIONS Olive tree s response (vs.9): Shall I leave the sweet, safe, quiet, useful pursuits and my significant role, for the sake of becoming a ruler? No thank you!
INTERPRETATIONS Olive tree: This tree was the most useful of all the trees in the forest. A tree yielding oil, used not only in food, but in various ways in the worship of God and in the consecration of men to public office such as kings, and priests, and prophets.
INTERPRETATIONS Fig tree s response (vs.11): Shall I leave my productive service that is important to others & myself to rule people? No thank you!
INTERPRETATIONS Fig tree: The fruit of this tree is the sweetest or most luscious of all fruits. A full-ripe fig, has an indescribable sweetness; so much so that it is almost impossible to eat it, till a considerable time after it is gathered from the trees, and has gone through an artificial preparation.
INTERPRETATIONS Vine s response (vs.13): Shall I forsake my vital contribution, which is appreciated by God & men, to rule over people? No thank you!
