Contradiction with Judges 9:8-9
In these verses, the olive tree refuses to reign over the trees, valuing its oil more highly. This contrasts with the sentiment in Judges 9:12, where a different tree is invited to reign, highlighting variance in leadership acceptance among trees.
Judges 9:8-9: The trees went forth [on a time] to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.
Contradiction with Judges 9:10-11
In this passage, the fig tree also refuses kingship to preserve its sweetness, opposing the interest in leadership that might be inferred or sought in Judges 9:12.
Judges 9:10-11: And the trees said to the fig tree, Come thou, [and] reign over us.
Contradiction with Judges 8:22-23
Gideon refuses to rule over Israel, stating that the LORD will rule over them, which contradicts the trees actively seeking a ruler in Judges 9:12.
Judges 8:22-23: Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 8:6-7
The LORD tells Samuel to heed the people's request for a king, contrasting Judges 9:12 where trees (figuratively people) are asking trees to reign over them, whereas God originally saw Himself as their king.
1 Samuel 8:6-7: But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. [displeased: Heb. was evil in the eyes of]
Contradiction with Matthew 20:25-26
Jesus mentions that rulers of the Gentiles lord over them and contrasts it with his disciples not doing the same, presenting a servant leadership model that contradicts the potential for domineering leadership sought in Judges 9:12.
Matthew 20:25-26: But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Contradiction with John 6:15
Jesus withdraws from those wanting to make him king by force, contrasting the pursuit of rule in Judges 9:12.
John 6:15: When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:5-7
Paul speaks of Jesus not grasping at authority but taking a servant form, which opposes the act of seeking kingship as in Judges 9:12.
Philippians 2:5-7: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: