2 Kings 14:9

KJV

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that [was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoash {H3060} the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} sent {H7971} to Amaziah {H558} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, saying {H559}, The thistle {H2336} that was in Lebanon {H3844} sent {H7971} to the cedar {H730} that was in Lebanon {H3844}, saying {H559}, Give {H5414} thy daughter {H1323} to my son {H1121} to wife {H802}: and there passed {H5674} by a wild {H7704} beast {H2416} that was in Lebanon {H3844}, and trode down {H7429} the thistle {H2336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'ho'ash the king of Isra'el sent this reply to Amatzyah king of Y'hudah: "Once, in the L'vanon, the thistle sent a message to the cedar: 'Give your daughter to my son in marriage.' But a wild animal passed by the thistle and squashed it.

Berean Standard Bible

But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle.

American Standard Version

And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jehoash of Israel delivers a potent parable to King Amaziah of Judah, who, emboldened by a recent military victory, rashly challenged Israel to war. The parable depicts a humble thistle in Lebanon presumptuously proposing a marriage alliance with a grand cedar from the same region. Before the union can occur, a wild beast passes by and effortlessly tramples the thistle. This vivid allegory serves as a sharp, condescending warning from Jehoash, likening Amaziah's audacious challenge to the thistle's folly, foreshadowing Judah's inevitable and humiliating defeat at the hands of the more powerful northern kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context places this verse squarely within a tense diplomatic exchange between the northern and southern kingdoms. [2 Kings 14](/2_kings/14 "2 Kings 14 - Reign of Amaziah and Jehoash") opens with Amaziah's reign in Judah, highlighting his initial obedience to the Lord, though not perfectly. His significant victory over Edom in the Valley of Salt, recounted in [2 Kings 14:7](/2_kings/14-7 "2 Kings 14:7 - Amaziah's Victory over Edom"), fuels his hubris. This success directly precedes his challenge to Jehoash of Israel in [2 Kings 14:8](/2_kings/14-8 "2 Kings 14:8 - Amaziah Challenges Jehoash"). Jehoash's parable in [2 Kings 14:9](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9 - Jehoash's Parable to Amaziah") is his immediate, sharp, and dismissive reply, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict where Judah is decisively defeated, as detailed in [2 Kings 14:11-12](/2_kings/14-11 "2 Kings 14:11-12 - Amaziah's Defeat"). The narrative structure emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between Amaziah's pride and his downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This period, roughly the late 9th to early 8th century BCE, marks a time of continued tension and occasional conflict between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. While both nations shared a common heritage, political rivalries and differing allegiances often led to confrontation. The "cedar of Lebanon" was a well-known symbol of strength, majesty, and prosperity in the ancient Near East, often associated with royalty and divine favor (e.g., Solomon's temple used cedar from Lebanon, as seen in [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Solomon's Request for Cedar")). Conversely, the "thistle" represented something common, weak, and easily destroyed. The mention of "Lebanon" grounds the parable in familiar imagery, as it was renowned for its forests and wild animals. The idea of a marriage alliance between nations, though here presented ironically, was a common diplomatic strategy to secure peace or influence, making the thistle's proposal particularly audacious and absurd in the context of the power disparity.
* **Key Themes:** The parable in this verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "The Book of 2 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the theme of **pride and its consequences**, vividly illustrated by Amaziah's overconfidence leading to his downfall. His challenge, born of hubris after a minor victory, mirrors the biblical warning that "pride goes before destruction" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). The narrative also explores **divine sovereignty and human folly**, as Amaziah's actions are presented as foolish in the face of a stronger, divinely permitted adversary. Furthermore, the **power dynamics between Israel and Judah** are highlighted, with Israel (the cedar) clearly asserting its dominance over Judah (the thistle), underscoring the political realities of the time and the shifting fortunes of the two kingdoms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thistle (Hebrew, _khoach'_):** This word (חוח) refers to a thorny, prickly plant or briar, often found in neglected fields. In biblical usage, it frequently symbolizes worthlessness, desolation, or danger (e.g., [Isaiah 34:13](/isaiah/34-13 "Isaiah 34:13 - Thistles in Desolation")). Here, it is used metaphorically to represent Amaziah and the kingdom of Judah, portraying them as insignificant, easily overcome, and ultimately, a nuisance. Jehoash's choice of this imagery is deliberately demeaning, stripping Amaziah of any perceived dignity or strength.
* **Cedar (Hebrew, _erez'_):** The cedar (ארז) of Lebanon was renowned throughout the ancient world for its immense size, strength, durability, and majestic appearance. It was a highly valued timber, used in royal palaces and temples (e.g., [1 Kings 6:9](/1_kings/6-9 "1 Kings 6:9 - Cedar for the Temple")). In Scripture, the cedar often symbolizes power, prominence, stability, and even pride (e.g., [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - Righteous Flourish Like Cedars")). In this parable, the cedar represents Jehoash and the kingdom of Israel, asserting their superior strength and unassailable position compared to Judah.
* **Wild Beast (Hebrew, _chayat hassadeh'_):** This phrase (חית השדה) literally means "beast of the field" and refers to wild, untamed animals, often predators. In the context of the parable, the wild beast is an external, unpredictable, and overwhelming force that effortlessly destroys the thistle. It symbolizes the inevitable and crushing defeat that awaits Amaziah, emphasizing the ease with which a stronger power (Israel) could overcome Judah, or perhaps even a divine judgment that would allow such a defeat. The beast's casual act of trampling underscores the thistle's utter insignificance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying":** This opening clause establishes the direct communication between the two monarchs, setting the stage for the parable. It highlights the formal nature of the challenge and response, even as Jehoash's reply is deeply informal and insulting. The sending of a message indicates a diplomatic exchange, albeit one that quickly devolves into a thinly veiled threat.
* **"The thistle that [was] in Lebanon sent to the cedar that [was] in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife":** This is the core of Jehoash's parable. The "thistle" (Amaziah/Judah) is depicted as making an absurd and presumptuous marriage proposal to the "cedar" (Jehoash/Israel). A marriage alliance would imply equality and mutual benefit, but the imagery immediately negates this, emphasizing the vast disparity in power and status. The thistle's audacious request underscores Amaziah's overestimation of his own strength and underestimation of Israel's. The setting "in Lebanon" reinforces the natural hierarchy and common environment of these plants.
* **"and there passed by a wild beast that [was] in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle":** This final clause delivers the parable's devastating punchline and warning. The "wild beast" represents an overwhelming, destructive force—in this context, likely Jehoash's army, or perhaps the inevitable consequences of Amaziah's foolishness. The act of "troding down" (Hebrew: _ramas_) signifies a complete and effortless crushing, emphasizing the thistle's vulnerability and the ease with which it is annihilated. This swift destruction serves as a clear prophecy of Judah's impending defeat, highlighting the futility of Amaziah's challenge and the severe consequences of his pride.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Kings 14:9](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9 - Jehoash's Parable to Amaziah") is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Allegory** or **Fable**, where the characters (thistle, cedar, wild beast) and their actions represent deeper political and theological realities. The thistle symbolizes Amaziah and the kingdom of Judah, the cedar represents Jehoash and the kingdom of Israel, and the wild beast foreshadows the destructive power of Israel's army. This use of **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the cedar embodying strength, majesty, and dominance, while the thistle signifies weakness, insignificance, and vulnerability. The phrase "in Lebanon" adds a layer of **Irony**, as Lebanon was famous for its majestic cedars, making the thistle's presence and ambition there even more out of place. The entire parable functions as **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting the outcome of the impending conflict between Judah and Israel, where Amaziah's forces are indeed "trodden down" by Jehoash's army, as recorded in [2 Kings 14:12](/2_kings/14-12 "2 Kings 14:12 - Amaziah's Defeat"). The concise nature of the parable also demonstrates Jehoash's **Rhetorical Skill**, delivering a powerful and dismissive warning without resorting to lengthy explanations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of Jehoash's parable extend beyond mere political warning; they touch upon the profound biblical themes of divine judgment on human pride and the consequences of foolish counsel. Amaziah's arrogance, fueled by a recent victory, blinds him to the true power dynamics and the wisdom of humility. The parable implicitly suggests that God often allows the proud to fall, using even human adversaries as instruments of correction or judgment. It underscores the principle that true strength and security come not from self-exaltation but from acknowledging one's place before God and exercising wisdom in all endeavors. The swift and decisive trampling of the thistle serves as a stark reminder that human boasting is fleeting and ultimately powerless against superior forces, whether human or divine.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like Cedars")
* [Isaiah 2:13](/isaiah/2-13 "Isaiah 2:13 - Cedars as Symbols of Pride")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoash's parable in [2 Kings 14:9](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9 - Jehoash's Parable to Amaziah") offers timeless wisdom for navigating personal and relational challenges. It serves as a potent reminder that inflated self-perception, especially after a minor success, can lead to disastrous outcomes. Like Amaziah, we can become so consumed by our own achievements or perceived strengths that we fail to accurately assess reality, leading us to engage in conflicts or pursuits for which we are ill-equipped. This passage calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true strength lies not in boasting or challenging others, but in prudent self-awareness and reliance on divine wisdom. It encourages us to avoid unnecessary confrontations, to choose peace over pride, and to carefully weigh the potential consequences of our actions, understanding that folly often invites its own destruction. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider whether our aspirations are rooted in realistic assessment and humble dependence, or in a dangerous overestimation of our own capabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like the "thistle," overestimating my strength or challenging situations unwisely?**
* **How can I cultivate genuine humility, especially after experiencing success or achievement?**
* **What are the "wild beasts" in my life—the inevitable consequences or overwhelming forces—that might "trod down" my prideful endeavors?**
* **How does this parable encourage me to seek wise counsel and avoid unnecessary conflict?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific challenge Amaziah issued to Jehoash?**

Answer: Amaziah's challenge, found in [2 Kings 14:8](/2_kings/14-8 "2 Kings 14:8 - Amaziah Challenges Jehoash"), was a direct provocation: "Come, let us look one another in the face." This was a formal declaration of war, inviting Jehoash to a direct military confrontation. Amaziah, fresh from his victory over the Edomites ([2 Kings 14:7](/2_kings/14-7 "2 Kings 14:7 - Amaziah's Victory over Edom")), likely felt emboldened and perhaps sought to reassert Judah's dominance or reclaim territory lost to Israel.

**Why did Jehoash respond with a parable instead of a direct refusal or threat?**

Answer: Jehoash's use of a parable was a highly effective rhetorical strategy. It allowed him to convey a dismissive, condescending, and prophetic warning without engaging in a lengthy debate. The imagery of the thistle and cedar immediately established the vast power disparity between Judah and Israel in Jehoash's eyes. By using a fable, he could mock Amaziah's audacity, highlight his perceived insignificance, and clearly foreshadow the inevitable defeat without explicitly stating, "I will crush you." It was a sophisticated way to communicate his contempt and the futility of Amaziah's challenge, demonstrating his own perceived superiority and wisdom.

**What happened after this exchange?**

Answer: Despite Jehoash's clear warning, Amaziah refused to listen, likely because "it was of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom" ([2 Chronicles 25:20](/2_chronicles/25-20 "2 Chronicles 25:20 - Amaziah's Idolatry and Downfall")). As a result, Jehoash marched his army to Judah. The two armies met at Beth-shemesh, where Judah was decisively defeated, and Amaziah was captured. Jehoash then marched to Jerusalem, broke down a significant portion of the city wall, plundered the temple and the king's house, and took hostages before returning to Samaria, as detailed in [2 Kings 14:11-14](/2_kings/14-11 "2 Kings 14:11-14 - Amaziah's Defeat and Jehoash's Plunder"). The parable's prediction of the thistle being "trodden down" was fulfilled literally and humiliatingly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Kings 14:9](/2_kings/14-9 "2 Kings 14:9 - Jehoash's Parable to Amaziah") primarily serves as a historical warning against human pride and folly, its underlying themes resonate with the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The contrast between the weak and the strong, the humble and the proud, finds its ultimate reversal and redefinition in the person of Jesus. Unlike Amaziah, who sought glory through military might, Christ exemplified true strength through humility and self-sacrifice. He is the majestic "root of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:10](/isaiah/11-10 "Isaiah 11:10 - The Root of Jesse")), the true "cedar" of God's kingdom, yet He "made himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not trample the weak, but rather lifted them up, declaring that "blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Beatitude of the Meek")). The "wild beast" that trampled the thistle foreshadows the destructive power of sin and death, which Christ definitively conquered, not by force, but by His obedient death on the cross and triumphant resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Thus, the parable, though depicting human arrogance and its downfall, ultimately points to the divine humility and redemptive power of the true King, who, though mighty, chose to be "trodden down" for our salvation, transforming weakness into ultimate victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 9:8

The trees went forth [on a time] to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us.

Judges 9:15

And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, [then] come [and] put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

1 Samuel 13:6

When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.

Ezekiel 20:49

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

Job 31:18

(For from my youth he was brought up with me, as [with] a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)

2 Samuel 12:1

¶ And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Samuel 12:4

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.