2 Kings 14:9

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.

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}.

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.

But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: โ€œA thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, โ€˜Give your daughter to my son in marriage.โ€™ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle.

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

Commentary on 2 Kings 14:9 (KJV)

2 Kings 14:9 presents a significant parable, or fable, delivered by Jehoash, King of Israel, to Amaziah, King of Judah. This verse captures a pivotal moment of political tension and serves as a powerful warning against arrogance and misjudgment.

Context

This passage is set during the divided monarchy period in ancient Israel. Amaziah, king of the southern Kingdom of Judah, had recently achieved a significant military victory over the Edomites in the Valley of Salt (2 Kings 14:7). Emboldened by this success, and perhaps due to lingering animosity or a desire to restore Judah's former glory, Amaziah rashly challenged Jehoash, king of the northern Kingdom of Israel, to war. Jehoash's response in 2 Kings 14:9 is a dismissive and condescending parable, designed to highlight Amaziah's perceived insignificance and to warn him against a conflict he could not win.

Key Themes

  • Arrogance and Presumption: Amaziah's challenge, born out of recent victory, is seen by Jehoash as an act of unwarranted pride. The parable itself is a stark illustration of how the powerful (cedar) view the weak (thistle).
  • Warning and Consequences: Jehoash's fable is not merely an insult but a clear warning. The "thistle" (Amaziah/Judah) presumptuously seeks an alliance with the "cedar" (Jehoash/Israel), only to be effortlessly trampled by a "wild beast." This foreshadows the inevitable defeat Amaziah would suffer, as recorded later in 2 Kings 14:12.
  • Power Dynamics: The imagery of the majestic cedar of Lebanon versus the lowly thistle vividly portrays the perceived disparity in strength between the two kingdoms. The cedar was a symbol of strength, stability, and royalty, while the thistle was a common, thorny, and easily destroyed weed.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "thistle" is choach (ื—ื•ื—), which refers to a thorny plant or briar, often used to symbolize worthlessness or danger. "Cedar" is erez (ืืจื–), denoting the majestic, strong, and highly valued cedar trees of Lebanon, which frequently symbolize power and prominence in biblical texts. The setting of "Lebanon" is significant as it was known for both its magnificent cedars and its wild animals, making the parable's imagery both fitting and menacing.

Practical Application

The narrative of 2 Kings 14:9 offers timeless lessons for contemporary life:

  • Beware of Pride: Amaziah's overconfidence after a minor victory led him to challenge a stronger foe. This illustrates the biblical principle that "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). It reminds us to remain humble even in success.
  • Assess Situations Realistically: Jehoash's parable urges us to accurately evaluate our own strength and that of our potential adversaries or challenges. Misjudging power dynamics can lead to avoidable defeat.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Conflict: Sometimes, the wisest course of action is to avoid confrontation, especially when the odds are stacked against you. Amaziah's refusal to heed Jehoash's warning resulted in significant loss for Judah.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 9:8 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 31:18 (2 votes)

    (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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    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.