Topical Bible: Parables of the Thistle and Cedar

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Parables of the Thistle and Cedar are found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 14:9 and 2 Chronicles 25:18. These parables are delivered by King Jehoash of Israel in response to a challenge from King Amaziah of Judah. The parables serve as a metaphorical warning against pride and overreaching ambition.

Context and Background

The historical context of these parables is a period of tension between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Amaziah, king of Judah, had recently achieved a military victory over the Edomites and, emboldened by his success, sought to challenge Jehoash, king of Israel. Jehoash's response to Amaziah's challenge is encapsulated in the parables of the thistle and the cedar.

Text of the Parables

In 2 Kings 14:9 , Jehoash sends a message to Amaziah: "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."

Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 25:18 , the parable is recounted: "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."

Interpretation and Themes

The parables employ vivid imagery to convey their message. The thistle represents Amaziah and his kingdom of Judah, while the cedar symbolizes Jehoash and the more powerful kingdom of Israel. The thistle's request for a marriage alliance with the cedar is an audacious move, highlighting Amaziah's inflated sense of self-importance following his victory over Edom. The wild beast that tramples the thistle serves as a metaphor for the inevitable downfall that comes from overestimating one's strength and challenging a more formidable opponent.

The parables underscore themes of humility and the dangers of pride. They serve as a cautionary tale against overreaching and the folly of engaging in conflicts without considering the potential consequences. The imagery of the thistle and cedar also reflects the broader biblical theme of the exaltation of the humble and the humbling of the proud, as seen in passages such as Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the parables of the thistle and cedar illustrate the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. They remind believers of the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance rather than relying solely on human strength and achievements. The parables also highlight the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

In the broader narrative of Scripture, these parables contribute to the understanding of God's justice and the moral order He has established. They serve as a reminder that human pride and ambition must be tempered by a recognition of God's ultimate authority and power.

Nave's Topical Index

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 your daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and stepped down the thistle.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... Some of our Lord's so-called parables are rather allegories; as ... The second is that
of Jehoash: "The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm