The thistle that was ...

The bible is without question the greatest book ever written.

Over the years I have heard people say variously that it contains information and experience on all (that is all) facet of life. And that no matter what sort of literature is your kettle of fish, you will find it in the bible. In short, it has that most elusive of all qualities: being all things to all people.

Back to literature, it contains romance, war, espionage, crime, plots and counter-plots, subterfuge, double and triple-cross, history, religion, rise and fall of dynasties and kingdoms, one could go on and on.

Its entertainment value can not be put to the question, or where else can one get a quote as smooth and funny (while being serious) as the following:

"The thistle that was in Lebanon said to the cedar in Lebanon ..."

2 Chronicles Chapter 25 verse 18:
And Joash 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.

What Joash was actually saying to Amaziah was:
        "Amaziah, you punny weed! I am gonna smoke you like grass!" OR
        "Amaziah, you lil' rodent! I am gonna have you for dessert!" OR
        "Amaziah, ol' boy. You ain't ready for the big boys league, y'know!"

Background to the Bible verse quoted above
Amaziah king of Judah had gone after other gods, and God made up His mind to destroy him. So he (Amaziah) insisted (even though he was warned) on facing a greater king (Joash) than he. In the end, it was his waterloo.

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