Commentators unanimously explain this parable as a stinging insult. King Jehoash of Israel compares himself to a mighty cedar and King Amaziah of Judah to a lowly, weak thistle. The idea of a thistle demanding a marriage alliance with a cedar was absurd, just as Jehoash viewed Amaziah's challenge. The 'wild beast' represents Israel's army, which would effortlessly crush the 'thistle' of Judah.