Thorns and Thistles
Thorns and Thistles
Fig. 330Thorn Bush: Zizyphus Spina Christ
There are a considerable number of words in Scripture which have been considered to indicate brambles, briers, thorns, thistles. Rabbinical writers state that there are no less than twenty-two words in the Bible signifying thorny and prickly plants; but some of these are probably so interpreted only because they are unknown, and may merely denote insignificant shrubs.
The cut given above represents the Zizyphus Spina Christi of which Hasselquist says, ‘In all probability this is the tree which afforded the crown of thorns put upon the head of Christ. It is very common in the East. This plant is very fit for the purpose, for it has many small and sharp spines, which are well adapted to give pain: the crown might easily be made of these soft, round, and pliant branches; and what in my opinion seems to be the greater proof is, that the leaves very much resemble those of ivy, as they are of a very deep glossy green. Perhaps the enemies of Christ would have a plant somewhat resembling that with which emperors and generals were crowned, that there might be a calumny even in the punishment.’