There are about a dozen different words translated 'thorns,' and 'thistles,' showing how plentiful these results of the curse are in this sin-stained world. The different species cannot be identified with most of the Hebrew words. The thistle is used to signify a worthless person in the parable of Jehoash, king of Israel. 2 Kings 14:9 . Thorns are often mentioned as growing up in places given to desolation.
The Hebrew word atad, translated 'thorns' in Psalm 58:9 , and 'bramble' in Judges 9:14,15 , has been identified with the Lycium Europaeum, this and the L. afrum are both found in Palestine. Its identification seems to be confirmed by the Arabs calling the plant atad , but it is also known by the name of ausej .
In the millennium, "instead of the thorn shall come up the myrtle tree." Genesis 3:18; Isaiah 32:13; Isaiah 55:13; etc. See CROWN OF THORNS.