daf bit: Beitzah 25

A tangent in the g'mara: a tanna taught in the name of R. Meir: why was the torah given to Israel? Because they are impetuous (and thus needed its discipline). The school of R. Yishmael taught: "at his right hand was a fiery law unto them" (Deut 33:2), meaning: the Holy One, blessed be He, said: these are worthy to be given the fiery law. Some say: the laws of these are like fier, for had not the law been given to Israel, no nation could withstand it. R. Shimon ben Lakish (Reish Lakish) said: there are three distinguished in strength: Israel among the nations, the dog among animals, and the cock among birds. Some add: also the goat among small cattle, and also the caper-bush among shrubs. (25b)

(I had to look up that last one. A caper-bush apparently grows very quickly.)