Topical Encyclopedia
The cedar-tree, particularly the cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing strength, majesty, and beauty. This evergreen conifer is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its prominence in the ancient Near East and its symbolic resonance in biblical literature.
Biblical References and SymbolismThe cedar-tree is first mentioned in the context of the construction of sacred spaces. In
1 Kings 5:6, Solomon requests cedars from Lebanon for the building of the Temple, highlighting the tree's association with durability and grandeur: "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants according to whatever you say." The use of cedar wood in the Temple construction underscores its status as a material worthy of divine habitation.
Cedar-trees are also emblematic of power and prosperity. In
Psalm 92:12, the righteous are compared to the cedar: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This imagery conveys the idea of spiritual vitality and steadfastness, qualities that are enduring and deeply rooted.
The prophets often used the cedar-tree as a metaphor for pride and human arrogance. In
Ezekiel 31:3, Assyria is likened to a cedar in Lebanon, towering and majestic, yet ultimately subject to God's judgment: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top above the thick foliage." This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power when set against divine sovereignty.
Cultural and Historical ContextCedar-trees were highly valued in the ancient world for their aromatic wood, resistance to decay, and impressive size. The cedars of Lebanon, in particular, were renowned and sought after by various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Israelites. The wood was used not only in construction but also in shipbuilding and the crafting of idols and furniture.
The cedar's significance extends beyond its physical properties to its role in religious and cultural symbolism. Its towering presence and evergreen nature made it a fitting representation of eternal life and divine majesty. The cedar's fragrance and incorruptibility further contributed to its association with purity and holiness.
Theological ImplicationsIn biblical theology, the cedar-tree serves as a powerful symbol of God's creation, reflecting His glory and the beauty of His handiwork. Its frequent use in the construction of sacred spaces and its metaphorical application in Scripture underscore the cedar's role as a testament to God's enduring presence and the strength He imparts to His people.
The cedar-tree's imagery also serves as a cautionary tale against human pride and self-reliance. While the cedar stands as a symbol of strength, it is ultimately subject to the Creator's will, reminding believers of the importance of humility and dependence on God.
In summary, the cedar-tree in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing strength, beauty, and divine presence, while also serving as a reminder of the limitations of human power in the face of God's eternal sovereignty.
Strong's Hebrew
730. erez -- a cedar...cedar tree. From 'araz; a
cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots) --
cedar (
tree). see HEBREW 'araz. 729, 730. erez. 731 . Strong's Numbers.
839. ashur -- perhaps boxwood (a kind of wood)
... Ashurite. Contracted for t'ashshuwr; thecedar tree or some other light elastic
wood -- Ashurite. see HEBREW t'ashshuwr. 838, 839. ashur or ashurim. 840 ....
Library
On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... be peculiar sacrifice unto God. The smoke of thecedar tree drives away
all the poison of the serpent. Still more the poison of...
The Great Gain of Godliness
... And he spake of trees, from thecedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop
that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl and of...
The Justice of God
... Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but
one essence. Acedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar....
That Christ is the Hand and Arm of God.
... I will establish in the land of drought thecedar-tree and the box-tree, and the
myrtle and the cypress, and the elm [3953] and the poplar, that they may see...
The Next Morning Dawned with all the Strange Half Mystical Glow of...
... She was near an ancientcedar-tree whose dark spreading boughs, glistening with
the early morning dew, sparkled like a jewelled canopy in the sun,"at her...
Deliverance from Assyria
... The prophet Ezekiel, carrying farther the figure of a noblecedar tree, plainly
foretold the fall of Assyria because of its pride and cruelty. He declared:...
The Outcast
... Nor the myrtle where we must tread; Nor to make the fir and thecedar tree. A shadow
above our head. But Thou carest that through the golden street....
Solomon
... And he spake of trees, from thecedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop
that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of...
The Preacher as a Patriot.
... The idolmaker, he says, has a fine ash or oak orcedar-tree, and makes a pretty
idol with it; but with the same wood he lights his fire and cooks his dinner...
Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
... The Synod was held in a tanner's cottage, under acedar tree; and the guiding spirit
Gregory the Patriarch, for his dream was haunting him still....
Thesaurus
Cedar-tree (2 Occurrences)Cedar-
tree. Cedars,
Cedar-
tree. Cedar-trees . Multi-Version
Concordance
Cedar-
tree (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 4:33 And
...Cedar-trees (11 Occurrences)
Cedar-trees.Cedar-tree, Cedar-trees. Cedarwood . Multi-Version Concordance...
(BBE).Cedar-tree, Cedar-trees. Cedarwood . Reference Bible.
Cedars (37 Occurrences)
Pedestals (1 Occurrence)
... Pedestals (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 5:15 His legs are as pillars of stone on
a base of delicate gold; his looks are as Lebanon, beautiful as thecedar-tree....
Boy (94 Occurrences)
... One of the most ancient customs was the planting of acedartree on this occasion.
See CHILD; FAMILY; SON. Jacob W. Kapp. Multi-Version Concordance...
Columns (17 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Song of Songs 5:15 His legs are as pillars of stone on a base of delicate
gold; his looks are as Lebanon, beautiful as thecedar-tree. (See RSV)....
Alabaster (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Song of Songs 5:15 His legs are as pillars of stone on a base of delicate
gold; his looks are as Lebanon, beautiful as thecedar-tree. (See NAS RSV)....
Springeth (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:33 And he spake of trees, from thecedartree that is in Lebanon even
unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of...
Fishes (32 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 4:33 And he spake of trees, from thecedartree that is in Lebanon even
unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of...
Solomon (277 Occurrences)
... And he spake of trees, from thecedartree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop
that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of...
Resources
What are the cedars of Lebanon the Bible mentions? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about dinosaurs? Are there dinosaurs in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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