Cedar-work refers to the use of cedar wood in construction and craftsmanship, particularly in the context of biblical architecture and furnishings. Cedar, known for its durability, pleasant aroma, and resistance to decay and insects, was highly prized in the ancient Near East. The Bible frequently mentions cedar wood, highlighting its significance in the construction of sacred and royal structures.

Biblical References and Usage

1. Solomon's Temple: One of the most notable uses of cedar wood in the Bible is in the construction of Solomon's Temple. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, employed cedar extensively in building the temple in Jerusalem. The wood was imported from Lebanon, a region famous for its high-quality cedars. In 1 Kings 6:9-10 , it is recorded, "So he built the temple and finished it, and he covered the temple with beams and boards of cedar. He built chambers all around the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar."

2. Solomon's Palace: In addition to the temple, Solomon's own palace, known as the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," was constructed with cedar wood. This palace is described in 1 Kings 7:2-3 : "He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting cedar beams. The house was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the forty-five pillars, fifteen per row."

3. Symbol of Majesty and Strength: Cedar wood is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent majesty, strength, and beauty. 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 underscores the enduring and noble qualities associated with cedar.

4. Palatial and Sacred Furnishings: Beyond large structures, cedar was also used for various furnishings and decorative elements. In 1 Kings 6:18 , the interior of the temple is described: "The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible." This highlights the aesthetic and artistic value of cedar in sacred spaces.

5. Covenantal and Divine Associations: The use of cedar in the temple and other sacred contexts also carries covenantal significance. The temple, as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, was adorned with the finest materials, including cedar, to reflect the holiness and glory of God.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cedar trees, particularly the Cedars of Lebanon, were renowned in the ancient world for their quality and size. The procurement of cedar wood for Solomon's building projects involved diplomatic relations and trade with Hiram, the king of Tyre, as detailed in 1 Kings 5:6-10 . This exchange underscores the value and desirability of cedar wood in ancient construction.

In summary, cedar-work in the Bible is emblematic of divine majesty, human craftsmanship, and the intersection of the sacred and the royal. Its frequent mention in the context of significant biblical structures highlights its importance in the cultural and religious life of ancient Israel.731. arzah -- cedar panels, cedar work
... 730, 731. arzah. 732 . cedar panels, cedar work. Transliteration: arzah Phonetic
Spelling: (ar-zaw') Short Definition: work. Word Origin fem. ... cedar work. ...
/hebrew/731.htm - 6k

Deliverance from Assyria
... in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall
be in the thresholds: for He shall uncover the cedar work." Zephaniah 2:14. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
The English Church in the Eighteenth Century. <. ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Cedar-work (1 Occurrence)
Cedar-work. Cedar-wood, Cedar-work. Cedron . Multi-Version
Concordance Cedar-work (1 Occurrence). Zephaniah 2:14 And ...
/c/cedar-work.htm - 6k

Bittern (4 Occurrences)
... lodge in the capitals thereof; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation
shall be in the thresholds: for he hath laid bare the cedarwork." This should ...
/b/bittern.htm - 14k

Cedar-wood (22 Occurrences)
Cedar-wood. Cedarwood, Cedar-wood. Cedar-work . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Cedarwood, Cedar-wood. Cedar-work . Reference Bible.
/c/cedar-wood.htm - 12k

Knobs (9 Occurrences)
... of the nation, Both pelican and hedge-hog in her knobs lodge, A voice doth sing
at the window, 'Destruction 'is' at the threshold, For the cedar-work is exposed ...
/k/knobs.htm - 8k

Lintels (1 Occurrence)
... shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows;
desolation shall be in the thresholds; for he shall uncover the cedarwork. ...
/l/lintels.htm - 6k

Threshholds (3 Occurrences)
... shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows;
desolation shall be in the threshholds: for he shall uncover the cedarwork. ...
/t/threshholds.htm - 7k

Droves (17 Occurrences)
... of the nation, Both pelican and hedge-hog in her knobs lodge, A voice doth sing
at the window, 'Destruction 'is' at the threshold, For the cedar-work is exposed ...
/d/droves.htm - 11k

Pelican (5 Occurrences)
... in the capitals thereof; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall
be in the thresholds: for he hath laid bare the cedar-work." Gene Stratton ...
/p/pelican.htm - 11k

Crouched (4 Occurrences)
... of the nation, Both pelican and hedge-hog in her knobs lodge, A voice doth sing
at the window, 'Destruction 'is' at the threshold, For the cedar-work is exposed ...
/c/crouched.htm - 7k

Cedron (1 Occurrence)

/c/cedron.htm - 7k

Why didn't God allow David to build the temple? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Huram / Hiram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the behemoth? | GotQuestions.org

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