Cedarwood, known for its durability, fragrance, and beauty, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. The term "cedar" often refers to the Cedrus libani, or the Lebanon cedar, a tree native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean. This majestic tree is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing strength, beauty, and majesty.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Cedarwood is prominently featured in the construction of sacred and royal buildings. King Solomon used cedar from Lebanon in the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in 1 Kings 6:9-10: "So he built the house and finished it, and he covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar."

The use of cedar in the Temple signifies not only the grandeur and splendor of the house of God but also the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel. The cedar's resistance to decay and insects made it an ideal material for structures meant to last for generations.

Cedarwood is also associated with purification and cleansing rituals. In Leviticus 14:4, cedarwood is used in the ceremonial cleansing of a leper: "the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed." This use underscores the wood's symbolic connection to purity and renewal.

Cedar in Prophetic and Poetic Literature

The prophets and poets of the Bible often use cedar as a metaphor for strength and pride. In Ezekiel 31:3, Assyria is compared to a cedar in Lebanon: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top above the thick foliage." This imagery conveys the might and majesty of nations and leaders, while also serving as a reminder of their vulnerability to divine judgment.

The Psalms also reflect on the beauty and strength of the cedar. Psalm 92:12 states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Here, the cedar symbolizes the flourishing and enduring nature of the righteous, rooted in their faith and trust in God.

Cedarwood in Solomon's Reign

King Solomon's extensive use of cedarwood is a testament to its value and significance. In addition to the Temple, Solomon's palace, known as the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," was constructed with cedar, as noted in 1 Kings 7:2: "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 alliance between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, facilitated the transport of cedar logs from Lebanon to Israel, highlighting the international trade and cooperation of the time. This relationship is detailed in 1 Kings 5:10: "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted."

Cedarwood in Wisdom Literature

In the wisdom literature, cedar is used to illustrate the breadth of Solomon's knowledge and the splendor of creation. In 1 Kings 4:33, it is written, "He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall." This verse emphasizes the range of Solomon's wisdom, from the greatest of trees to the smallest of plants.

Conclusion

Cedarwood, with its rich symbolism and practical applications, is a significant element in the biblical narrative. Its presence in sacred architecture, purification rituals, and poetic imagery underscores its enduring importance in the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Israel.

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Jud??a, Per??a, and Galilee, would mingle in the streets of Jerusalem, under the
ever-present shadow of that glorious Sanctuary of marble, cedarwood, and gold ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ...
... [2655] The body was not, as afterwards in preference, [2656] carried in an ordinary
coffin of wood (Aron), if possible, cedarwood - on one occassion, at least ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx the raising of.htm

Cedarwood (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cedarwood (5 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:4 then shall
the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed ...
/c/cedarwood.htm - 7k

Cedar-trees (11 Occurrences)
Cedar-trees. Cedar-tree, Cedar-trees. Cedarwood . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Cedar-tree, Cedar-trees. Cedarwood . Reference Bible.
/c/cedar-trees.htm - 9k

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

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