Lebanon in Scripture

Lebanon, a region known for its majestic cedar trees and mountainous terrain, holds significant symbolic and literal importance in the Bible. The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing strength, beauty, and grandeur. These trees were highly valued for their quality and were used in the construction of significant biblical structures, including Solomon's Temple.

Symbolism and Imagery

The cedars of Lebanon are often used metaphorically to describe the righteous and the saints. In Psalm 92:12 , it is written, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This comparison highlights the strength, stability, and enduring nature of the saints, much like the towering and resilient cedars. The imagery suggests that just as the cedars are deeply rooted and reach great heights, so too do the saints stand firm in their faith and grow in spiritual stature.

Lebanon's Role in Biblical Narratives

Lebanon's resources were instrumental in the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, sought the cedars of Lebanon for their superior quality. In 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon requests, "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 whatever wages you set." This collaboration between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, underscores the importance of Lebanon's natural resources in fulfilling God's plans for His people.

Prophetic and Poetic References

The prophets and poets of the Bible often use Lebanon as a symbol of beauty and fertility. In Song of Solomon 4:11 , the beloved is described with the fragrance of Lebanon: "Your lips, my bride, drip honey; honey and milk are under your tongue; and the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon." This poetic imagery conveys the richness and desirability associated with Lebanon, paralleling the virtues and allure of the saints.

Lebanon and the Saints

The comparison of Lebanon to the saints is further enriched by the prophetic visions of restoration and blessing. In Isaiah 35:2 , the prophet speaks of Lebanon's transformation: "It will bloom abundantly and even rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God." This vision of Lebanon's flourishing is akin to the spiritual renewal and glory that await the saints in God's kingdom.

Conclusion

Lebanon, with its cedars and natural beauty, serves as a powerful biblical metaphor for the strength, righteousness, and enduring legacy of the saints. Through its literal and symbolic presence in Scripture, Lebanon provides a rich tapestry of imagery that reflects the virtues and promises bestowed upon those who walk in faith.Hosea 14:5-7
I will be as the dew to Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Satan Considering the Saints
... possessed thereof) none can take from thee: compared with which all ... If you are more
generous than other saints, if you ... be no fruit to shake like Lebanon, if he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

The Dew and the Plants
... lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.6. His ... set forth the divine gift which
is compared to it ... a favourite phrase to describe unattractive saints that they ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dew and the plants.htm

Religion Pleasant to the Religious.
... scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon[5]." And ... The pleasures of sin are not
to be compared in fulness ... The Saints and Martyrs too are clad in white robes ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xiv religion pleasant to.htm

The Church.
... moon, so her virtues are as naturally compared to a ... thereof shall be as the wine
of Lebanon." His shadow ... understanding in the hearts of all saints; they shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." But if ... again," the young convert is very
properly compared to a ... state of perfect holiness which the saints will have ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm

Christ's Estimate of his People
... The smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon.". ... in prayer, how powerless
is our wrestling compared with the ... so that when you speak, the saints will be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christs estimate of his people.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... summit of the mountains and to the shoulders of Lebanon. ... And again he was compared
to an eagle which surpasses ... and he exalted himself against the saints of the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

A Discourse
... I say again, in that he particularly mentions Lebanon, he intends ... the religion of
the temple, as the saints now in ... the state of this house is compared to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... Alexander the Great, [3358]483, [3359]484; compared with Moses ... and declamations,
[3529]547; oration to the saints, [3530]548 ... Lebanon, Mount, [3889]534, [3890]592 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... of God's angels keep watch and ward over the saints. ... When cedars of Lebanon have
yielded to the worm ... an immutable and unchangeable decree, be compared to much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

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