Topical Bible: Lebanon: Forests of, Infested With Wild Beasts

◄ Lebanon: Forests of, Infested With Wild Beasts ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The forests of Lebanon hold a significant place in biblical history and literature, often symbolizing strength, majesty, and the natural beauty of God's creation. These forests, particularly renowned for their cedars, are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures and are associated with both the glory of God's creation and the challenges posed by the natural world.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The cedars of Lebanon are among the most frequently mentioned trees in the Bible, symbolizing strength and durability. In Psalm 92:12, the righteous are compared to these majestic trees: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." The cedars were highly prized for their quality and were used in the construction of significant biblical structures, including Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:6).

Lebanon's forests are also depicted as places of grandeur and divine craftsmanship. In Psalm 104:16, it is written, "The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted." This verse highlights the divine care and provision for these forests, emphasizing their importance in God's creation.

Infestation with Wild Beasts

The forests of Lebanon were not only known for their majestic trees but also for being habitats for various wild beasts. The presence of these animals is noted in several biblical passages, illustrating the untamed and sometimes dangerous nature of these regions. In 2 Kings 14:9, the parable of the thistle and the cedar includes a reference to a wild beast: "A wild beast in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle."

The imagery of wild beasts in Lebanon serves as a metaphor for chaos and destruction, contrasting with the order and beauty of the cedars. Isaiah 35:9 speaks of a future time of peace and safety, stating, "No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there." This prophecy implies that the presence of wild beasts was a known reality in the forests of Lebanon, representing danger and the need for divine protection.

Historical and Cultural Context

Historically, the forests of Lebanon were extensive and dense, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. The region's rugged terrain and abundant resources made it a natural dwelling place for animals, some of which posed threats to humans and livestock. The biblical references to wild beasts in Lebanon reflect the real challenges faced by those living near these forests.

The forests also played a crucial role in the economy and culture of ancient Israel and its neighbors. The timber from Lebanon, especially the cedars, was a valuable resource for building and trade. The presence of wild beasts, however, would have been a factor to consider in the exploitation and habitation of these areas.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the forests of Lebanon and their wild inhabitants serve as reminders of the complexity and diversity of God's creation. They illustrate the balance between beauty and danger, order and chaos, reflecting the broader themes of the fallen world and the hope for restoration. The biblical narrative often uses the imagery of Lebanon's forests to convey messages of strength, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of God's order over chaos.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 4:8
Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:16
And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 2:17
For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the spoil of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... and to the country of the Lebanon which lay ... at first, but afterwards forming vast
forests, which the ... than large bushes.* Muddy rivers, infested with crocodiles ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... forests in which herds of elephants still roamed,** and wild beasts, including lions ...
of materials from the Amanos, and if the forests of Lebanon were more ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... obliged to brave the dangers of the forests of Lebanon ... concealed in the depths of
the Lebanon or the ... of marauding tribes and robbers, who infested the roads ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... were in those days clothed with dense forests, in which ... [Illustration: 290.jpg A
HERD OF WILD GOATS"A ... and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth."* And ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... taking up their abodes amidst bears and wolves, and other wild beasts of the forests. ...
James B. Finley, who was appointed to the Lebanon district, took the ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of aimless wanderings through the forests, in which ... others place them in the Lebanon,
Kundi being ... boggy pasture land, desolate wastes infested with serpents ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... and other incidents of traversing a wilderness infested with ferocious savages,
beasts of prey ... wants of the many heathen in that wild region, induced ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm