Topical Bible: Lebanon: Many Streams Came From

◄ Lebanon: Many Streams Came From ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Lebanon, a region frequently mentioned in the Bible, is renowned for its majestic mountains, lush forests, and abundant natural resources. The name "Lebanon" is derived from the Semitic root "lbn," meaning "white," likely referring to the snow-capped peaks of the Lebanon mountain range. This area, located to the north of ancient Israel, played a significant role in biblical history and literature.

Geography and Natural Features

Lebanon is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges running parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The region is famous for its cedar trees, which are often mentioned in the Bible as symbols of strength and beauty. These trees were highly valued for their durable wood, used in the construction of significant structures, including Solomon's Temple. The Bible states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12).

The region's numerous streams and rivers, fed by the melting snow from the mountains, contribute to its fertility and lush vegetation. These waterways are vital for agriculture and have historically supported the diverse flora and fauna of the area.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Lebanon's strategic location made it a crossroads of ancient civilizations, including the Canaanites, Phoenicians, and later, the Israelites. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and trade, established prosperous city-states along the coast, such as Tyre and Sidon. These cities are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of trade and interaction with Israel.

The cedars of Lebanon were used extensively by King Solomon, who formed an alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre, to obtain timber for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. As recorded in 1 Kings 5:6, Solomon requested, "Now, therefore, command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will join your servants, and I will pay you for your servants whatever wages you set."

Symbolism and Prophetic References

In biblical literature, Lebanon often symbolizes majesty and splendor. The prophets frequently used Lebanon's imagery to convey messages of judgment and restoration. For instance, Isaiah prophesied the downfall of the proud, using Lebanon as a metaphor: "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" (Isaiah 35:2).

Lebanon's cedars also serve as a metaphor for the pride and eventual humbling of nations. Ezekiel 31:3 compares Assyria to a cedar in Lebanon, highlighting its grandeur and subsequent fall due to pride.

Spiritual Lessons

Lebanon's depiction in the Bible offers spiritual lessons on the transience of earthly glory and the enduring nature of God's kingdom. The cedars, while mighty and enduring, ultimately serve as a reminder of the Creator's power and the fleeting nature of human achievements. As believers reflect on Lebanon's biblical portrayal, they are encouraged to seek the eternal and incorruptible, aligning their lives with God's purposes and promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 4:15
A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Woman of Samaria
... that burning eastern sun, by the clear streams which flow ... the mighty mountains of
Hermon and Lebanon, which no ... and that fair land lay desolate for many a year. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvi the woman of.htm

The Swelling of Jordan
... High up in the mountains of Anti-Lebanon a famous river ... Then the four streams become
one, and in a single channel ... for Heaven, yet in the mind of many it does ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the swelling of jordan.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... Spirit of their Master, and that through their unselfish ministry many are benefited ...
of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon." Luke 6 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... waters, washed with milk, and sitting beside overflowing streams. ... nose is as the
tower of Lebanon, which looketh ... 7. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

The Church.
... them to us, hoping they will be our death; they give them therefore with many a
foul ... Therefore we read of the fruit of Lebanon, of the streams from Lebanon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

Other Passages from the Song of Songs are Considered with Relation ...
... appearance is as that of a cedar of Lebanon, which has ... of the image of God, lest
its streams mingled with ... herself as a wall with breasts as many towers, [3215 ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix other passages from.htm

Six Cities
... the snowy peaks of mount Hermon and Lebanon, you will ... browsed on the meadows which
fringed the mountain-streams. ... amid these forests of Gilead: "Many bulls have ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The Ancestral Home
... lightning-blasted, but to hew down a Lebanon cedar, whose ... the writer ever knew, a
wonder unto many for the ... like a river fed by constant streams, and running on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/i the ancestral home.htm

Satan's Banquet
... and the leaves fell from the trees, and your streams were frosted ... the taste thereof
is as the wine of Lebanon, that abideth in the cask for many a day. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... Where streams occurred, there were bridges thrown across ... the Jordan, or amid the
cedar-heights of Lebanon;"in the ... want to say to you is:"That many young and ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm