Topical Encyclopedia Lebanon, a region frequently mentioned in the Bible, is renowned for its majestic cedar trees and mountainous terrain. It is located to the north of Israel and has historically been a land of great significance due to its natural resources and strategic location. The Bible often references Lebanon in the context of its lush forests and the quality of its timber, which was highly prized in ancient times.Biblical References to Lebanon Lebanon is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of its famous cedars. These trees were used in the construction of significant biblical structures, including Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 5:6, Solomon requests timber from Hiram, king of Tyre, saying, "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, for you know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians" . The cedars of Lebanon are also symbolic of strength and beauty. Psalm 92:12 states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" , illustrating the enduring and majestic nature of the righteous. Lebanon's Barren Aspects While Lebanon is often celebrated for its verdant forests, the Bible also alludes to its barren aspects. This barrenness is not necessarily a physical description but can be understood metaphorically or as a result of divine judgment. In Isaiah 33:9, the prophet declares, "The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is ashamed and withers; Sharon is like a desert; Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves" . Here, Lebanon's withering is part of a broader depiction of desolation affecting the land due to the people's disobedience and the resulting divine judgment. The barrenness of Lebanon can also be seen as a contrast to its usual fertility and abundance, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God. In Habakkuk 2:17, the prophet warns, "For the violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the beasts will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers" . This passage underscores the moral and spiritual barrenness that can lead to physical desolation. Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery Lebanon's dual imagery of lushness and barrenness serves as a powerful symbol in biblical literature. It represents both the blessings of God when His people are faithful and the desolation that follows disobedience. The cedars of Lebanon, in particular, are used as a metaphor for strength and stability, while the barrenness signifies judgment and the consequences of sin. In the prophetic literature, Lebanon often appears in eschatological contexts, symbolizing the transformation and restoration that will occur in the Messianic age. Isaiah 35:2 proclaims, "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 restoration contrasts with the earlier images of barrenness, offering hope and redemption. Lebanon, therefore, holds a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, embodying both the beauty of God's creation and the stark reality of judgment. Its depiction in Scripture serves as a reminder of the consequences of human actions and the promise of divine restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 29:17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed. On Earthly Things An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Healing of the Waters A vision of the Latter-Day Glories The Last Agony On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... The Struggler; The Church. Resources What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the land of Canaan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Lebanon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lebanon of Great and Powerful Monarchs Lebanon: (Fragrance of) of the Graces of the Church Lebanon: (Glory of) of the Glory of the Church Lebanon: (Mourning of) of Deep Affliction Lebanon: (Shaking of Its Forests) Prodigious Growth of The Lebanon: "House of the Forest of" Lebanon: Bounded the Land of Canaan on the North Lebanon: Called: Mount Lebanon Lebanon: Called: That Goodly Mountain Lebanon: Called: The Mountains Lebanon: Celebrated For: Cedars Lebanon: Celebrated For: Flowers Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance of Its Wines Lebanon: Celebrated For: Glorious Appearance Lebanon: Difficulties of Passing, Surmounted by Assyrian Army Lebanon: Fertility and Productiveness of Lebanon: Forests of, Infested With Wild Beasts Lebanon: Formerly Inhabited by the Hivites Lebanon: Furnished: Stones for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Second Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Great Part of, not Conquered by the Israelites Lebanon: Lofty Tops of, Covered With Snow Lebanon: Many Streams Came From Lebanon: Moses Anxious to Behold Lebanon: Northern Boundary of the Land of Canaan Lebanon: Solomon Built: Storehouses In Lebanon: Solomon Built: The House of the Forest of Lebanon: Solomon had Storage Cities In Related Terms |
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