Topical Encyclopedia The mountains of Lebanon hold significant historical, geographical, and theological importance within the biblical narrative. Known for their majestic cedar trees, these mountains are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing strength, beauty, and divine creation.Geographical Context The Lebanon mountain range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast, extending approximately 170 kilometers (about 105 miles) in a north-south direction. The highest peak, Qurnat as Sawda', reaches an elevation of about 3,088 meters (10,131 feet). The range is characterized by its rugged terrain and dense forests, particularly noted for the famed cedars of Lebanon. Biblical References The mountains of Lebanon are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often highlighting their natural beauty and the quality of their cedars. In the Song of Solomon, the bridegroom describes the bride's beauty using the imagery of Lebanon: "Your stature is like a palm tree; your breasts are clusters of fruit. I said, 'I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.' May your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the finest wine. May it flow smoothly to my beloved, gliding gently over lips and teeth. I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me. Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside; let us spend the night among the wildflowers. Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom—there I will give you my love. The mandrakes send forth their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, new and old, that I have stored up for you, my beloved" (Song of Solomon 7:7-13). The cedars of Lebanon are also noted for their use in the construction of significant biblical structures. King Solomon used these cedars to build the Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in 1 Kings 5:6: "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 according to whatever you say, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians" . Symbolism and Theological Significance The mountains of Lebanon are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent majesty and the enduring nature of God's creation. In Psalm 29:5-6, the power of God is illustrated through the imagery of Lebanon's cedars: "The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox" . Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of Lebanon to convey the transformation and restoration that God will bring: "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). Historical and Cultural Context Throughout history, the mountains of Lebanon have been a source of valuable timber, particularly the cedars, which were highly prized in the ancient Near East for their durability and fragrance. The Phoenicians, who inhabited the region, were renowned for their shipbuilding skills, utilizing the cedars of Lebanon for constructing their fleets. In biblical times, the mountains of Lebanon were also home to various peoples and cultures, including the Sidonians and the Arameans. The region's strategic location and natural resources made it a significant area for trade and cultural exchange. Conclusion The mountains of Lebanon, with their towering cedars and rugged beauty, continue to capture the imagination and reverence of those who study the biblical text. Their presence in Scripture serves as a testament to the grandeur of God's creation and the enduring legacy of the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:25I pray you, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Come from Lebanon, My Spouse, Come from Lebanon, Come; Thou Shalt ... Chapter iv. A Journey with Jesus. Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ... Over the Mountains. "My Beloved is Mine, and I am His: He Feedeth ... Demonstration v. --Of Wars. The Building of the Golden House. Continued. God the Loving Creator The Joy of Unbroken Communion Resources What is the significance of Mount Ebal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Noah's flood global or local? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org Mountains: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mountains are the Sources of Springs and Rivers Mountains of God's Righteousness Mountains of Persons in Authority Mountains of Proud and Haughty Persons Mountains of the Church of God Mountains: (Breaking Forth Into Singing) of Exceeding Joy Mountains: (Burning) of Destructive Enemies Mountains: (Dropping New Wine) of Abundance Mountains: (Made Waste) of Desolation Mountains: (Threshing of) Heavy Judgments Mountains: A Defence to a Country Mountains: Abounded With: Deer Mountains: Abounded With: Forests Mountains: Abounded With: Game Mountains: Abounded With: Herbs Mountains: Abounded With: Minerals Mountains: Abounded With: Precious Things Mountains: Abounded With: Spices Mountains: Abounded With: Stone for Building Mountains: Abounded With: Vineyards Mountains: Abounded With: Wild Beasts Mountains: Afford Refuge in Time of Danger Mountains: Beacons or Ensigns often Raised Upon Mountains: Called: Everlasting Hills Mountains: Called: God's Mountains Mountains: Called: Perpetual Hills Mountains: Called: Pillars of Heaven Mountains: Called: The Ancient Mountains Mountains: Called: The Everlasting Mountains Mountains: Collect the Vapours Which Ascend from the Earth Mountains: God: Causes, to Melt Mountains: God: Causes, to Skip Mountains: God: Causes, to Smoke Mountains: God: Causes, to Tremble Mountains: God: Gives Strength To Mountains: God: Parches, With Draught Mountains: God: Sets the Foundations of, on Fire Mountains: God: Waters, from his Chambers Mountains: God: Weighs, in a Balance Mountains: Made to Glorify God Mountains: Many Exceedingly High Mountains: Nebo (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Often Selected As Places for Idolatrous Worship Mountains: Olives or Mount of Corruption Mountains: Pisgah (Part of Abarim) Mountains: Proclamations often Made From Mountains: Sometimes Selected As Places for Divine Worship Mountains: The Elevated Parts of the Earth Mountains: Volcanic Fires of, Alluded To Related Terms |
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