Topical Bible: The Cedar: Arrogant Rulers

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The cedar tree, known for its grandeur and strength, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of majesty and power. Its towering presence and durability make it an apt metaphor for rulers and kingdoms. However, the cedar is also used to illustrate the arrogance and eventual downfall of those who exalt themselves above God.

Symbolism of the Cedar

The cedar of Lebanon is particularly noted for its height and beauty, often representing the splendor of human achievement and authority. In the ancient Near East, cedars were highly prized for their wood, used in constructing palaces and temples, including Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:6). The cedar's prominence in biblical literature underscores its association with human pride and the temptation to rely on earthly power rather than divine providence.

Biblical References

1. Ezekiel 31:3-14: In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel uses the cedar as a metaphor for the Assyrian empire, which had grown mighty and proud. "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top above the thick foliage" (Ezekiel 31:3). The cedar's downfall is a warning against pride: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because it towered on high, lifting its top above the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height, I handed it over to the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside" (Ezekiel 31:10-11).

2. Isaiah 2:12-13: Isaiah prophesies the day of the Lord's judgment against all that is proud and lofty, including the cedars of Lebanon. "For the day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, against all the oaks of Bashan" (Isaiah 2:12-13). This imagery serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against the sovereignty of God.

3. Psalm 29:5: The psalmist describes the voice of the Lord as powerful enough to shatter the cedars of Lebanon. "The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon" (Psalm 29:5). This verse highlights the ultimate authority of God over even the most formidable earthly powers.

Lessons from the Cedar

The biblical use of the cedar as a symbol of arrogant rulers serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds believers that human pride and self-reliance are fleeting and that true strength and security come from submission to God's will. The cedar's eventual fall illustrates the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).

In the context of biblical prophecy and wisdom literature, the cedar's imagery calls for humility and recognition of God's supreme authority. It challenges rulers and individuals alike to place their trust not in their own might or achievements but in the Lord, who alone is eternal and unchanging.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:13
And on all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and on all the oaks of Bashan,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:33,34
Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... Howl, firtree, for the cedar is fallen! ... being alike wise in divine things, whether
rulers or ruled ... their harshness, nor to render them arrogant by submissiveness ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm