Topical Bible: The Cedar: Banks of Rivers Favourable to the Growth of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The cedar tree, renowned for its majestic stature and aromatic wood, holds significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the biblical narrative. In the Scriptures, the cedar is often associated with strength, durability, and beauty, making it a fitting metaphor for various spiritual truths and divine attributes.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The cedar is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the construction of sacred spaces and royal buildings. Its wood was used in the building of Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6:9-10 : "So he built the temple and finished it, and he covered the temple with beams and planks of cedar." The use of cedar in the temple construction underscores its value and the reverence with which it was regarded.

Growth by the Banks of Rivers

The growth of cedars by the banks of rivers is a theme that highlights the ideal conditions for their flourishing. In Ezekiel 31:4 , the Assyrian empire is metaphorically compared to a cedar nourished by abundant waters: "The waters made it grow; underground springs made it tall, directing their rivers all around the place where the tree was planted and sending their channels to all the trees of the field." This imagery emphasizes the prosperity and strength derived from being well-watered, a condition that is spiritually analogous to being nourished by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Implications

The cedar's preference for growth near water sources serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's life. Just as the cedar thrives by the riverbanks, so too does the righteous individual flourish when rooted in the life-giving waters of God's presence and truth. Psalm 1:3 draws a parallel between the righteous and a tree planted by streams of water: "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does."

Cedar in Prophetic Literature

In prophetic literature, the cedar often symbolizes nations or leaders, illustrating their power and eventual judgment. The prophet Ezekiel uses the cedar to depict the rise and fall of empires, as seen in Ezekiel 17:22-24 , where God promises to plant a tender sprig on a high mountain, signifying the establishment of His kingdom: "I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it, and it will bear branches and produce fruit and become a majestic cedar."

Conclusion

The cedar's association with riverbanks in the Bible serves as a rich symbol of spiritual vitality and divine blessing. Its presence in Scripture as a metaphor for strength, prosperity, and divine favor underscores the importance of being rooted in the nourishing presence of God. Through the imagery of the cedar, believers are reminded of the sustaining power of God's Word and the flourishing life that comes from abiding in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 24:6
As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD has planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ancient Chaldaea
... or in the thickets which border the rivers, sallying forth ... among them"El-Ashshur
on the banks of the ... there some sweet-smelling rushes, some cedar-wood, and ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the poplar grew side by side with the eastern plane tree, the cedar, lime, elm ... region
no trees are to be seen, except a few on the banks of rivers or ponds ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... violent manner, that the dwellers on its banks call it ... foot of Anti-Lebanon, where
two rivers, fed by ... forests of oak, pine, larch, cypress, spruce, and cedar. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... alluvial soil at the mouths of the rivers had greatly ... famous city of Amon, enthroned
on the banks of the ... A less favourable tradition represents the king as an ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... The beds of these rivers are channelled so deeply in the ... stand on the very edge of
their banks to catch ... This brilliant growth is, however, short-lived, for the ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... was not easily gained; they were closed with two-leaved doors of cedar or cypress ...
the far distance the lines of trees and bushes which bordered the banks of the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... by frequent halts at the most favourable points for ... west of Assyria proper, from
the banks of the ... direction indicated, starting from the rivers which formed ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... while the mountain slopes favoured the growth of the ... 115.jpg INHABITED CAVES ON THE
BANKS OF THE ... thirty nights, a time has been foreordained favourable to the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm