Topical Bible: The Cedar: Considered the First of Trees

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The cedar tree holds a prominent place in biblical literature and symbolism, often regarded as the "first of trees" due to its majestic stature, durability, and aromatic wood. The cedar is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing strength, beauty, and the glory of God's creation.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The cedar tree is first mentioned in the context of the construction of significant biblical structures. In 1 Kings 6:9-10, Solomon's Temple is described as being built with cedar wood: "So he built the house and finished it, and he covered the house with beams and boards of cedar." The use of cedar in the Temple underscores its value and the reverence held for this tree, as it was chosen for the dwelling place of God.

The cedars of Lebanon are particularly noted for their grandeur and are often used metaphorically to describe the might and splendor of nations and individuals. In Psalm 92:12, the righteous are compared to the cedar: "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This comparison highlights the enduring strength and uprightness associated with the cedar.

In Ezekiel 31:3, the cedar is used to describe the Assyrian empire: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top among the clouds." Here, the cedar symbolizes the empire's former glory and dominance, illustrating the tree's association with power and majesty.

Cedar in Worship and Ritual

The cedar's significance extends beyond its physical attributes to its role in worship and ritual. In Leviticus 14:4, cedar wood is part of the purification process for a person healed of leprosy: "the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed." The inclusion of cedar in this ritual underscores its symbolic purity and sanctity.

Cedar as a Symbol of God's Creation

The cedar's towering presence and longevity make it a fitting symbol of God's creation. In Isaiah 2:13, the cedars of Lebanon are mentioned in the context of God's judgment: "against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, and against all the oaks of Bashan." This passage reflects the cedar's status as a representation of human pride and the natural world's grandeur, both subject to God's sovereign will.

Cedar in Prophetic Imagery

Prophets often used the cedar to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Isaiah 41:19, God promises to plant cedars in the desert as a sign of renewal: "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the pine together." This imagery of transformation and life emerging in barren places emphasizes the cedar's role as a harbinger of divine blessing and renewal.

Conclusion

The cedar tree, with its rich biblical heritage, stands as a testament to the beauty, strength, and enduring nature of God's creation. Its frequent use in scripture as a symbol of power, purity, and divine favor reflects its esteemed status as the "first of trees."

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:33
And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall: he spoke also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Other Passages from the Song of Songs are Considered with Relation ...
... passages from the Song of Songs are considered with relation ... appearance is as that
of a cedar of Lebanon ... holy virgins, for whom the Church first provided such ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix other passages from.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things ... So Hiram gave Solomon
cedar trees, and fir trees, according ... held by the faith of his first days of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... in every variety of style, from the log-hut built of cedar-trees laid one ... He considered
that he could not otherwise do justice to those whom ... Our first call was ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

The First Theban Empire
... certain perfumes, cedar wood and cedar essences, enamelled ... that of Khnumhotpu, who
in the first year of ... fishing and hunting: they were considered, during the ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... forests of oak, pine, larch, cypress, spruce, and cedar. ... which, so far, can hardly
be considered conclusive, connected ... said to have been the first to employ ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... The first is that of Jotham: "The trees went forth ... was in Lebanon sent to the cedar
that was ... tabernacle and temple service, will be considered hereafter under ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... willing and ready to bring the cedar trees from Libanus ... hymns to God, according as
David first of all ... which had been built of old, considered with themselves ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... The text will be considered by us this morning"first ... the Lord had planted, and as
cedar trees beside the ... First, he confesses his own impotence, "How shall I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... dead child lying by me; for I considered it exactly ... divided, and was desirous, moreover,
that the first woman should ... tree, from the hyssop to the cedar; and in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

A Synopsis of Some Apostolic Words from the Same Discourse.
... Jesus Christ." [2928] And it should be considered, if he said ... For how could the earth
first enter in through the ... are large trees, such as the cedar, pines, firs ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/ii a synopsis of some.htm