Topical Encyclopedia The cedar tree, known for its grandeur and strength, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of majesty and durability. Its destruction, however, serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty and might over creation. The cedar's fall is often used metaphorically to demonstrate God's ability to humble the proud and dismantle the seemingly invincible.Biblical References 1. Psalm 29:5 · "The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon." This verse vividly portrays the power of God's voice, which is capable of breaking even the mighty cedars of Lebanon. The imagery underscores the idea that nothing in creation, no matter how strong or majestic, can withstand the command of the Almighty. 2. Isaiah 2:12-13 · "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, and against all the oaks of Bashan." Here, the cedars of Lebanon are used to represent human pride and arrogance. The prophecy declares that God's judgment will bring low all that is exalted, emphasizing His ultimate authority over the earth. 3. Ezekiel 31:3-14 · In this passage, the cedar is used as a metaphor for the Assyrian empire, which was once powerful and expansive. God declares that He will bring it down, illustrating His control over nations and empires. The fall of the cedar symbolizes the inevitable downfall of those who exalt themselves above God. 4. Zechariah 11:1-2 · "Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may consume your cedars. Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen; the majestic trees are destroyed. Wail, oaks of Bashan, for the dense forest has been cut down." This prophetic imagery speaks of destruction coming upon Lebanon, with the cedars' fall serving as a harbinger of judgment. It highlights the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will. Theological Significance The destruction of the cedar trees in biblical literature serves as a potent reminder of God's omnipotence. The cedar, often associated with strength and permanence, becomes a symbol of human pride and self-reliance. Its downfall is a testament to the fact that no earthly power or entity can stand against the will of God. This theme is consistent throughout Scripture, where God is depicted as the ultimate authority who can raise up and bring down according to His divine purpose. In the broader biblical narrative, the destruction of the cedar also points to the transient nature of worldly power and the futility of human arrogance. It calls believers to recognize their dependence on God and to submit to His sovereign rule. The imagery of the cedar's fall serves as a warning to those who trust in their own strength and a call to humility before the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 29:5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; yes, the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Divine Destruction and Protection The Man to be Wrought Upon. The Greater Prophets. Mason -- Messiah's Throne A Discourse A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What does the Bible say about smudging? | GotQuestions.orgHow tall was Adam? | GotQuestions.org What is the lily of the valley (Song of Solomon 2:1)? | GotQuestions.org Cedar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cedar used in Rebuilding the Temple Cedar used in Solomon's Palace Cedar: David's Ample Provision of, in Jerusalem, for the Temple Cedar: Furnished by Hiram, King of Tyre, for Solomon's Temple Cedar: Valuable for Building Purposes The Cedar used In Building Palaces The Cedar used In Building Temples The Cedar used In Making Chariots The Cedar used In Making Idols The Cedar used In Making Masts of Ships The Cedar used In Making Wardrobes The Cedar used In Preparing the Water of Separation The Cedar used In Purifying the Leper The Cedar: Banks of Rivers Favourable to the Growth of The Cedar: Beauty and Glory of Israel The Cedar: Considered the First of Trees The Cedar: Destruction of, a Punishment The Cedar: Destruction of, Exhibits God's Power The Cedar: Extensive Commerce In The Cedar: Graceful and Beautiful The Cedar: Imported Largely by Solomon The Cedar: Lebanon Celebrated For The Cedar: Made to Glorify God The Cedar: Majesty, Strength, and Glory of Christ The Cedar: Saints in Their Rapid Growth The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Instrumental in Propagating The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Making Its Nest In The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Perching on the High Branches of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |