The Cedar: Majesty, Strength, and Glory of Christ
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The cedar tree, renowned for its majesty, strength, and enduring quality, holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It is often used as a metaphor to describe the attributes of Christ, reflecting His divine nature and eternal glory.

Majesty and Grandeur

The cedar, particularly the cedar of Lebanon, is frequently mentioned in Scripture for its towering height and majestic presence. In the ancient Near East, these trees were symbols of nobility and grandeur. The psalmist writes, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12). This imagery conveys the idea of spiritual growth and stability, attributes that are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the ultimate source of righteousness and life.

Strength and Durability

Cedar wood is known for its strength and resistance to decay, making it a preferred material for construction, including the building of the temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 6:9-10, Solomon's temple is described as being built with cedar beams and boards, symbolizing the enduring strength and permanence of God's dwelling place. This strength is a reflection of Christ's unchanging and eternal nature. As the writer of Hebrews declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

Glory and Splendor

The cedar's beauty and fragrance also symbolize the glory and splendor of Christ. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to a cedar: "His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars" (Song of Solomon 5:15). This poetic imagery highlights the attractiveness and desirability of Christ, who draws all people to Himself through His love and grace.

Symbol of Kingship

Cedar trees were often associated with kingship and power. The cedars of Lebanon were used in the construction of royal palaces, signifying authority and dominion. In Ezekiel 17:22-23, God speaks of taking a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar and planting it on a high mountain, where it will become a majestic cedar. This prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, who will reign as King over all the earth, establishing His kingdom in righteousness and peace.

Christ as the True Cedar

In the prophetic literature, the cedar is used to foreshadow the coming of Christ, who embodies all the qualities attributed to this noble tree. Isaiah 11:1 speaks of a shoot coming up from the stump of Jesse, a branch that will bear fruit. This branch, representing Christ, is the fulfillment of God's promise to establish an everlasting kingdom through the line of David.

The cedar's symbolism in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the majesty, strength, and glory of Christ. As believers, we are called to reflect these attributes in our own lives, rooted and grounded in the love and truth of our Savior.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Songs 5:15
His legs are as pillars of marble, set on sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 17:22,23
Thus said the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on an high mountain and eminent:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... that in a special sense the Infinite Majesty there held ... in pieces, and his own arm
of strength that wielded ... No, beloved, if the cedar could see itself after it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

The General Service to one Hieromartyr
... thou hast piously gone from strength to strength and from ... palm-tree; he shall grow
like a cedar in Lebanon. ... and darkness, that I may joyfully laud thy majesty. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xvi the general service.htm

A view of God's Glory
... The strength gained by this victory, joined with his former ... Will he break yon cedar
and show him he is ... hands as prisoners in the hands of her majesty when they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/a view of gods glory.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... What are cedar, and marble, and gold as compared ... by others, let us gather up our
strength to reform ... that occasion replied, that if his majesty would graciously ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

Death and Life in Christ
... bud shall burst into foliage, and the cedar shall tower ... bright like a sun; clothed
in majesty; the joy ... we thought were routed have gathered their strength again ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/death and life in christ.htm

The King --Continued.
... all the centuries, asked for a house of cedar, and recalls ... of the monarch enthroned
by the side of the majesty in the ... "The sceptre of Thy strength will Jehovah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... make every hair of its head as big as a cedar. ... go out about business in their own
names and strength shall be ... We are saved by Christ; brought to glory by Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

Divine Destruction and Protection
... All power, and glory, and honour and majesty were gathered up ... Here a towering cedar
and yonder the storks have ... if he be high in creature-strength, land creature ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/divine destruction and protection.htm

Mason -- Messiah's Throne
... in 1793, he took charge of the Cedar Street Church ... from our observation, blending
goodness with majesty, let us ... in the living God, and that His strength may be ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/mason messiahs throne.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The Majesty of heaven in tears ... The roofs of cedar were like sheets of flame; the
gilded ... who were expiring with famine rallied their remaining strength to utter ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Resources
Why didn't God allow David to build the temple? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of David and Nathan? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Nathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Cedar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Cedar

Cedar used for Masts of Ships

Cedar used in David's Palace

Cedar used in Purifications

Cedar used in Rebuilding the Temple

Cedar used in Solomon's Palace

Cedar: David's Ample Provision of, in Jerusalem, for the Temple

Cedar: Figurative

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: Arrogant Rulers

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: Fragrant

The Cedar: Graceful and Beautiful

The Cedar: High

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: Planted by God

The Cedar: Powerful Nations

The Cedar: Saints in Their Rapid Growth

The Cedar: Spreading

The Cedar: Strong and Durable

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

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Cedar: Made to Glorify God
Top of Page
Top of Page