Topical Encyclopedia The cedar tree holds a significant place in biblical literature, symbolizing strength, beauty, and divine planting. Throughout the Scriptures, the cedar is frequently mentioned, often in the context of God's creation and His sovereign purposes.Biblical References and Symbolism The cedar tree is first introduced in the Bible in the context of the construction of sacred spaces. In 1 Kings 6:9-10, Solomon uses cedar wood to build the temple, a dwelling place for the Lord: "So he built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar. He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar." The use of cedar in the temple construction underscores its value and durability, reflecting the eternal nature of God's presence. The cedar is also a symbol of majesty and power. 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 imagery conveys the idea of spiritual growth and stability, attributes that are deeply rooted in a life aligned with God's will. Divine Planting and Growth The concept of the cedar being "planted by God" is vividly illustrated in Ezekiel 17:22-24. Here, God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, saying, "This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the lofty top of the cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. I will plant it on Israel’s high mountain, so that it may bear branches, produce fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind will nest under it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches." This passage highlights God's sovereign ability to establish and nurture His people, ensuring their growth and fruitfulness. The cedar's divine planting is further emphasized in Psalm 104:16: "The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted." This verse acknowledges God's direct involvement in the natural world, where He provides sustenance and care for His creation. Cedar in Prophetic Imagery In prophetic literature, the cedar often represents nations and leaders. In Isaiah 2:13, the cedars of Lebanon are used metaphorically to describe the pride of man that will be humbled: "against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, and against all the oaks of Bashan." This imagery serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over human pride and power. Similarly, in Ezekiel 31, the cedar is used to describe the greatness of Assyria, a nation that would eventually face God's judgment. The chapter begins with a description of Assyria as a towering cedar: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest, and of towering height, its top among the clouds" (Ezekiel 31:3). This serves as a cautionary tale of how even the mightiest can fall under God's judgment. Conclusion The cedar tree, as depicted in the Bible, is a powerful symbol of God's creative power, His nurturing care, and His sovereign authority. Whether representing the righteous, nations, or the divine presence, the cedar stands as a testament to the enduring strength and majesty of God's creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:16The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he has planted; Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 41:19 Library That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ... The Infallibility of God's Purpose Improvement The Cedars of Lebanon. Psalm 92 Part 2 the Church is the Garden of God. Psalm 92:2. 12 &C. Second Part. The Church is the Garden of God. God's World In the Days of Queen Esther The General Service to one Martyr. Psalm XCII. 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) |
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