Topical Bible: The Cedar: Strong and Durable

◄ The Cedar: Strong and Durable ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The cedar tree, known for its strength and durability, holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. This majestic tree is frequently mentioned in Scripture, often representing strength, beauty, and longevity. The cedar's characteristics make it a fitting symbol for various theological and moral teachings found in the biblical text.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The cedar tree is prominently featured in the construction of sacred spaces, most notably in the building of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:9-10 , it is recorded: "So he built the temple and finished it, and he covered the temple with beams and boards of cedar. He built chambers all around 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 the desire for a structure that would endure through generations.

Cedar is also used metaphorically to describe the righteous and their flourishing. Psalm 92:12 states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Here, the cedar symbolizes the strength and stability of those who live in accordance with God's will, suggesting that their lives will be marked by resilience and growth.

Cedar in the Natural World

The cedar of Lebanon, specifically, is the species most often referred to in the Bible. Known for its towering height and expansive branches, the cedar of Lebanon was highly prized in the ancient Near East. Its wood was not only durable but also resistant to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for construction and craftsmanship.

The prophet Ezekiel uses the cedar to illustrate the grandeur and power of nations. In Ezekiel 31:3 , Assyria is compared to a cedar: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top among the clouds." This imagery conveys the might and influence of Assyria, while also foreshadowing its eventual downfall, as even the mightiest can fall if they oppose God's purposes.

Cedar in Worship and Sacrifice

Cedar wood was also used in religious rituals, particularly in the purification rites described in Leviticus. In Leviticus 14:4 , the priest is instructed to use cedar wood in the cleansing of a leper: "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 these rites highlights its association with purity and sanctification.

Cedar as a Symbol of God's Creation

The cedar's prominence in biblical literature reflects its status as a symbol of God's creative power and the beauty of His creation. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved's stature is likened to a cedar, emphasizing beauty and strength: "His appearance is like Lebanon, as majestic as the cedars" (Song of Solomon 5:15). This poetic imagery celebrates the divine artistry evident in both nature and humanity.

Conclusion

The cedar tree, with its enduring strength and beauty, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the Bible. Its use in sacred architecture, metaphorical language, and religious rituals underscores its significance in conveying themes of strength, purity, and divine craftsmanship. As a testament to God's creation, the cedar continues to inspire awe and reverence in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 9:10
The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... John was no reed, but was rather, as Lange says, "a cedar half uprooted by the storm."]
9 ... It was called sackcloth because, being strong and durable, it was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Conscious of being in the hands of a strong ruler, Egypt breathed freely ... had for
some time provided the Pharaohs with slaves, certain perfumes, cedar wood and ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... such as were in the oracle, to show that gospel bonds are strong as the ... 2. These
steps, whether cedar, gold, or stone, yet that which added to their adornment ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... With regard to Caleb, Renan prefers a different interpretation; it is supposed to
be a shortened form of Kalbel, and "Dog of El" is a strong expression to ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... shall have her blind men see, her halt and lame made strong; she also ... the wilderness,'
that is, in the church that is now bewildered, 'the cedar, the shittah ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm