Topical Bible: The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Instrumental in Propagating

◄ The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Instrumental in Propagating ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The cedar tree, renowned for its majestic stature and aromatic wood, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in biblical literature. It is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a symbol of strength, durability, and grandeur. The cedar of Lebanon, in particular, is noted for its towering height and expansive branches, making it a fitting metaphor for power and prosperity.

In the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, the cedar is often used allegorically to convey messages of divine judgment and restoration. One of the most vivid illustrations of this is found in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet uses the imagery of an eagle to describe the propagation and influence of the cedar.

Ezekiel 17:3-4 states: "This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it away to a land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders.’" Here, the eagle represents a powerful foreign nation, often interpreted as Babylon, which exerts its influence over Israel, symbolized by the cedar. The act of taking the top of the cedar signifies the removal of the leadership or the elite from Israel, a common practice in ancient conquests to weaken a subjugated nation.

Further in Ezekiel 17:22-23 , the LORD declares: "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, taking shelter in the shade of its branches.’" In this passage, the cedar is used to symbolize the restoration and future prosperity of Israel. The LORD Himself becomes the gardener, taking a tender sprig and planting it on a high mountain, signifying the re-establishment of Israel in a place of prominence and blessing.

The imagery of the eagle in these passages serves to highlight the sovereignty of God over the nations. While the eagle initially represents a foreign power used by God to discipline His people, it ultimately underscores God's redemptive plan to restore and elevate Israel. The cedar, therefore, becomes a symbol of hope and divine promise, illustrating God's ability to bring life and growth even from what seems to be a place of desolation.

The use of the cedar and the eagle in Ezekiel's prophecy reflects the broader biblical theme of God's control over history and His commitment to His covenant people. The cedar's propagation, facilitated by the eagle, is a testament to God's providential care and His ultimate purpose to establish His kingdom, where all nations will find refuge and blessing under His sovereign rule.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 17:4,5
He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffic; he set it in a city of merchants.
Torrey's Topical Textbook