Topical Bible: The Cedar: The Eagle Alluded to as Making Its Nest In

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The cedar tree, renowned for its majestic height and aromatic wood, holds significant symbolism throughout the Bible. It is often associated with strength, durability, and grandeur. In biblical literature, the cedar is frequently mentioned in connection with the construction of sacred spaces, such as the temple of Solomon, and as a metaphor for the righteous and the powerful.

One of the intriguing allusions to the cedar is its association with the eagle, a bird symbolizing strength and sovereignty. The imagery of the eagle making its nest in the cedar is a powerful metaphor found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. This imagery is particularly noted in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet uses the metaphor of the eagle and the cedar to convey messages of judgment and restoration.

In Ezekiel 17, the prophet presents a parable involving two eagles and a cedar. The first eagle, representing the king of Babylon, is described as taking the top of a cedar and carrying it to a land of trade. This act symbolizes the exile of the Judean king and the nobility to Babylon. The passage reads: "A great eagle with great wings, long pinions, and full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar" (Ezekiel 17:3-4). The cedar here represents the house of David and the kingdom of Judah, emphasizing the strength and prominence of the Davidic line.

The second eagle in the parable, which represents Egypt, is depicted as being less powerful than the first. The parable continues with the imagery of the cedar being replanted and growing into a vine, symbolizing the hope of restoration and the eventual return of the exiles. The use of the cedar in this context underscores the themes of judgment, exile, and the promise of renewal.

The cedar's association with the eagle in this passage highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. The eagle, a creature of the skies, signifies the far-reaching power and authority of God, who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations. The cedar, rooted in the earth, represents the enduring legacy and covenant promises made to the people of Israel.

Throughout the Bible, the cedar remains a symbol of God's creation, reflecting His majesty and the stability of His promises. The imagery of the eagle nesting in the cedar serves as a reminder of the divine oversight and protection over His chosen people, even amidst the trials of exile and the hope of restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 22:23
O inhabitant of Lebanon, that make your nest in the cedars, how gracious shall you be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a woman in travail!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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