The cedar tree, known for its strength, durability, and aromatic qualities, holds a significant place in biblical literature. It is frequently mentioned in the context of construction and craftsmanship, including the making of idols. The cedar's prominence in idol-making is highlighted in several passages, reflecting both its esteemed status and the folly of idolatry.

Biblical References:

One of the most pointed references to the use of cedar in idol-making is found in the book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah vividly describes the process by which a craftsman uses cedar wood to create an idol, emphasizing the absurdity of worshiping a creation of human hands. Isaiah 44:14-15 states: "He cuts down cedars or retrieves a cypress or oak. He lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a laurel, and the rain makes it grow. It serves as fuel for man. He takes some of it to warm himself, and he kindles a fire to bake his bread. But he also fashions it into a god and worships it; he makes an idol from it and bows down to it."

This passage underscores the irony and futility of idol worship. The same wood that provides warmth and sustenance is fashioned into an object of devotion, highlighting the misplaced reverence for created things rather than the Creator.

Symbolism and Critique:

The use of cedar in idol-making serves as a powerful symbol of human pride and the tendency to elevate material objects to divine status. The cedar, a tree of great stature and beauty, becomes a tool for idolatry, illustrating the distortion of God's creation for purposes contrary to His will. The prophets, particularly Isaiah and Jeremiah, critique this practice, calling the people of Israel to recognize the folly of worshiping lifeless idols.

Jeremiah 10:3-5 further elaborates on this theme: "For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, cedar wood was highly prized for its quality and was often used in the construction of temples, palaces, and ships. Its use in idol-making reflects the broader cultural practices of the surrounding nations, which Israel was often tempted to emulate. The biblical narrative consistently warns against adopting these practices, urging the people to remain faithful to the worship of Yahweh alone.

The cedar's role in idol-making is a testament to the enduring struggle between true worship and idolatry, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. The prophets' denunciations serve as a reminder of the importance of discerning the proper use of God's creation and the dangers of allowing material objects to usurp the place of God in the hearts of His people.Isaiah 44:14
He hews him down cedars, and takes the cypress and the oak, which he strengthens for himself among the trees of the forest: he plants an ash, and the rain does nourish it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nineveh.
... and the rooms decked with cedar, gilding, and ... who had succeeded Tiglath Pileser,
by making friends with So ... a proud and ambitious monarch, who used his Israelite ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... Lord ordered (Ex.30:18, seqq.) the making of a ... if mice, lizards, or the like, which
they used to sacrifice ... flames." To this burning were added "cedar-wood, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... gorges of the Jordan, or amid the cedar-heights of ... neighbourhood still more familiar
to her, she used to go ... ask for God's blessing, and then making some simple ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm

The Great Change
... There used to be great wars and fightings among Christian ... from saying one thing and
meaning another, or making other people ... as he is fair, like a cedar as well ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the great change.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... The making of bricks ... the stamp of Dungi are found among the materials used in the ...
The interior was panelled with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... [97] I see the figures V and II, making seven [she ... of the Temple; it seems as if
it were used to pay ... There were pine-trees (cedar or terebinth) and other trees ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

"But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and ...
... Use the world as if ye used it not, watch unto ... uses sometimes to be expressed singly,
without making mention of ... but the high mind is like the cedar, that moves ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xx but the end.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... de Sarzec found the remains of carbonized cedar panels in ... us to infer that hangings
were used for mural ... the Egyptian armchairs in outline, and making us ask if ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... says, has a fine ash or oak or cedar-tree, and ... wanton eyes, walking and mincing as
they go, making a tinkling ... They did not know that they were being thus used. ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

False Profession.
... [Footnote: "Latitudinarian." This term is used of a ... even as if a man should swing
about a cedar. ... seemed sons of the morning, and were making preparations for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

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Cedar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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