Topical Encyclopedia The cedar tree holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible, often representing strength, beauty, and longevity. Known for its majestic stature and durable wood, the cedar is frequently mentioned in the context of construction, worship, and metaphorical language.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Construction and Craftsmanship: The cedar tree is renowned for its use in building and craftsmanship. King Solomon famously used cedar wood in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 6:9-10 , it is recorded, "So he built the temple and finished it, and he paneled the temple with beams and boards of cedar. He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar." The choice of cedar for such a sacred structure underscores its value and durability. 2. Symbol of Strength and Majesty: Cedars are often used metaphorically to describe strength and majesty. 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 vitality and resilience. 3. Lebanon's Pride: The cedars of Lebanon are particularly noted in Scripture for their grandeur. In Isaiah 2:13 , the cedars are mentioned in the context of God's judgment against human pride: "against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, and against all the oaks of Bashan." The cedars' towering presence serves as a symbol of human arrogance that will be humbled by God. 4. Divine Planting: The cedar is also used to illustrate God's provision and care. In Psalm 104:16 , it is written, "The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted." This verse highlights the divine origin and sustenance of these magnificent trees, reflecting God's creative power. 5. Metaphor for Restoration and Growth: In Ezekiel 17:22-24 , the cedar is used in a parable to symbolize the restoration of Israel: "This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take a shoot from the top of a lofty cedar and plant it. I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots, and I will plant it on a high and prominent mountain... And all the trees of the field will know that I, the LORD, bring down the tall tree and make the low tree tall. I cause the green tree to wither and make the withered tree flourish. I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it.’" This passage speaks to God's sovereignty and the hope of renewal. Cultural and Historical Context The cedar tree, particularly the Cedrus libani, or the cedar of Lebanon, was highly prized in the ancient Near East. Its wood was sought after for its resistance to decay and its aromatic qualities. The Phoenicians, who inhabited the region of Lebanon, were known for their trade in cedar wood, which was exported to various parts of the ancient world, including Egypt and Israel. Theological Implications In biblical theology, the cedar tree serves as a powerful symbol of God's creation, human pride, and divine judgment. Its frequent use in sacred architecture and metaphorical language underscores its role as a representation of God's majesty and the enduring nature of His promises. The cedar's presence in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the strength and beauty of a life rooted in faith and the assurance of God's eternal plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 10:27And the king made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the sycomore trees that are in the vale, for abundance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Beams of Our Houses are of Cedar and Our Carved Ceilings are ... Great Preparations for a Great Work The History of Solomon The Cedars of Lebanon. How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ... Every Inch a King. Deliverance from Assyria How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ... The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ... Resources Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trees of the Life and Conversation of the Righteous Trees were Cut Down by Besieging Armies for Erecting Forts Trees were Cut Down for Building Trees were Cut Down for Making Idols Trees were Sold With the Land on Which They Grew Trees: (Casting Their Leaves Yet Retaining Their Substance) of Trees: (Dry) of the Wicked Ripe for Judgment Trees: (Dry) of Useless Persons Trees: (Duration of) of Continued Prosperity of Saints Trees: (Good and Fruitful) of Saints Trees: (Green) of the Innocence of Christ Trees: (Producing Evil Fruit) the Wicked Trees: (Shaking of the Leaves off) the Terror of the Wicked Trees: Afford an Agreeable Shade in Eastern Countries During The Trees: Designed to Beautify the Earth Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Forest Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned of the Wood Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Bearing Fruit Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Deciduous or Casting the Leaves Trees: Different Kinds of Mentioned: Evergreen Trees: Each Kind Has Its own Seed for Propagating Its Species Trees: Each Kind of, Known by Its Fruit Trees: Early Custom of Planting, in Consecrated Grounds Trees: Given As Food to the Animal Creation Trees: God Increases and Multiplies the Fruit of, for his People Trees: God often Renders, Barren As a Punishment Trees: Made for the Glory of God Trees: Nourished by the Rain from Heaven Trees: Nourished: Through Their own Sap Trees: Often Propagated by Birds Who Carry the Seeds Along With Them Trees: Often Suffered From: Desolating Armies Trees: Often Suffered From: Fire Trees: Often Suffered From: Hail and Frost Trees: Often Suffered From: Locusts Trees: Originally Created by God Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Branches Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Fruit or Seeds Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Leaves Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Roots Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Stem or Trunk Trees: Parts of Mentioned: The Tender Shoots Trees: Solomon Wrote the History of Trees: Specially Flourished Beside the Rivers and Streams of Water Trees: The Jews: Considered Trees on Which Criminals Were Executed Trees: The Jews: Often Buried Under Trees: The Jews: Often Executed Criminals On Trees: The Jews: Often Pitched Their Tents Under Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Cutting Down Fruit Bearing, for Sieges Trees: The Jews: Prohibited from Planting in Consecrated Places Trees: when Cut Down often Sprouted from Their Roots Again Related Terms Sycamore-trees (6 Occurrences) Sycomore-trees (6 Occurrences) Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences) |
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