The cedars of Lebanon are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, both literally referring to the tall evergreen coniferous trees that grew in ancient Lebanon, as well as metaphorically referring to the nation of Lebanon itself. Here is a comprehensive look at the many references to the cedars of Lebanon in the Bible.
Literal References to the Cedars of Lebanon
The cedars of Lebanon grew tall and majestic, some reaching over 100 feet in height. Their wood was highly valued for construction due to its aromatic quality, durability, and resistance to both rot and insects. As such, the cedars of Lebanon were prized by ancient cultures and are mentioned numerous times in the Bible.
In 1 Kings 4:33, the cedars of Lebanon are mentioned along with other trees that Solomon described and spoke about. 1 Kings 5 recounts how King Hiram of Tyre sent cedars from Lebanon to Solomon for use in building the temple. Solomon requested the cedars to be cut and sent in rafts by sea to Joppa, then transported overland to Jerusalem. Large quantities of cedar beams, planks, and timber were sent for this purpose.
In 2 Chronicles 2:8-10 as Solomon is making further preparations to build the temple, he sends word to King Hiram requesting more cedar, cypress, and algum timber from Lebanon. King Hiram agrees and has the cedars cut and sent via rafts by sea, as payment to Solomon’s servants who will do the felling work.
Psalm 92:12 declares that “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” This verse uses the cedar as a metaphor for righteousness, stability, and prosperity.
Several passages including Psalm 29:5, Psalm 104:16, and Isaiah 2:13 reference God breaking the cedars of Lebanon. This demonstrates God’s sovereignty over all of creation.
Isaiah 14:8 tells of the cypress and cedar trees rejoicing at the fall of the king of Babylon. Here the cedars of Lebanon represent a nation that was oppressed by Babylon, now rejoicing at its downfall.
The book of Ezra records how King Cyrus returned the temple vessels that had been taken from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and brought them back to Judea. In Ezra 3:7, cedar logs were among the materials acquired from Lebanon for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.
In Zechariah 11:1, the cedars of Lebanon are called on to wail and lament the destruction coming upon the land of Israel.
Throughout the Bible, the cedars of Lebanon are spoken of as tall, majestic, strong trees, used specifically for important building projects, clearly the best trees available at the time. The Cedars of Lebanon still grow in the mountains of Lebanon today, though they are an endangered species and only small groves of these trees remain.
Metaphorical References to Cedars of Lebanon
In addition to literal references, the cedars of Lebanon are also mentioned metaphorically in the Bible. Because they were such tall, strong, valuable trees, the cedars became associated with pride, strength, and riches.
Numerous times in Scripture, the glory or pride of a nation is metaphorically referred to as a cedar of Lebanon. For example, Ezekiel 31:3 says to Pharaoh king of Egypt “Consider Assyria, a cedar of Lebanon, with fine branches that shaded the forest, and with very high height.” Here Assyria’s glory and power are compared to the majesty of a cedar of Lebanon.
Ezekiel 17:22-23 also uses the cedar metaphor, this time referring to the kingdom of God. It states that the Lord will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it on a high mountain, where it will produce fruit and become a noble cedar, a home for birds of every sort. This passage symbolizes the Messiah’s kingdom growing up from humble beginnings to become a refuge for people of all nations.
Similarly, the book of Judges contains Jotham’s parable of the trees asking the olive tree, the fig tree, and finally the vine to be king over them, with all refusing. Finally, they ask the bramble and the bramble accepts. Verse 14 states that the thornbush represents wicked leaders, saying “If you really want to anoint me king over you, come and take refuge in my shade.” Thebramble makes an unworthy king compared to the glory and majesty that would have come from the cedar, often symbolic of godly rulers.
Isaiah 2:13 declares that “The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan.” Here, the cedars and oaks likely represent the pride of man and earthly rulers that will be brought low when God alone is exalted.
The metaphor of the cedars of Lebanon is particularly apt, as cedar trees were used to build palaces and temples in the ancient world. The metaphor represents power and glory, particularly when referencing a kingdom or rulers. When God judges the cedars, it demonstrates his might bringing low the prideful rulers of the world.
Spiritual Lessons from the Cedars
Beyond their literal and metaphorical usage, the cedars of Lebanon also convey important spiritual lessons that Christians can apply today:
- The cedars remind us of the glory, wisdom, and sovereignty of God. Their excellent qualities andupdateright uses in Scripture point to the magnificence of the Creator.
- The temple built with cedars of Lebanon was a place where God’s presence dwelled and his holiness was on display. This foreshadows Christ as the true temple, and the cross where God’s holiness and love definitively met.
- The cedars call us to pursue spiritual stability and righteousness that we may point others to Christ. The cedar does not easily rot or fall over – characteristics that should mark the life of a believer as well.
- Pride precedes the fall. The metaphorical uses of the cedar remind us that boasting in temporal strength and riches will fade away, as all earthly glory is fleeting.
- While impressive, the cedars of Lebanon were just trees. How much more should we worship and trust in God, not idols, for refuge and salvation.
Though cedar forests are now scarce, the symbolic cedars of Lebanon continue to declare spiritual truths to those with ears to hear. May we embrace the lessons they impart.
Key Bible Passages on the Cedars of Lebanon
Some key Bible passages that mention the cedars of Lebanon include:
- 1 Kings 5:6-10 – Hiram provides cedars for the construction of Solomon’s temple.
- Psalm 29:5 – “The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.”
- Psalm 104:16 – “The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted.”
- Isaiah 2:13 – “The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the cedars of Lebanon.”
- Isaiah 14:8 – “The cypress trees rejoice over you, and the cedars of Lebanon say, ‘Now that you have been laid low, no one comes to cut us down.'”
- Ezekiel 31:3 – “Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest.”
These key passages provide examples of how the cedars of Lebanon were utilized both literally and metaphorically to communicate important spiritual truths and lessons.