In this series, we are taking an in-depth look into multiple trees mentioned in God’s Word. Trees are one of the most frequent natural creations referred to in specific ways throughout the Bible, and many are mentioned by their species name. For reference, here are several species mentioned that we briefly looked over in the last installment of this blog series:
- Fig
- Acacia
- Olive
- Oak
- Palm
- Sycamore
- Cedar
In the last few parts of this series we examined the olive tree, the most valued tree in Israelite culture, and the fig tree, a powerful symbol used in Jesus’ teachings.
This time we will examine the cedar tree, a valued tree in the Old Testament world and a symbol of strength and glory.
Strength and Purification
The cedar tree is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament in relation to construction and building. The cedar was a highly valued tree during the reign of the Israelite kings, particularly because of its resistance to the elements and decay. In 1 Kings 5, King Solomon requested cedar wood from the king of Tyre so that it could be used in building the first temple, the place God’s glory dwelt among His people. And after the Israelite captivity and exile to foreign lands the same kind of wood was used to rebuild a less ornate but no less significant temple. The cedar tree was proven over and over again to be a reliable source of strong building material, making it a valuable resource.
In the Israelite culture, the cedar was not only used for building but for rites of purification. Leviticus 14 outlines the cleansing process when there is a case of leprosy in a person or inside a house. In the process of rededicating the person or thing to the Lord the priest would use two clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop (verse 4). After killing one of the birds, the priest would dip the live bird and other items in water before sprinkling the water on the person or house. The cedarwood may have been used because of its resistance to decay, symbolizing how the leprous disease would not mean the destruction of whatever it had taken hold of.
Man’s Rebellion
The cedar tree is also used symbolically in several of the prophetic books. Several of these mentions have to do with the actions of men and how the Lord will judge them for what they have done. Ezekiel 31 is a chapter predicting judgment against the Assyrian nation. Verse 3 states, “Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches and a forest shade, and of towering height, its top among the clouds.” The Lord had given Assyria power, wealth, and glory in the world. Its military might made it one of the strongest countries, leading the nations around it to fear and respect them.
But this power came with responsibility that the Assyrians did not exercise correctly. Verses 10 and 11 continue, “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because it towered high and set its top among the clouds, and its heart was proud of its height, I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations. He shall surely deal with it as its wickedness deserves. I have cast it out.” While Assyria was a mighty nation its people had not remained humble when they were exalted. Instead they became puffed up in their power, forgetting that all they had been given could be taken away. They rejected the Lord and worshipped false gods who could do nothing to help them. Ultimately it was their arrogance that led to their judgment.
Isaiah 9 also mentions cedar trees when describing the judgment against God’s people. The Israelites say in verse 10, “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.” Again, pride had overtaken a people chosen to be blessed. Even though Israel was God’s holy nation, set apart to bring blessings to the world, He would not let the stubbornness of their hearts stand. While they hoped to stand firm by planting the sturdy cedar, God’s punishment against them would not be thwarted and they would stand judged for their sins.
Righteousness and the Strength of the Lord
The symbolism of the cedar tree is not only used to describe the wicked in Scripture. Psalm 92:12 tells us, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” While the wicked plan to strengthen themselves with cedars in opposition to God’s judgment, they are ultimately unable to stand against His wrath. In contrast, the righteous person receives blessings because they follow the Lord’s path. His Word is the guide of their lives and helps them make decisions each day. Because of their dedication to Him God causes them to be prosper. Even as they struggle in the sinful world His goodness follows them all the days of their lives (Psalm 23:6). And as they receive blessings the righteous is able to give praise back to the Lord, telling of His righteousness and strength (Psalm 92:15).
The last use of the cedar tree we will examine is found in Psalm 29:5. This Psalm is filled with praise to the Lord for His power in all creation. We are told, “The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.” While the cedar tree is powerful and resistant to outside forces it stands no chance against the power of our God. Only a word from Him would wipe out the entire forest of Lebanon. Such power is unmatched by any creature, least of all us! What can we do but join creation in giving Him glory? “…in His temple all cry, ‘Glory!’” -Psalm 29:9
May we humbly consider our own weakness in light of God’s strength as we remember the example of the cedar tree.
Written by NBB Alumna: Rachael English
