Cedar-wood holds a significant place in biblical history and literature, often symbolizing strength, beauty, and durability. The cedar tree, particularly the Cedars of Lebanon, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting its importance in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Cedar-wood is first mentioned in the context of the construction of sacred spaces. In 1 Kings 6:9-10, Solomon uses cedar-wood to build the temple in Jerusalem: "So he built the temple and finished it, and he covered the temple with beams and boards of cedar." The use of cedar in the temple construction underscores its value and the desire for a lasting, majestic structure dedicated to the worship of God.

The wood's durability and resistance to decay made it an ideal material for building. This is further emphasized in 1 Kings 7:2-3, where Solomon constructs the House of the Forest of Lebanon, a grand palace, using cedar pillars and beams. The choice of cedar for such significant buildings highlights its status as a symbol of strength and permanence.

Cedar-wood also appears in the context of purification rituals. In Leviticus 14:4-7, cedar-wood is used in the cleansing ceremony for a person healed of leprosy: "the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed." The inclusion of cedar-wood in this ritual signifies its association with purity and renewal.

Cultural and Historical Context

The Cedars of Lebanon were renowned in the ancient world for their quality and were highly sought after for construction and trade. The trees grew in the mountains of Lebanon, and their wood was exported to various regions, including Israel. The Phoenicians, who inhabited the coastal regions of modern-day Lebanon, were known for their trade in cedar-wood, which they transported across the Mediterranean.

The grandeur of the cedar tree is poetically captured in the Psalms and the Prophets. Psalm 92:12 states, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." Here, the cedar symbolizes the flourishing and enduring nature of the righteous, drawing a parallel between the tree's majestic growth and the spiritual vitality of those who follow God's ways.

In Ezekiel 31:3, Assyria is compared to a cedar in Lebanon, illustrating the nation's former greatness and the eventual judgment it faced: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest, towering on high, its top above the thick foliage." This metaphor serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power compared to the eternal sovereignty of God.

Theological Implications

Cedar-wood's frequent association with sacred spaces and rituals in the Bible underscores its theological significance. It represents not only physical strength and beauty but also spiritual purity and divine presence. The use of cedar in the temple and other holy places reflects the desire to create a dwelling place worthy of God's glory.

Moreover, the cedar's symbolism extends to the life of believers. Just as the cedar stands tall and resilient, Christians are called to grow in faith and righteousness, rooted in the strength and grace of God. The enduring nature of cedar-wood serves as a metaphor for the eternal life promised to those who trust in the Lord.

In summary, cedar-wood in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of strength, beauty, purity, and divine presence, woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. Its presence in sacred architecture and rituals highlights its enduring significance in the worship and spiritual life of God's people.

The First Stage in the Leper's Cleansing
... leprosy be healed in the leper; 4. Then shall the priest command to take for him
that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar-wood, and scarlet ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first stage in the.htm

October 27 Morning
... Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive
and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: and the priest shall ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/october 27 morning.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... bodies. And, to say all in brief, Solomon made the whole building entirely
of white stone, and cedar wood, and gold, and silver. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... just as the cow was burnt "with her skin and her flesh, her blood and dung being
delivered to the flames." To this burning were added "cedar-wood, and hyssop ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... They had to supply the cedar wood, iron, copper, brass, tin, gold, silver, and the
rich fabrics which have made proverbial the sumptuous and beautiful raiment ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Text-Divisions: Stichi, Chapters, Lections, Catenae.
... vii.6), and the rows of cedar wood shafts (trion stichon stulon kedrinon, ib.9).
When applied to the art of writing, the word signifies a continuous line of ...
/.../chapter vi text-divisions stichi chapters.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Jud??a, Per??a, and Galilee, would mingle in the streets of Jerusalem, under the
ever-present shadow of that glorious Sanctuary of marble, cedarwood, and gold ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... It was built on Mount Moriah, one of the hills of Jerusalem. King David had prepared
for it by gathering great stores of silver, stone and cedar-wood. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... This commercial people, through Hiram of Tyre, one of its kings, supplied the cedar
wood and the skilled laborers who made possible the building of the temple. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

What Happened to the Hebrews During Thirty-Eight Years in the ...
... before the tabernacle of God; after this, the entire heifer was burnt in that state,
together with its skin and entrails; and they threw cedar-wood, and hyssop ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 what happened to.htm

Cedarwood (5 Occurrences)
...Cedarwood (5 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:4 then shall the priest command to take
for him that is to be cleansed two living clean birds, and cedar-wood, and ...
/c/cedarwood.htm - 7k

Cedar-wood (22 Occurrences)
Cedar-wood. Cedarwood, Cedar-wood. Cedar-work . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Cedarwood, Cedar-wood. Cedar-work . Reference Bible.
/c/cedar-wood.htm - 12k

Hyssop (12 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:4 then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed
two living clean birds, and cedarwood, and scarlet, and hyssop. ...
/h/hyssop.htm - 14k

Lines (42 Occurrences)
... See NIV). 1 Kings 6:36 And the inner space was walled with three lines of
squared stones and a line of cedar-wood boards. (BBE). 1 ...
/l/lines.htm - 19k

String (12 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:4 then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed
two living clean birds, and cedarwood, and scarlet, and hyssop. ...
/s/string.htm - 11k

Thread (32 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:4 Then the priest is to give orders to take, for him who is to be made
clean, two living clean birds and some cedarwood and red thread and hyssop ...
/t/thread.htm - 16k

Yarn (37 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 14:4 then the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed
two living clean birds, and cedarwood, and scarlet, and hyssop. ...
/y/yarn.htm - 18k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 5:8 Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying; The words you sent have been given
to me: I will do all your desire in the question of cedar-wood and cypress ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 5:8 Then Hiram sent to Solomon, saying; The words you sent have been given
to me: I will do all your desire in the question of cedar-wood and cypress ...
/c/cypress-wood.htm - 8k

Cedar (61 Occurrences)
... Cleansing: Cedar is twice ment Leviticus 14:4 the cleansed leper was sprinkled with
the blood of a "clean bird" into which had been put "cedar-wood, and scarlet ...
/c/cedar.htm - 37k

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