the First Week of Advent
Click here to join the effort!
Bible Dictionaries
Cedar
Morrish Bible Dictionary
The beautiful tall tree that was extensively used by Solomon in building the temple and his palaces. It is called 'cedar' from the firmness of its roots; its wood is very durable and odoriferous. It was used for beams, pillars and masts, and for carved images. 1 Kings 6:9,10; Isaiah 44:14; Ezekiel 27:5 . Special reference is made to it in scripture, as "the trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon which he hath planted." Psalm 104:16 . It cannot be considered as one of the trees of Palestine proper, but is constantly connected in scripture with Lebanon, where it still grows in a group of some 300, a few being very old, and with no others near: the neighbouring people regard them with reverence.
In the cleansing of the leper, and in connection with burning the Red Heifer, cedar wood and hyssop were used, typical of the highest and the lowest (the judgement of death upon all men and the whole fashion of this world). Leviticus 14:4-52; Numbers 19:6 . The cedar is used as a symbol of strength and stability: the righteous shall grow up as a cedar of Lebanon. Psalm 92:12 . The Assyrian king in his strength was also compared to a cedar, which is thus described: "with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature," Ezekiel 31:3; for his pride he was to be brought down.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Cedar'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​c/cedar.html. 1897.