Cedar
NatureWhat is the meaning of Cedar in the Bible?
The cedar tree, specifically Cedrus libani, was highly valued in antiquity for its durable, aromatic wood and symbolic weight. It served as a primary material for constructing temples, palaces, and ships, as well as for crafting carved objects and ritual items.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical properties and scarcity of cedar wood clarifies the immense economic and political value placed on it in biblical narratives, highlighting why kings like Solomon prioritized its acquisition for the Temple and why it serves as a metaphor for stability and divine favor in prophetic literature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Cedar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Cedar clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.