CEDAR. - A majestic tree, with prized wood, mentioned in many biblical passages, generally with the local designation "of Lebanon," where it grew in great abundance. The name has also passed into scientific language: cedrus libanotica or pinus cedrus Libani or cedrus Libani.

Now, however, only wretched remnants survive in Lebanon. The precious wood of the cedar was widely used by Solomon in his many sumptuous constructions (1 Kings 5:6; 7:2, etc.) and likewise by wealthy Hebrews in their palaces (Isa. 9:10). It was also used to build ships (Ezek. 27:5) or idols (Isa. 44:14). Considered a symbol of life and of legal purity because of its incorruptibility, it was also used in liturgical ceremonies (Lev. 14:4-49; Num. 19:6).

In literature the metaphor "cedar of Lebanon" signifies power, beauty or inconsiderate pride (Zech. 11:1; Ezek. 31:2; 17:3, 22; Amos 2:9). With reference to the cedar of Lebanon the prevalence of the just is wished for (Ps. 91:13) or the pride of the wicked is condemned (Ps. 28:5; 36:35). The bridegroom in Cant. 5:15 and even divine wisdom (Ecclus. 24:17) are described with the image of the cedar.

Angelo Penna

@incollection{ec3_cedro, author = {Penna, Angelo}, title = {Cedro}, booktitle = {Enciclopedia Cattolica}, volume = {III}, pages = {1247}, note = {Cited by column}, publisher = {Ente per l’Enciclopedia Cattolica e per il Libro Cattolico}, address = {Città del Vaticano}, year = {1949}, url = {https://azioneromana.com/article/cedro} }

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Cedar

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