The Cedars of Lebanon

And so I purpose to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord said to David my father, ‘your son, whom I will set upon your throne in your place, shall build the house of my name.’ Now therefore command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. I Kings 5: 5-6

I enjoy visiting old cemeteries, especially old prairie cemeteries. They frequently have remnants of prairie grasses and flowers (like pussy toes in the spring) and the old fragrant varieties of garden flowers like peonies, lilacs, and bridal wreath that were planted long ago. They often tell a story of the early settlers in the area and travelers along the trails headed west. One thing they almost all have in common is that there are cedars trees planted there. The pioneers planted their own “cedars of Lebanon” like in the Bible in memory of their loved ones.

Pastor Melodie last week mentioned the cedars that were used to build Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. These were very different from the scrappy cedar trees that invade and try to take over our rancher’s pastures. The cedars of Lebanon were the most famous trees in all antiquity. Their wood was prized and sought after by Pharaohs, kings, and rulers. These cedars defined the economy of Lebanon and were cut from the dense forests of the snowcapped peaks of the mountains. They were then transported to western coastal cities and loaded on Phoenician ships and shipped throughout the world. Sometimes they were tied together in rafts and floated along in the sea. One reference in the Bible states that God planted these trees and they were carefully protected from being totally harvested. A remnant of this forest remains in the mountains of Lebanon.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the beauty of trees. Like the cedars of Lebanon, help us to appreciate all that trees provide —the shade, the fruit, the lumber, the nuts, the homes to numerous animals, and the glory of the changing colors of the leaves through the seasons. Help us be good stewards to the earth—recognizing the glory that you have given us in trees. Amen

Nancy Hall