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H730 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶרֶז
Erez
Noun, masculine
Cedar tree

Definition

Erez (אֶרֶז) refers to the cedar tree, specifically the Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani), which grew to massive size and was famed throughout the ancient world for its strength, fragrance, and durability. Cedar was the premier building material of the ancient Near East, used in Solomon's temple, royal palaces, and the ceilings of great halls.

Theological Significance

The cedar became a symbol of power, pride, and human greatness — and therefore a target of divine judgment when such pride lifted itself against God (Isaiah 2:13; Ezekiel 31). Yet cedar also represents the righteous: "The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12). God's people, rooted in Him, can achieve a stability and majesty that human strength cannot.

Key Scripture Passages

1 Kings 6:9
So he built the house and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the house of beams and planks of cedar.
Psalm 92:12
The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Isaiah 2:13
Against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan.
Ezekiel 31:3
Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches and forest shade, and of towering height, its top among the clouds.
Song of Solomon 1:17
The beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are pine.

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