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Answer
Mentioned only in the Old Testament, Lebanon is renowned for its trees and mountain range. The Bible references Lebanon 71 times, focusing on its natural features rather than as a specific state or nation. Interestingly, Lebanon means “white,” likely alluding to the country’s white, snow-capped mountain range as seen in Jeremiah 18:14. The nation of Lebanon was celebrated for its natural resources and beauty.
Scripture includes Lebanon as part of the Promised Land. Moses and Joshua both mention Lebanon when discussing the Promised Land and its boundaries (Deuteronomy 1:7; Deuteronomy 3:25; Joshua 1:4). This aligns with Deuteronomy 11:24, which declares, “Every place where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Mediterranean Sea.” Subsequently, during Joshua’s conquests to claim parts of the Promised Land, the valley of Lebanon was among the regions captured «And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions; », (Joshua 12:7).
Known for its renowned forests and stunning mountain range, Lebanon provided valuable lumber for the Israelites. The cedar tree of Lebanon, featured on the modern flag of Lebanon, was highly prized for its top-quality, fragrant timber. Solomon utilized cedar trees from Lebanon in constructing the temple and his palace, known as “the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon” (1 Kings 5:5-6;7:1-3). To gather the substantial amount of timber required for the temple and palace, 30,000 Israelite men were drafted and sent to Lebanon for one month at a time (1 Kings 5:13-14). Hiram, the king of Tyre, had his workers cut the trees, transport the logs to the sea, and float them to a location where Solomon’s men could retrieve them (1 Kings 5:8-9).
The cedars of Lebanon are potent symbols in the Bible. Due to the flourishing and abundant forests of Lebanon, the trees were frequently used as a representation of Israel prospering or “blooming” as a result of God’s favor (Psalm 92:12;Hosea 14:5-7). The depiction of Lebanon flourishing is utilized by the psalmist to illustrate God’s magnificence in creation: “The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted” «The trees of the LORD are full of sap; The cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; », (Psalm 104:16). When God pronounced judgment on Assyria, He likened that mighty nation to the towering trees of Lebanon. However, God assured Assyria’s downfall:
“See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
will prune with great power.
The tall trees will be cut down,
the lofty ones will be brought low.
He will fell the dense forest with an ax;
Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One” (Isaiah 10:33-34;cf: Ezekiel 31:3-17).
Lebanon is also significant as it is mentioned in connection with the future millennial kingdom. When Jesus returns after the tribulation, He will establish His kingKingdom and rule for 1,000 years «And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and who had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. », (Revelation 20:4). Jerusalem is promised restoration: “The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the juniper, the fir, and the cypress together, to adorn my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place for my feet” «The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. », (Isaiah 60:13). Lebanon’s natural resources have been valued for thousands of years, and they will once again contribute beauty and richness in the future millennial kingdom.
