### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼerez**, represented by `{{H730}}`, refers to the **cedar tree**. It is defined as a cedar tree, noted for the tenacity of its roots. The word appears 73 times in 69 verses of the Bible, indicating its significance in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H730}}` is prominently featured in the context of construction, especially for royal and sacred structures. King Hiram of Tyre sent cedar to David to build him a house [[2 Samuel 5:11]] and later provided cedar trees for the construction of Solomon's temple ([[1 Kings 5:6]], [[1 Kings 9:11]]). The temple itself was extensively built with cedar, used for beams, boards, and the inner oracle [[1 Kings 6:15-16]]. Beyond construction, cedar wood was also used in purification rituals, such as the cleansing of a person with leprosy [[Leviticus 14:4]] and the cleansing of a house [[Leviticus 14:49]], often alongside hyssop `{{H231}}` and scarlet `{{H8144}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the cedar's significance:
* `{{H3844}}` **Lebanown** (Lebanon): The most common location associated with cedars, often appearing as "cedars of Lebanon" [[Psalms 92:12]]. It is defined as (the) white mountain (from its snow).
* `{{H1265}}` **berowsh** (fir tree): Another prominent tree frequently mentioned alongside cedar in building projects and as a symbol of nature's majesty ([[1 Kings 9:11]], [[Isaiah 14:8]]).
* `{{H437}}` **allown** (oak): A strong tree used in parallel with the cedar to represent strength and pride, often in the context of God's judgment ([[Amos 2:9]], [[Isaiah 2:13]]).
* `{{H1129}}` **banah** (to build): This verb is frequently used in connection with cedar, highlighting its primary role as a valuable building material for houses and the temple ([[2 Samuel 7:7]], [[1 Kings 6:36]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H730}}` is multifaceted, representing both human pride and divine majesty.
* **Symbol of Human Pride:** The cedar's height and strength are used to symbolize the arrogance of powerful rulers. God asks a king, "Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar?" [[Jeremiah 22:15]]. The Assyrian king is compared to a mighty cedar before his fall [[Ezekiel 31:3]], and a thistle foolishly challenges a cedar [[2 Kings 14:9]].
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** Because of its association with pride, the cedar is often a target of God's judgment. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars [[Psalms 29:5]], and His judgment is upon "all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up" [[Isaiah 2:13]].
* **Metaphor for Righteousness and Restoration:** In a positive light, the righteous are said to "grow like a cedar in Lebanon" [[Psalms 92:12]]. God promises to plant a "goodly cedar" under which all kinds of birds will dwell, symbolizing His restorative power and the security found in Him [[Ezekiel 17:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H730}}` represents more than just a type of timber. It is a powerful symbol of strength, majesty, and permanence, used to build the most important structures like the house of God [[1 Kings 6:9]]. Its great height and strength also serve as a metaphor for the pride of powerful kings and nations, which God can humble [[Amos 2:9]]. Conversely, it symbolizes the flourishing of the righteous [[Psalms 92:12]] and is part of God's plan for restoration [[Isaiah 41:19]]. From temple beams to ritual purification, the cedar tree is a cornerstone of both literal construction and theological symbolism in the Bible.
TRV