The term "forest-like" in the context of the Bible often refers to areas densely populated with trees and vegetation, symbolizing both natural beauty and untamed wilderness. Forests in biblical times were significant for their resources, mystery, and as places of refuge or danger. The imagery of forests is used throughout Scripture to convey various spiritual and moral lessons.

Biblical References:

1. Lebanon's Cedars: The cedars of Lebanon are frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength and grandeur. In Psalm 92:12 , it is written, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." This comparison highlights the majesty and enduring nature of the righteous, akin to the towering and robust cedars.

2. Forests as Places of Refuge: Forests served as places of refuge and hiding. In 1 Samuel 22:5 , the prophet Gad advises David, "Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart, and go into the land of Judah." So David left and went into the forest of Hereth. Here, the forest provides a sanctuary for David as he evades King Saul.

3. Symbol of Judgment and Desolation: Forests can also symbolize judgment and desolation. In Isaiah 10:18-19 , the prophet speaks of the Lord's judgment: "The splendor of his forest and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick man wastes away. And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down." This passage uses the imagery of a devastated forest to depict the thoroughness of divine judgment.

4. Metaphor for Human Pride: The forest is sometimes used metaphorically to represent human pride and arrogance. In Isaiah 2:13 , the prophet warns against the pride of man, "against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up, and against all the oaks of Bashan." The tall trees symbolize human pride that will be humbled by God.

5. Forests in Prophetic Visions: In prophetic literature, forests often appear in visions and dreams. Ezekiel 31:3 describes Assyria as a cedar in Lebanon: "Consider Assyria, once a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches overshadowing the forest; it towered on high, its top among the clouds." This vision uses the forest-like imagery to convey the might and eventual downfall of a great nation.

Theological Implications:

Forests in the Bible are rich with theological symbolism. They represent both the beauty and abundance of God's creation and the wild, untamed aspects of the world that can be both protective and perilous. The forest-like imagery serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation, His ability to provide refuge, and His power to bring judgment. The use of forests as metaphors for human pride and divine judgment underscores the biblical theme of humility before God and the consequences of straying from His will.

In summary, the concept of "forest-like" in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of strength, refuge, judgment, and humility. The imagery of forests serves as a powerful tool for conveying spiritual truths and moral lessons throughout Scripture.

Striking Similes
... Three-cornered notes fly about like butterflies. Through the forest, like a fairy
dream through some dark mind, the ferns in branching beauty stream. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... burn. And the light of Israel shall be a fire, and shall sanctify him in
flame, and shall consume the forest like grass." [1437]. 17. ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

Forest-like (1 Occurrence)
Forest-like. Forestalling, Forest-like. Forests . Multi-Version
Concordance Forest-like (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 31:3 ...
/f/forest-like.htm - 6k

Forests (12 Occurrences)

/f/forests.htm - 10k

Forest (67 Occurrences)
... compare proper name Harosheth), 2 Chronicles 27:4. In 1 Samuel 23:15 translated
"wood"; in Isaiah 17:9, "wood"; in Ezekiel 31:3, "forest-like shade." Applied ...
/f/forest.htm - 37k

Overshadowing (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches,
and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the ...
/o/overshadowing.htm - 8k

Forestalling (1 Occurrence)

/f/forestalling.htm - 6k

Towered (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches,
and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the ...
/t/towered.htm - 7k

Treads (19 Occurrences)
... Micah 5:8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,
like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among ...
/t/treads.htm - 12k

Tramples (7 Occurrences)
... Micah 5:8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,
like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among ...
/t/tramples.htm - 8k

Mauls (1 Occurrence)
... Micah 5:8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples,
like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among ...
/m/mauls.htm - 6k

Bough (8 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches,
and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the ...
/b/bough.htm - 9k

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