Topical Encyclopedia Lebanon, a region renowned for its majestic cedar trees, played a significant role in the reconstruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The cedars of Lebanon were highly prized in the ancient world for their quality and durability, making them an ideal choice for significant construction projects, including the rebuilding of the Temple.Historical Context The Second Temple period began after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Under the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The reconstruction of the Temple was a central aspect of restoring Jewish worship and identity. Biblical References The provision of wood from Lebanon for the Second Temple is documented in the book of Ezra. The text highlights the cooperation between the Jewish leaders and the people of Tyre and Sidon, cities located in the region of Lebanon. Ezra 3:7 states: "Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, according to the authorization they had from Cyrus king of Persia." This passage underscores the logistical and diplomatic efforts involved in acquiring the necessary materials for the Temple's construction. The cedar logs were transported by sea to Joppa, a port city, and then carried overland to Jerusalem. This collaboration reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time, where regional cooperation was essential for large-scale projects. Symbolic Significance The use of Lebanese cedar in the construction of the Second Temple carries symbolic weight. Cedars are often associated with strength, longevity, and beauty in biblical literature. The choice of such esteemed wood for the Temple signifies the importance and sanctity of the structure as a dwelling place for the presence of God among His people. Furthermore, the involvement of Lebanon in the Temple's reconstruction can be seen as a continuation of the historical relationship between Israel and Lebanon, dating back to the time of King Solomon. Solomon also used cedar from Lebanon for the First Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 5:6 : "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the provision of wood from Lebanon for the Second Temple highlights God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite the challenges faced by the returning exiles, including opposition and resource scarcity, the successful acquisition of materials from Lebanon demonstrates divine favor and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people. The rebuilding of the Temple, facilitated by resources from Lebanon, served as a tangible sign of restoration and hope for the Jewish community. It reaffirmed their covenant relationship with God and their identity as His chosen people, called to worship and serve Him in the land He had given them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 3:7They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, to them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs. A Discourse The Memphite Empire The Reaction against Egypt The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Close of the Theban Empire Babylonia and Assyria Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Resources What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the land of Canaan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Lebanon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lebanon of Great and Powerful Monarchs Lebanon: (Fragrance of) of the Graces of the Church Lebanon: (Glory of) of the Glory of the Church Lebanon: (Mourning of) of Deep Affliction Lebanon: (Shaking of Its Forests) Prodigious Growth of The Lebanon: "House of the Forest of" Lebanon: Bounded the Land of Canaan on the North Lebanon: Called: Mount Lebanon Lebanon: Called: That Goodly Mountain Lebanon: Called: The Mountains Lebanon: Celebrated For: Cedars Lebanon: Celebrated For: Flowers Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance Lebanon: Celebrated For: Fragrance of Its Wines Lebanon: Celebrated For: Glorious Appearance Lebanon: Difficulties of Passing, Surmounted by Assyrian Army Lebanon: Fertility and Productiveness of Lebanon: Forests of, Infested With Wild Beasts Lebanon: Formerly Inhabited by the Hivites Lebanon: Furnished: Stones for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Second Temple Lebanon: Furnished: Wood for Solomon's Temple Lebanon: Great Part of, not Conquered by the Israelites Lebanon: Lofty Tops of, Covered With Snow Lebanon: Many Streams Came From Lebanon: Moses Anxious to Behold Lebanon: Northern Boundary of the Land of Canaan Lebanon: Solomon Built: Storehouses In Lebanon: Solomon Built: The House of the Forest of Lebanon: Solomon had Storage Cities In Related Terms |
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