Lebanon

Lore & Background

Lebanon appears as a key geographical boundary in the conquest narratives, marking the northern extent of the land promised to Israel. In Deuteronomy 1:7 and Deuteronomy 11:24, it is listed alongside the Euphrates and the Mediterranean Sea as a limit of the territory. Joshua 1:4 reaffirms this, and Joshua 11:17 and Joshua 12:7 specify Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon as a point of conquest under Mount Hermon. The region is also inhabited by the Hivites (Judges 3:3) and the Sidonians (Joshua 13:6). Lebanon is most famous for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for construction. Solomon obtained cedar and fir timber from Lebanon for the temple and his palace, employing the Sidonians for their skill in cutting wood (1 Kings 5:6, 2 Chronicles 2:8). The timber was floated by sea to Joppa (2 Chronicles 2:16). Solomon also built the 'house of the forest of Lebanon' (1 Kings 7:2, 1 Kings 10:17, 1 Kings 10:21), a structure named after the region's forests. In later narratives, Lebanon is used in parables and boasts. Jehoash's parable of the thistle and cedar (2 Kings 14:9) uses Lebanon as a setting. The Assyrian king Sennacherib boasts of cutting down its cedars (2 Kings 19:23). The bramble's threat to devour the cedars of Lebanon (Judges 9:15) also uses the region symbolically.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Lebanon primarily as a geographical and resource-rich region. Geographically, it is consistently a northern boundary of the land given to Israel, from the wilderness to the Euphrates (Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:4). It is associated with Mount Hermon and Baalgad (Joshua 11:17, Joshua 12:7) and the entering of Hamath (Joshua 13:5, Judges 3:3). The region is inhabited by the Hivites and Sidonians (Judges 3:3, Joshua 13:6). Resource-wise, Lebanon is the source of high-quality timber, especially cedar and fir, used for Solomon's temple and palace (1 Kings 5:6, 2 Chronicles 2:8). The timber was harvested by Sidonian laborers and transported by sea (1 Kings 5:9, 2 Chronicles 2:16). Solomon also built store cities and other structures in Lebanon (1 Kings 9:19, 2 Chronicles 8:6). The 'house of the forest of Lebanon' (1 Kings 7:2) was a prominent building in Jerusalem, named for its cedar pillars. Symbolically, Lebanon's cedars represent strength and grandeur, as seen in the boast of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:23) and the parable of the trees (Judges 9:15, 2 Kings 14:9). The region is never described in detail beyond its timber and boundaries; its portrayal is functional—as a source of materials and a territorial marker.

Did You Know?

• Lebanon is listed as the northern boundary of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy 11:24 and Joshua 1:4.
• Solomon built a structure called the 'house of the forest of Lebanon' in Jerusalem (1 Kings 7:2).
• Cedar timber from Lebanon was floated by sea to Joppa for Solomon's temple (2 Chronicles 2:16).
• The Hivites and Sidonians are said to have dwelt in mount Lebanon (Judges 3:3).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Lebanon minister sues TV anchor over on-air gaffe". Reuters. 15 June 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-15." — Lebanon "Lebanon minister sues TV anchor over on-air gaffe". Middle East Online. 15 June 2007. Retrieved on 2007-06-15." — Lebanon "George Galloway, (29 July 2006). "Hizbollah is right to fight Zionist terror". Socialist Worker." — Lebanon "Lebanon is our country, and in it we are staying [as a minority of Christians]." — Lebanon