Lebanon
“White, from the root meaning to be white”
Summary
A majestic mountain range forming the northern boundary of ancient Israel, renowned for its snow-capped peaks, fragrant cedars, and streams, and frequently used in Scripture as a symbol of beauty, strength, and grandeur.
☩Name and Geography
The name Lebanon derives from the Hebrew root meaning 'white,' likely referring to the snow covering its summits for much of the year, or possibly the white color of its limestone cliffs. The mountain range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast for about 100 miles, from the Litany River in the south to the Eleuthurus in the north. The western range is Lebanon proper, while the eastern range, called Anti-Lebanon, is described in Scripture as 'Lebanon toward the sunrising' (Joshua 13:5). Between these parallel ranges lies the fertile valley of Coele-Syria (the Buka'a), about six to eight miles wide. The highest peak reaches over 10,000 feet, remaining snow-covered throughout the year (Jeremiah 18:14).
☩Natural Features
Lebanon was celebrated for its magnificent cedars, which furnished timber for Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5:6-10) and the temples of other ancient Near Eastern powers. The 'cedars of Lebanon' became proverbial for height and strength (Psalm 29:5; 92:12; 104:16). The mountains also produced firs, cypresses, and other valuable trees. Fragrant flowers and aromatic shrubs yielded 'the smell of Lebanon' wafted by mountain breezes (Song 4:11; Hosea 14:6). Fresh, cold streams cascading from the mountains were likened to the beloved's refreshment (Song 4:15). Wild beasts including lions, leopards, and bears inhabited its forests and peaks (Song 4:8; 2 Kings 14:9).
☩Historical and Prophetic References
Lebanon formed the ideal northern boundary of Israelite territory (Deuteronomy 1:7; 11:24), though it was never fully conquered (Judges 3:3). The Hivites and Giblites originally inhabited its slopes (Joshua 13:5-6). During Solomon's reign, the Phoenician king Hiram supplied cedar and fir timber for the temple, with his workers felling and floating the logs down to Joppa (1 Kings 5:1-11; Ezra 3:7). Solomon built 'the House of the Forest of Lebanon,' named for its many cedar pillars (1 Kings 7:2-5). Prophetically, Lebanon symbolized the proud powers whom God would humble (Isaiah 2:13; 10:34), while its fruitfulness pictured the blessings of the Messianic age (Isaiah 35:2).
Related Verses64 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lebanon," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lebanon," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Lebanon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).