cedars of lebanon

The voice of the LORD is powerful;

the voice of the LORD is majestic.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;

the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

- Psalm 29:4-5 -

Mighty Cedars of Lebanon at Knoxville Botanical Gardens

Cedars of Lebanon can grow up to 130 feet tall (about 14 stories), with a trunk up to 8 feet and 2 inches in diameter. The ancient Phoenicians used these enormous trees to build commercial and military ships, in addition to temples, palaces, and houses. The Romans, Babylonians, Greeks, and Persians also used them for various purposes. King Solomon used them to build his temple as well as his palace. And it is said that the Ark of the Covenant was constructed with the wood of these cedars. Clearly, this tree is a symbol of strength, and was highly important to many ancient civilizations.


I recently had the opportunity to see the famed Cedars of Lebanon on a visit to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. They are certainly a sight to behold and exude power.


King David cited the mighty Cedars of Lebanon in his psalm to describe the LORD's voice - it breaks trees that are 14 stories high! So why is this Voice often so difficult to hear? Sometimes God speaks in a whisper, into our innermost being, like a breeze just passing through. But other times, He shouts. And, in these cases, perhaps we just aren't listening. We doubt that we are privileged enough to hear the voice of the Creator. We question what he is trying to tell us. Or, we ignore his Voice because we don't want to hear what he's trying to tell us.


'Could this really be you, God? Or am I just making up what I want to hear? God? Is that you?....Hello??'


When God gave King Solomon the opportunity to ask him for anything, Solomon requested a discerning heart - he wanted wisdom to govern and know the difference in right and wrong. And God made him the wisest man that ever lived. He gave him "a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore" and Solomon's "fame spread to all the surrounding nations" because he was so wise [1 Kings 3-4]. Maybe this is the key to hearing God's voice. God promises that he will give us wisdom if we ask. And then we shall KNOW God. We will hear his voice and know the path we are meant to walk.

My child, listen to what I say,

and treasure my commands.

Tune your ears to wisdom,

and concentrate on understanding.

Cry out for insight,

and ask for understanding.

Search for them as you would for silver;

seek them like hidden treasures.

Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,

and you will gain knowledge of God.

For the LORD grants wisdom!

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

He guards the paths of the just

and protects those who are faithful to him.

Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,

and you will find the right way to go.

For wisdom will enter your heart,

and knowledge will fill you with joy.

Wise choices will watch over you.

Understanding will keep you safe.

- Proverbs 2:1-11 -