INTRODUCTION

The cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is a majestic tree of passive proportions, with deep, strong roots. Large forests of these cedars once blanketed the mountains of Lebanon, but today only a few small groves remain because of indiscriminate use and the failure to replenish the trees by proper conservation and reseeding. The ravages of war doubtless contributed to this depletion as well (Isaiah 14:5-8). However, the remaining trees still present an impressive sight – Compare Song of Songs 5:15.

Cedar trees are mentioned 75 times in the Scriptures … always in the Old Testament.

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The psalmist compares the child of God to a cedar tree … and so shall we!

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).

1. Psalm 106:14 speaks of the cedars “which He planted” … and He it was who planted the seed of life in those who believe (I Peter l:23).

2. The cedar’s ROOTS ‘take hold of the solid rock’ (Lambie, p. 122). So should yours – and mine (Ephesians 4:14).

3. The STRENGTH of the mighty cedar is mentioned many a time (Job 40:17; II Kings 14:9 … note the contrast; the puny thistle picking a fight with the mighty cedar!). And in Christ I am strong too.

4. Their ENDURANCE … some still exist over 2000 years old. And believers have ‘life’ that will out-do that!

5. Their UPRIGHTNESS. The cedar was even used for masts (Ezekiel 27:5).

6. Their CONSTANCY … whether storm or sunshine, summer or snow … they are ever-green! (cf Philippians 4:11-12).

7. Their PURITY. Cedar trees are ‘free from knots and resistant to attacks by insects’ (Insight…) And I should not let the Devil get my peace of mind all into a ‘knot’ … Worry! Be gone !!

8. Their BEAUTY. Cedar wood was especially used in building palaces and temples (II Samuel 7:2; I Kings 5:10).

9. Their FRAGRANCE. (Hosea 14:5-6) :

“I will be as the dew unto Israel; he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.”

10. Their SITUATION. They grow in the mountainous heights. “Lord, lift me up and let me stand …”

11. Their COMFORT … for the birds find rest in their branches (Psalm 104:18).

12. Their TOUCH … for cedar resin was regarded as having medicinal value … bringing healing to those with whom it came in contact.

Does my life … does your life … bring blessing and hope to those who need a spiritual healing touch?

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“The righteous shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon …” (Psalm 92:12.

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BIBLE TREES

Study 2 : THE FIG TREES

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INTRODUCTION

The fig tree, Ficus Carica (Urticaceae), is found, wild or cultivated, in all parts of Palestine. The fig tree is mentioned about 80 times in the pages of Scripture.

Amos took care of the fig trees (Amos 7:14, GNB).

Moses described the Promised Land as having “vines and fig trees and pomegranates” (Deuteronomy 8:8). The twelve spies brought back “figs” (Numbers 13:23).

Interestingly, Mohammed prays that there might be figs in Paradise! (Man, Myth and Magic, Volume 33).

The Buddha was supposed to have received his ‘enlightenment’ under a fig tree … and the Hindu ‘god’, Vishnu, was born under one! So they say.

Numerous lessons can be gleaned from Bible incidents connected with figs …

1. A COVERING FOR THE ADAMSES

“As soon as they had eaten it, they were given understanding and realised that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and covered themselves” (Genesis 3:7).

But man cannot hide his sin by his own efforts. ‘The coats of skins’ provided by God (Genesis 3:21) were a lesson to Adam … and us … that only God can deal with the sin question, and the basis of that covering was the death of a lamb (?) somewhere in Eden’s garden.

2. THE SAVING OF THE TAX MAN

In Luke 19:4 it is little Zacchaeus who hastens down from the sycamore fig tree, and invites the Saviour into his home … and his life.

3. THE INTERCEDING OF THE WIFE

David and his men are on their way to wreak havoc on the wealthy, grumpy, wicked Nabal! But Nabal’s wife intercepts David … gives him 200 fig cakes (I Samuel 25:18), and intercedes for her worthless husband.

A reminder that we should be interceding for those who are facing coming judgement.

4. THE RESTING OF THE ISRAELITE

“Nathaniel asked him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered, ‘I saw you when you were under the fig tree before Philip called you” (John 1:48).

In the heat of the day the shady leaves of the fig tree provide a welcome shelter. And we rest in the Saviour’s finished work. He is our place of Refuge.

I take, O Cross, thy shadow

as my abiding place …

5. THE HEALING OF THE KING

Isaiah’s fig poultice laid upon good King Hezekiah restored him to health (II Kings 20:7). The fig is still regarded as having medicinal properties in Eastern lands.

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CONCLUSION

Having exchanged my ‘fig leaves’ for God’s provision of covering from sin … let me intercede … and rest … and heal others…

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