Isaiah 2:13
And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
Original Language Analysis
וְעַל֙
H5921
וְעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אַרְזֵ֣י
And upon all the cedars
H730
אַרְזֵ֣י
And upon all the cedars
Strong's:
H730
Word #:
3 of 10
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
הָרָמִ֖ים
that are high
H7311
הָרָמִ֖ים
that are high
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
5 of 10
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
וְהַנִּשָּׂאִ֑ים
and lifted up
H5375
וְהַנִּשָּׂאִ֑ים
and lifted up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
6 of 10
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Cedar and oak were prized construction materials for palaces and temples (1 Kings 5:6-10), symbolizing human architectural achievement and power. Their judgment represents the toppling of human pretension.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'cedars' and 'oaks'—sources of human pride and accomplishment—does God target for judgment in our lives?
- How does the certainty of pride's eventual humbling inform present humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The cedars of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan—renowned for height and strength—symbolize human pride and self-exaltation. God's promise that His day will be 'upon' these proud symbols indicates judgment on all that exalts itself against divine authority. The typology anticipates eschatological 'day of the LORD' when all human pride is humbled (Philippians 2:10-11). This reflects the Reformed conviction that God's glory tolerates no rival; His judgment necessarily targets autonomous self-assertion.