Can you explain Psalms 92:12, especially the meaning of the “cedar in Lebanon”?
Let’s read that verse. Psalm 92:12 tells us, “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Two trees and two actions are mentioned in this verse: the righteous shall:
- Flourish like the palm tree
- Grow like a cedar in Lebanon
Perhaps we should first consider what it is to be called ‘righteous’? Speaking of Abraham, we read in Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” The basis for righteousness is FAITH. When one puts his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, he is considered to be righteous by God. We read in Romans 4:2-5, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Those who are righteous flourish and grow!
They flourish like the palm tree. This is in contrast to how the unrighteous flourish as we read in verse 7, “When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever.” The righteous are compared to trees while the unrighteous are compared to grass. Grass may often spring up quickly in the spring, yet the life of the grass is very short; their beauty is also seasonal and short. They are weak and tender, and are soon cut down. In contrast, the palm tree is known for its growth, longevity, usefulness, fragrance, and beauty. The palm tree grows straight. It grows straight, as if reaching for Heaven. This demonstrates the intention of the saints, the righteous ones. Their course, like that of the palm tree, is heavenward and straight. There are no side branches. Also, like the believer that seeks to live a life of practical righteousness, there is no reaching to take hold of something of the world.
They shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Of course, the very wording suggests growth in the Christian life. Isaiah 2:13 refers to the cedars of Lebanon as “high and lifted up.” They were big, stout, and mighty trees, growing in the mountainous area of Lebanon. Because of their qualities, these trees were prized for building. David’s palace was built of cedars from Lebanon. (2 Samuel 5:11) Because they were mountainous trees, they were noticed above other trees. The Lord Jesus commented in Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Just like the cedars of Lebanon, we sit upon a hill. Our light refers to our testimony for Christ. Our lights were not made to be hid, as indeed, the cedars COULD NOT be hid because of their height, breadth, and position. The lot of the righteous is to flourish and grow.
- WHERE DO WE FLOURISH? “In the courts of our God” (Psalm 92:13). It is in His presence, enjoying sweet fellowship with our Lord, learning from Him that we flourish.
- WHEN DO WE FLOURISH? “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” (Verse 14). It’s not that we must wait until we are old in order to flourish, but even as our flesh grows old, gets a little slower, and loses much of its strength…this is not true of the spiritual state of the believer. As we continue before the Lord, we will get stronger as the years progress.
- WHY DO WE FLOURISH? “To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (Verse 15). We flourish and grow so that we might be witnesses of the Lord’s righteousness to a world that full of unrighteousness.
May we be faithful as righteous saints to flourish and grow so that we might manifest our precious, loving, righteous Lord. (248.2)