Western red cedars are common in the temperate rainforest on the western coast of Canada, and they provided the natural resources for the establishment of Vancouver. It’s impossible to under­stand the history of Vancouver without appreciating that it relied heavily on felling centuries-old trees for great profit. Fortunately, a few citizens had the foresight to protect remaining parcels of old-growth forest, or the forest might not be there today.

Cedars, which are mentioned often in the Bible, provided a similar wealth of resources in ancient times and were used to build the temple of God. In Lebanon today these trees are now rigorously protected, and they remain an important part of the area’s history. Then, as now, cedars were a symbol of power, resilience, and long life.

We might assume, then, that the Lord’s people might be compared to cedars. But in Isaiah 44, the descendants who have the blessings of the Spirit of God are compared to “poplar trees by flowing streams,” while cedars and other valuable trees are described as firewood and material for making idols.

Here the Lord is lamenting that some people go their own way and turn away from the true God. But the Lord also calls the people of Israel (Jacob) to serve him, saying that he has swept away their sins. And he closes with a command to the whole creation, including the forests and their trees, to give thanks for God’s compassionate redemption.