Topical Bible: Lebanon: Tower of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Tower of Lebanon" is a term that appears in the poetic and allegorical language of the Song of Solomon, specifically in Song of Solomon 7:4. The verse reads: "Your neck is like a tower of ivory; your eyes are the pools of Heshbon by the gate of Bath Rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon facing toward Damascus" . This imagery is part of a larger passage where the bridegroom extols the beauty and grace of his beloved, using vivid and grandiose metaphors to describe her features.

Historical and Geographical Context

Lebanon, known for its majestic cedar trees and mountainous terrain, was a region north of ancient Israel. It was renowned for its natural beauty and resources, which were often used symbolically in biblical literature. The "tower of Lebanon" likely refers to a specific structure or a series of watchtowers that were strategically placed to oversee and protect the region. These towers would have been significant in ancient times for their military and defensive purposes, offering a vantage point over the surrounding areas, including the city of Damascus.

Symbolic Interpretation

In the context of the Song of Solomon, the "tower of Lebanon" serves as a metaphor for strength, dignity, and beauty. The comparison of the beloved's nose to this tower suggests a sense of nobility and prominence. The tower's orientation "facing toward Damascus" implies a forward-looking, vigilant stance, perhaps symbolizing the beloved's watchfulness or the protective nature of love.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the use of such imagery in the Song of Solomon highlights the depth and richness of marital love, which is celebrated throughout the book. The allegorical interpretation, often embraced by Christian tradition, sees the Song of Solomon as a depiction of the love between Christ and His Church. In this view, the "tower of Lebanon" could symbolize the Church's steadfastness and its role as a beacon of faith and hope in the world.

Cultural and Literary Influence

The imagery of the "tower of Lebanon" has influenced Christian art and literature, where it is often used to convey themes of beauty, strength, and divine love. The metaphorical language of the Song of Solomon continues to inspire interpretations that explore the relationship between the divine and the human, the sacred and the secular.

In summary, the "Tower of Lebanon" in the Song of Solomon is a rich metaphor that combines historical, geographical, and theological elements to convey the beauty and strength of love, both human and divine.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 7:4
Your neck is as a tower of ivory; your eyes like the fish pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: your nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Thy Neck is as a Tower of ivory; Thine Eyes Like the Fish-Pools in ...
... of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which are in the gate of the
daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is as.htm

Chapter vii
... Thy neck is as a tower of ivory, thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the
gate of Bathrabbim; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looked toward ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

Chapter iv.
... a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.4. Thy neck is like the tower of
David ... my love, there is no spot in thee.8. Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter iv.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... of ivory; thine eyes like the fish-pools in Heshbon, which are in the gate of the
daughter of the multitude; thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon, which looketh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and ...
... strain of a struggle. Hence, again, it is said to the bride, Thy nose
is as the tower that is in Lebanon (Cant. vii.4). For the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxii how those are.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... Thy neck, once like a tower of ivory, has become as a fallen column; thy nose, so
lately comparable to "the tower of Lebanon, which looketh toward Damascus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

The Crowning of Abimelech
... and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon. ... And
when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard thereof, they entered into ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii the crowning of abimelech.htm

What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
... and eschew sins. Whence also it is said in praise of the bride, Thy nose
is as the tower which is in Lebanon (Cant. vii.4); because ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xi what manner of.htm

The Young Titus
... Here was built the Tower of Psephinos. ... Hedges, gardens, ditches and
wind-breaks of cedars of Lebanon from time to time obscured him. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

A Discourse
... The tower of Lebanon is described as looking towards Damascus. The ruins
of this house and tower, in the forest of Lebanon, are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm