Cedar is the beautiful tall tree that was extensively used by Solomon in building the temple and his palaces. It is called “cedar” from the firmness of its roots; its wood is very durable and has a beautiful fragrance. It was used for beams, pillars and masts, and for carved images (1 Kings 6:9-10; Isa. 44:14; Ezek. 27:5). It is mentioned over 100 times in the Bible, and special reference is made to it in scripture, as “the trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted” (Psa. 104:16). It cannot be considered as one of the trees of Palestine proper, but is constantly connected in scripture with Lebanon, where it still grows in mountainous areas. It is also still the national emblem of Lebanon.
In the cleansing of the leper, and in connection with burning the Red Heifer, cedar wood and hyssop were used, typical of the highest and the lowest — the judgment of death upon all men and the whole fashion of this world (Lev. 14:4-52; Num. 19:6). The cedar is used as a symbol of strength and stability: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psa. 92:12). The Assyrian king in his strength was also compared to a cedar, which is thus described: “With fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature” (Ezek. 31:3); for his pride he was to be brought down.
Miller, Concise Bible Dictionary