The Science in the Bible

Entry 87 · Section 9: Living World

Cedar of Lebanon

Sidonian workers fell cedar in Lebanon, move it downhill, assemble it at sea, and deliver it for Solomon's building program.

Scripture: 1 Kgs 5:6–10; Ps 92:12

BotanyMaterials Science

Cross-section of a cedar stem with one illustrative 0.181-inch (4.6-millimeter) radial increment highlighted; growth rings record changing conditions rather than a fixed annual ruler.
Cross-section of a cedar stem with one illustrative 0.181-inch (4.6-millimeter) radial increment highlighted; growth rings record changing conditions rather than a fixed annual ruler.

The question

How heavy is a plausible construction log, and why can cedar move by water after difficult overland hauling?

Why it matters

The passage supplies the transport chain, while log dimensions and mass remain a transparent model.

Suggest a correction or new direction
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