From the artist

There is something about the cedar forests in Lebanon that is not easy to define: an atmosphere of history, of resonance with the past, our spiritual heritage, a type of grandeur that causes one, when facing them, to draw a deep breath and feel like one is in touch with the ages. With the Divine.

This is most true with the grove that is the highest and the oldest. Situated at more than 2000 meters altitude it is still called by the Lebanese, "Arz el Rabb" - the "Cedars of the Lord!" And indeed to walk through these groves of majestic trees is a spiritual experience. The shafts of light coming through to light up the path give a cathedral-like atmosphere to the walkway. The smell of the resin is like incense and the wide sweep of the branches give shelter and shade so welcomed by the pilgrim travellers of long ago.

This particular grove was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Some of its trees were there in the time of Christ and their ancient 'look' inspires meditation and connection with Bible verses such as,

"The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon which he planted..." ( Psalm104:16).

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord" (Psalm 92:12)

"I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon" (Ecclesiasticus 24:17)

"The glory (cedars) of Lebanon will come to you... " (Isaiah 60:13)

There is also a very lengthy description of a great towering "cedar of Lebanon" in chapter 31 of the book of the prophet Ezekiel. Here is a brief quote from the chapter:

"To what shall I compare you in your greatness: surely to a cedar of Lebanon with noble branches , thick-set needles and lofty trunk... most beautiful in its size and the span of its branches... I had made it lovely with branching green... the envy of every tree in Eden, in the garden of God." (Ezekiel 31:2,7,9)

Cedar Rhythms in Lebanon, watercolor, by David Kurani

 

Lone Cedar, watercolor, by David Kurani.

Walk through the Cedars, watercolor, by David Kurani

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David Kurani is a noted Lebanese landscape artist. He teaches classes in art and theater at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. David has exhibited widely in art galleries and private collections throughout Lebanon, Europe, and the USA. He and his wife Gisele are active members of the People of God in Lebanon, a member community of the Sword of the Spirit. 
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