Lebanon, as mentioned in the Book of Mormon, symbolically refers to a region of great stature and prominence, noted for its high and lifted cedars, paralleling the grandeur of the Middle Eastern mountain range known by the same name. In prophetic imagery, the place of Lebanon is associated with the events of the last days. The cedars of Lebanon are specifically addressed, indicating the coming of the Lord’s judgment upon the proud and lofty (2 Nephi 12:13). The prophet Isaiah’s words, as quoted in the Book of Mormon, foretell that “Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one,” alluding to the downfall of the powerful and the mighty at the time of the Lord’s intervention in human affairs (2 Nephi 20:34).
This metaphorical use of Lebanon extends to denote a transformation, as it is stated that “Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field,” which may symbolize the Lord’s ability to bring about great changes in the hearts of individuals or within societies, where once there were conditions barren of spiritual fruitfulness, there shall emerge a fertile field of faith and righteousness (2 Nephi 27:28). Also, Lebanon’s cedars are depicted rejoicing, potentially representing nature’s release from the burden of the wickedness of man (2 Nephi 24:8).
These references to Lebanon in the Book of Mormon encapsulate profound eschatological themes using the imagery of a well-known geographical entity familiar to the ancient prophets, conveying messages of divine judgment, transformative power, and the ultimate triumph of God’s purposes on the Earth.