*Cedar of Lebanon

 
Ezekiel 31:3
The cedar of Lebanon,              with fair branches and forest shade, and of great height,
its top among the clouds.

The grandest of trees in Lebanon and Israel was the cedar which was used to build the Temple during David and Solomon's time. The Temple was meant to unify and centralize a place to contemplate God for all Israelis. All the people of Israel (who were able) were required to appear at the Temple for certain religious feasts. That's the reason Joseph and Mary headed to Jerusalem even though she was 8 1/2 months pregnant. Later, synagogues were built to accommodate regional observances to alleviate travel and promote regular attendance.