2:13 for all the cedars of Lebanon,
that are so high and mighty,
for all the oaks of Bashan; 1
2:14 for all the tall mountains,
for all the high hills, 2
2:15 for every high tower,
for every fortified wall,
2:16 for all the large ships, 3
for all the impressive 4 ships. 5
1 sn The cedars of Lebanon and oaks of Bashan were well-known for their size and prominence. They make apt symbols here for powerful men who think of themselves as prominent and secure.
2 sn The high mountains and hills symbolize the apparent security of proud men, as do the high tower and fortified wall of v. 15.
3 tn Heb “the ships of Tarshish.” This probably refers to large ships either made in or capable of traveling to the distant western port of Tarshish.
4 tn Heb “desirable”; NAB, NIV “stately”; NRSV “beautiful.”
5 tn On the meaning of this word, which appears only here in the Hebrew Bible, see H. R. Cohen, Biblical Hapax Legomena (SBLDS), 41-42.