Against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up: Yahweh will also judge all the cedars of Lebanon. This is a figurative expression; it does not refer literally to some trees in a foreign country. Throughout the Old Testament there are many references to the tall cedar trees on the mountains of Lebanon. They were a symbol of might and beauty (see Psa 104.16). Here the cedars of Lebanon is a metaphor referring to people who are like those trees in their arrogance and pride. In translation we may draw out this sense by saying “those who are like the cedars of Lebanon.” If the cedar tree is not known in the receptor culture, it may be better to use a general expression for cedars rather than to substitute a locally well-known tree; for example, “strong and tall trees.” This will avoid a possible clash with the cultural background of the Old Testament.

Against all the oaks of Bashan is parallel to the first line. Bashan was a region of Gilead, famous for its fertile soil and well-fed cattle. Oak trees also grew there. Like the cedar trees, they are a metaphor for pride here. The Hebrew word for oaks is different from the one used in 1.29, but translators can use the same term. Since the species of tree is not in focus here, the name may even be omitted by simply saying “strong trees.”

Translation possibilities for this verse are:

• It [Yahweh’s time of judgment] will be against all who are like the cedar trees of Lebanon, tall and proud;
and against all those like the oak trees of Bashan.

• It will be against all who are tall and arrogant
like the cedar trees of Lebanon,
and against all who are like the oak trees of Bashan.

• He will bring down all the proud people,
as if he were cutting down the tall trees of Lebanon and the strong trees of Bashan.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .