The Biblical "Cedar", in Hebrew EREZ, is mentioned many times. The reference is generally to the "cedars of Lebanon", [see, for example Ezekiel XXXI: 3 or Psalms XC: 13) a tall tree growing in the higher elevations of the Lebanese mountains. It is often mentioned together with the BROSH (Song of Songs II: 1), and scholars often disagree among themselves about the identifications. The matter is not helped by modern Hebrew usage of theses terms. Most modern scholars, however, identify it not with the genus Cedrus, but with the genus Pinus, although I've seen reference to Abies cilicia. What is interesting, is that both Cedrus and Pinus have species from which essential oils are extracted. A strong odor of resin exudes from all parts of the EREZ. This resin protects the tree.
The tree was primarily used for building because it was strong. It was used for building Solomon's Temple (I Kings V and VI).
Small branches were used in the purification ceremonies as for lepers [Leviticus XIV) or the red heifer (Numbers XIX) together with hyssop.
In ancient times, ropes and clothing were anointed with cedar oil to protect them from humidity.
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