“Verses 12–16 emphasize the status symbols of ancient times. The ‘cedars of Lebanon’—symbols of strength, splendor, and glory (v. 13)—provided beautiful, fragrant wood for major Israelite buildings such as Solomon’s Temple. ([Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible,] 1:545.) The ‘oaks of Bashan’ (v. 13) came from the wooded areas east of the Sea of Galilee and were an important local source of hardwood, often a rare commodity in Palestine. … Isaiah prophesies that the Lord will abase all these superficial symbols of wealth and power” (Ludlow, Isaiah, 91).