2:13 for all the cedars of Lebanon,
that are so high and mighty,
for all the oaks of Bashan; 1
14:14 I will climb up to the tops 2 of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High!” 3
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 tn Heb “the high places.” This word often refers to the high places where pagan worship was conducted, but here it probably refers to the “backs” or tops of the clouds. See HALOT 136 s.v. בָּמָה.
3 sn Normally in the OT the title “Most High” belongs to the God of Israel, but in this context, where the mythological overtones are so strong, it probably refers to the Canaanite high god El.