Commentators explain that this verse uses powerful imagery to depict the Assyrian empire as an unmatched world power. The magnificent cedar representing Assyria is shown to be superior to all other "trees" (kings and nations) in the "garden of God" (the world). Scholars suggest the cedars, firs, and plane-trees represent different tiers of kingdoms, all of whom were overshadowed by Assyria's immense wealth and power.