Biblical References and Symbolism

The term "cobra" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible; however, serpents and snakes are frequently referenced, often symbolizing danger, deceit, and evil. In the context of the Bible, the Hebrew word "pethen" is often translated as "cobra" or "asp" in various translations. This creature is noted for its venomous bite and is used metaphorically to describe the harmful and deceitful nature of the wicked.

Scriptural Instances

1. Deuteronomy 32:33 · In the Song of Moses, the venom of serpents is used to describe the bitterness and deadly nature of Israel's enemies: "Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras."

2. Job 20:14-16 · Zophar, one of Job's friends, uses the imagery of a cobra to illustrate the fate of the wicked: "Yet his food will turn sour in his stomach; it will become the venom of cobras within him. He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him."

3. Psalm 58:4 · The psalmist compares the wicked to a cobra that refuses to listen: "Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a deaf cobra that shuts its ears."

4. Isaiah 11:8 · In a prophetic vision of peace and restoration, the cobra is mentioned to illustrate the harmony of God's kingdom: "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest."

Symbolic Interpretation

In biblical literature, the cobra often symbolizes the cunning and destructive nature of evil. Its venomous bite is a metaphor for the harmful and corrupting influence of sin and wickedness. The imagery of a cobra's poison is used to convey the idea of something that is not only dangerous but also insidious and pervasive.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the cobra, like other serpents, is associated with the fall of man and the presence of sin in the world. The serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) is a representation of Satan, who deceives and leads humanity into sin. The cobra's deadly nature serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the inherent danger of sin.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, snakes, including cobras, were often seen as symbols of power and protection, as well as danger. In Egyptian culture, the cobra was associated with royalty and divine authority, often depicted on the crowns of pharaohs. This cultural backdrop provides additional layers of meaning to the biblical references, highlighting the contrast between the perceived power of earthly rulers and the ultimate authority of God.

Practical Application

For believers, the biblical references to cobras serve as a caution against the deceitfulness of sin and the importance of remaining vigilant in faith. The imagery encourages Christians to seek wisdom and discernment, to avoid the snares of the wicked, and to trust in God's protection and guidance.

Where to Carry Troubles
... it. Whether the poison inflaming our blood be from a gnat's bite, or
a cobra's sting, the best antidote is"pray about it. How ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/where to carry troubles.htm

Shall we Go?
... That knife is like the deadly serpent's glittering eye. If the cobra's eye can get
your eye, you are held fast in that awful, deadly fascination. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/shall we go.htm

Cobra's (1 Occurrence)
...Cobra's (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole,
and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. (WEB). ...
/c/cobra's.htm - 6k

Cock (12 Occurrences)

/c/cock.htm - 13k

Viper's (3 Occurrences)
... Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ... Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near
a cobra's hole, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. ...
/v/viper's.htm - 7k

Weaned (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near
a cobra's hole, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. ...
/w/weaned.htm - 9k

Den (19 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole,
and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. ...
/d/den.htm - 16k

Cobras (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom
within him. (See NAS). Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. ...
/c/cobras.htm - 6k

Nursing (14 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole, and the
weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. (WEB NAS). ...
/n/nursing.htm - 13k

Play (61 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole, and
the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. (WEB ...
/p/play.htm - 28k

Hole (88 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole, and
the weaned child will put his hand on the viper's den. (WEB ...
/h/hole.htm - 33k

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