Topical Bible: Dragon: A Wolf

◄ Dragon: A Wolf ►

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In biblical literature, the term "dragon" is often used symbolically to represent chaos, evil, and opposition to God. The imagery of dragons is prevalent in apocalyptic literature and prophetic writings, where they are depicted as formidable adversaries. The term "wolf," on the other hand, is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize deceit, destruction, and predatory behavior, often in the context of false prophets or leaders who threaten the flock of God.

Biblical References to Dragons:

1. Revelation 12:3-4 : "Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth."

In this passage, the dragon is a symbol of Satan, representing his power and influence over the earth. The imagery of the dragon's tail sweeping a third of the stars is often interpreted as the fall of a portion of the angelic host, aligning with Satan in rebellion against God.

2. Isaiah 27:1 : "In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent—Leviathan, the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea."

Here, the dragon is associated with Leviathan, a creature symbolizing chaos and opposition to God's order. The prophecy speaks of God's ultimate victory over evil, depicted as the slaying of the dragon.

Biblical References to Wolves:

1. Matthew 7:15 : "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."

Wolves in this context are used to describe false prophets who disguise themselves as harmless but are, in reality, dangerous and destructive. This metaphor warns believers to be discerning and cautious of those who may lead them astray.

2. Acts 20:29 : "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock."

The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of wolves to caution the early church about the impending threat of false teachers and divisive individuals who would seek to harm the community of believers.

Symbolic Interpretation:

In a symbolic sense, the dragon and the wolf can be seen as two facets of the same adversarial force against God's people. The dragon represents the overarching power and influence of evil, often associated with Satan and his dominion. The wolf, meanwhile, represents the more immediate and insidious threats posed by false teachers and leaders within the community.

Both symbols serve as warnings to the faithful to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, recognizing the various forms that opposition to God's truth can take. The imagery of dragons and wolves underscores the spiritual battle that believers are engaged in, calling them to rely on God's strength and wisdom to overcome these adversaries.

Nave's Topical Index

Micah 1:8
Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Animals
... wisdom; in Isaiah: and he will be a resting place for the dragon and a ... The wolf is
the devil or heretics; in the gospel: the wolves are inherently rapacious. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm

John ix. 34-36
... But he is not a wolf only, but a lion also. ... v.8.) He is also a serpent, and a dragon;
for, "Tread ye [1603] on serpents and scorpions." ( Luke 10:19.). ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lix john ix 34-36.htm

Changed Conditions
... In place of the dragon, the five-colour Republican flag was everywhere in ... White Wolf,
Wolf King, and other robber chiefs have announced their intention of ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

False Teachings of the Apostasy.
... this present time, when the salvation of Jesus saves men from all wolf, bear, lion ...
and Satan, that was to be bound a thousand years, is also called the dragon? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii false teachings of.htm

Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws.
... Of the vine, and its thorns, or to o'ercome. 170 The wolf's rage, and regain
the cattle lost,. ... By dragon-subdued virgin's [1425] suasion led; ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book ii of the harmony of.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Before conversion the sinner is compared to a wolf for his savageness, to a lion ...
2:2). He is a fierce spirit, therefore called the Red Dragon' (Revelation 12:3 ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Narrative of Events at Alexandria in the Time of Lucius the Arian ...
... bishopric as he might some dignity of this world, eager to maintain the bad character
and conduct of a wolf. ... George killed the dragon, according to the legend. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xix narrative of events at.htm

False Profession.
... A fawning dog and a wolf in sheep's clothing; they differ a little in outward
appearance ... This is the man that hath the breath of a dragon; he poisons the air ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... In the long run, the sheep has gained the victory over the wolf. ... Even the earth helps
the woman, and swallows up the flood which the dragon casts out of his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

The Apology of Aristides as it is Preserved in the History of ...
... the raven and the hawk, and the vulture and the eagle; and others the crocodile;
and some the cat and the dog, and the wolf and the ape, and the dragon and the ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/the apology of aristides as.htm