Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the leopard is often used as a symbol of swiftness, cunning, and ferocity. Its figurative use in Scripture conveys various spiritual and moral lessons, often highlighting the characteristics of nations, individuals, or spiritual entities.Symbol of Swiftness and Ferocity The leopard's agility and predatory nature make it an apt symbol for swiftness and ferocity. In the prophetic visions of Daniel, the leopard represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. Daniel 7:6 describes a beast "like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it." The wings signify the rapid conquests of Alexander, while the multiple heads may symbolize the division of his empire after his death. Representation of Deceptive and Dangerous Enemies The leopard is also used to depict the deceptive and dangerous nature of certain enemies. In Jeremiah 5:6, the prophet warns of impending judgment, stating, "Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf of the desert will ravage them, a leopard will watch over their cities. Everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces, because their transgressions are many, their apostasies are numerous." Here, the leopard symbolizes the lurking threat of foreign invaders, poised to attack due to the people's unfaithfulness. Illustration of Inescapable Judgment The imagery of the leopard is further employed to illustrate the inevitability of divine judgment. In Hosea 13:7, God declares, "So I will pounce on them like a lion; like a leopard on the path I will lurk." This passage underscores the certainty and suddenness of God's judgment upon Israel for their idolatry and rebellion. Metaphor for the Unchangeable Nature of Sin The leopard's spots are famously referenced in Jeremiah 13:23, where the prophet asks, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard its spots? Neither are you able to do good—you who are accustomed to doing evil." This rhetorical question emphasizes the ingrained nature of sin and the difficulty of changing one's inherent tendencies without divine intervention. Symbol of the Beast in Revelation In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, the leopard is part of the composite beast that rises from the sea. Revelation 13:2 describes the beast as having "a body like a leopard, feet like those of a bear, and a mouth like the mouth of a lion." This imagery combines the characteristics of previous empires, as seen in Daniel's vision, to depict a final, formidable world power opposed to God and His people. The leopard, in its figurative use throughout Scripture, serves as a powerful symbol of speed, danger, and the unyielding nature of sin and judgment. Its presence in biblical prophecy and metaphor underscores the themes of divine justice and the need for repentance and transformation through God's grace. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 7:6After this I beheld, and see another, like a leopard, which had on the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. Nave's Topical Index Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom False Teachings of the Apostasy. Interpretation of Prophecy. An Unalterable Law Hebrews x. 26, 27 Matthew xx. 1, and C. General Index. The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... Resources What is a hedge of protection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the most common things people think are in the Bible that are not actually in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Mandela Effect? | GotQuestions.org Leopard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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