Topical Bible: Lion: King of Beasts

◄ Lion: King of Beasts ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," holds a significant place in biblical literature and symbolism. Known for its strength, majesty, and fearsome nature, the lion is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, serving as a powerful metaphor for both divine and earthly authority, as well as a symbol of danger and destruction.

Symbol of Strength and Majesty

In the Bible, the lion is often used to represent strength and majesty. Proverbs 30:30 describes the lion as "mighty among beasts and retreats before nothing," highlighting its fearless nature. This imagery is used to convey the power and authority of God and His chosen leaders. For instance, in Revelation 5:5, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," signifying His royal lineage and sovereign power.

Representation of Divine Judgment

The lion also symbolizes divine judgment and wrath. In the prophetic books, lions are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment against nations and individuals who have turned away from His commandments. Hosea 5:14 states, "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off with no one to rescue them." This imagery underscores the severity and inevitability of divine retribution.

Metaphor for Danger and Destruction

Lions are also used metaphorically to describe danger and destruction. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Here, the lion represents the ever-present threat of evil and the need for vigilance in the Christian life.

Symbol of Courage and Valor

Conversely, the lion is a symbol of courage and valor. In 2 Samuel 23:20, Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors, is praised for his bravery in striking down a lion in a pit on a snowy day. This account highlights the lion as a worthy adversary and a measure of a warrior's courage.

The Lion in Eschatological Imagery

In eschatological contexts, the lion is part of the imagery depicting the peace and restoration of creation. Isaiah 11:6 envisions a future where "the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fatling together; and a little child will lead them." This prophetic vision symbolizes the harmony and peace that will characterize the Messianic age.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the lion serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the majesty and authority of God and His anointed, as well as the dangers and judgments that come from straying from His path. Its presence in Scripture underscores the complex interplay between power, justice, and redemption in the divine narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Micah 5:8
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the middle of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treads down, and tears in pieces, and none can deliver.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... If you can get the king of beasts to apologize ... your pretences: he hopes his sloth
will appear the less disgraceful if he can paint a rampant lion upon its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

John Chapter viii. 15-18
... They have understood the lion as put for king, because he appears to be, in a manner,
the king of beasts on account of his strength and terrible valor. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxvi john chapter viii.htm

Manes Said: not all Receive the Word of God...
... though he sometimes got that food from the beasts belonging to ... position, you will
say to me that lion ate nothing ... And that would be to act like a king who, when ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/25 manes said not all.htm

Introduction
... of the titles which are used of Christ in Rev.5:5""The Lion of the Tribe of Judah,
the Root of David." The lion, which is the king among the beasts is an apt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/introduction.htm

The Sculptor's Work
... A few more strokes, and I exclaimed within myself, "A lion!" I watched until the ...
that block of stone he had seen the beautiful figure of the king of beasts. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk fifty the sculptors work.htm

An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... For he seemed to see a king but in a scene, and not a real one. ... The lion uttereth
his voice, and putteth all the wild beasts to flight. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily viii an exhortation to.htm

A Blow at Self-Righteousness
... a grumbler not so ugly a creature as the bear; and the lion might plead ... which may
commend me, and which, in fact, have made me king of beasts." What would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a blow at self-righteousness.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... Then David told the king how he had killed both a lion ... delivered me out of the paw
of the lion, and the ... would soon give his flesh to the birds and the beasts. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ...
... with armed retainers; hunters bringing wild beasts in cages ... standing by the arena's
gate, saluted the king. Entering, the gladiator engaged the lion with his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 24 the festival of.htm

Daniel's Band
... say, "There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets." There is not enough
manhood in them to bring them into close quarters with the king of beasts. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/daniels band.htm