Topical Bible: Lion: Strength of

◄ Lion: Strength of ►

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The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," is a powerful symbol of strength and majesty throughout the Bible. Its presence in Scripture is frequently used to convey the attributes of power, courage, and authority. The lion's strength is emblematic of both divine and earthly power, serving as a metaphor for God's might and the formidable nature of certain individuals or tribes.

Symbol of Strength and Courage

In the Old Testament, the lion is a symbol of strength and courage. Proverbs 30:30 describes the lion as "mighty among beasts and retreats before nothing." This depiction underscores the lion's fearless nature and its position as a dominant force in the animal kingdom. The lion's strength is often used to illustrate the valor and might expected of God's people.

Tribal Symbolism

The tribe of Judah is frequently associated with the lion, symbolizing its leadership and strength among the tribes of Israel. Genesis 49:9-10 states, "Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his." This passage highlights the enduring strength and authority of Judah, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah from this lineage.

Divine Power and Protection

The strength of the lion is also used to describe God's power and protection over His people. In Hosea 11:10 , it is written, "They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west." Here, the lion's roar symbolizes God's call and the awe-inspiring power that draws His people to Him. Similarly, in Amos 3:8 , "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" The lion's roar is equated with the voice of God, commanding reverence and obedience.

Christ as the Lion of Judah

In the New Testament, the lion's strength is epitomized in the figure of Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in Revelation 5:5 : "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.'" This title affirms Christ's authority, victory, and fulfillment of the messianic prophecy, embodying the ultimate strength and sovereignty.

Warnings and Adversaries

While the lion is often a positive symbol, it can also represent danger and adversaries. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are cautioned, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Here, the lion's strength is a metaphor for the devil's destructive power, urging Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

Conclusion

The lion's strength in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both divine power and earthly might. Whether illustrating the courage of God's people, the authority of the tribe of Judah, or the majesty of Christ, the lion remains a powerful emblem of strength throughout Scripture.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 30:30
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turns not away for any;
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Isaiah 38:13
I reckoned till morning, that, as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day even to night will you make an end of me.
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Joel 1:6
For a nation is come up on my land, strong, and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the cheek teeth of a great lion.
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Library

October the Tenth Our Refuge and Strength
... to the offensive, and in the "strength" of the Lord we advance against the foe.
We "ride abroad, redressing human wrongs." We "tread upon the lion and the adder ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/october the tenth our refuge.htm

Samson the Strong.
... He was not a wise man like Moses or Joshua, but he had great strength, and the Lord
used him against the Philistines. Once a young lion came roaring against him ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xv samson the strong.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiii. 19, Etc. , Where the Lord ...
... about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour?" [2512] Both the one and the
other then is a lion; the one a lion by reason of His strength; the other for ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxiii on the words.htm

The Pharisees are the Bulls: the Roaring Lion is Herod or the ...
... present to the king.' [2343] Or He meant the devil by the lion roaring against ... Further,
the expression, My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue ...
/.../chapter ciii the pharisees are the.htm

Sampson's Lion. Judg 14:08
... SAMPSON's lion. Judg 14:8. The lion that on Sampson roared,. And thirsted for his
blood; ... The world and Satan join their strength,. To fill their souls with fears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 24 sampsons lion judg.htm

Manes Said: not all Receive the Word of God...
... Then the lion, hungering to get at it, and bursting with passion to devour it, ran
up to the pit and fell in, and discovered no strength sufficient to bring ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/25 manes said not all.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... He has heard of lion-tamers and lion-killers, but he is not one. He has not the
strength and the vigor to attack this dreadful enemy; he will even confess that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Introduction.
... guidance he alone put to flight the people of the aliens, and at another time
inaccessible to the bite of the lion, he, unconquerable in his strength, tore him ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

David's Strength
... The Lord is his strength, who teaches his hands to war, and his fingers to fight;
his hope and his fortress, his ... By God's help he slays the lion and the bear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

Harmony of all Graces and virtues in Christ.
... He is justly compared with the lion in strength, and with the lamb in meekness.
He equally possessed the wisdom of the serpent and the simplicity of the dove. ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/harmony of all graces and.htm