Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the lion is a powerful symbol that appears frequently throughout the scriptures, representing various attributes and themes. The lion's symbolic significance is multifaceted, often embodying strength, majesty, courage, and authority, as well as danger and destruction.1. Symbol of Strength and Majesty: The lion is often used to symbolize strength and majesty. In Proverbs 30:30, the lion is described as "mighty among beasts and does not retreat before any." This depiction underscores the lion's role as a symbol of power and dominance. Similarly, in the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, the lion is one of the four faces of the cherubim, representing the might and majesty of God's creation (Ezekiel 1:10). 2. Representation of Royal Authority: The lion is also a symbol of royal authority and kingship. In Genesis 49:9-10, Jacob blesses his son Judah, comparing him to a lion's cub and prophesying that "the scepter will not depart from Judah." This passage foreshadows the royal lineage of David and ultimately the messianic reign of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in Revelation 5:5. This title emphasizes Christ's rightful authority and victorious power. 3. Symbol of Courage and Boldness: The lion's courage and boldness are highlighted in various passages. In 2 Samuel 17:10, the courage of a lion-hearted warrior is noted, illustrating the lion's association with bravery. The righteous are also compared to lions in Proverbs 28:1, where it states, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." 4. Emblem of Danger and Destruction: While the lion often symbolizes positive attributes, it can also represent danger and destruction. In 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is likened to a "roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," illustrating the threat and peril posed by evil. Similarly, in the book of Daniel, the prophet is thrown into a den of lions, symbolizing the perilous trials faced by the faithful (Daniel 6:16-24). 5. Divine Judgment and Wrath: The lion is sometimes used as a metaphor for divine judgment and wrath. In Hosea 5:14, God declares, "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them and go away." This imagery conveys the severity and inevitability of God's judgment against sin and disobedience. 6. Symbol of Deliverance and Protection: Despite its association with danger, the lion also symbolizes deliverance and protection. In Psalm 91:13, the faithful are promised victory over the lion, "You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent." This assurance reflects God's power to protect and deliver His people from harm. The lion, as a symbol in the Bible, encapsulates a range of meanings, from the embodiment of divine authority and strength to the representation of danger and judgment. Its use in scripture serves to convey profound spiritual truths and the multifaceted nature of God's character and His dealings with humanity. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 49:9Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, you are gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 29:1 Library The Four Gospels. Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, Matthew. We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... Symbolic Ornaments of the Church The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5 Jesus Only The Middle Ages. The Figurative Language of Scripture. New Testament History and Prophecy. Resources Who/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.orgHow should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org What are the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? | GotQuestions.org Lion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lion used for the Torture of Criminals Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By Lion: Disobedient Prophet Killed By Lion: Instincts of, in Taking Prey Lion: Samson's Riddle Concerning Lion: Sent As Judgment Upon the Samaritans Lion: The Bases in the Temple Ornamented by Mouldings of Lion: Twelve Statues of, on the Stairs Leading to Solomon's Throne The Lion of Boldness of Saints The Lion of Cruel and Powerful Enemies The Lion of God in Executing Judgments The Lion of God in Protecting his Church The Lion of Imaginary Fears of the Slothful The Lion of the Tribe of Judah The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath The Lion: (Tamed) the Natural Man Subdued by Grace The Lion: A Swarm of Bees Found in the Carcass of, by Samson The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men The Lion: Attacks the Sheepfolds The Lion: Conceals Itself by Day The Lion: Criminals often Thrown To The Lion: Disobedient Prophet Slain By The Lion: Fearless Even of Man The Lion: God's Power Exhibited in Restraining The Lion: Greatness of Its Teeth Alluded To The Lion: Hunting of, Alluded To The Lion: Majestic in Movement The Lion: Often Carries Its Prey to Its Den The Lion: Often Perishes for Lack of Food The Lion: Roars when Seeking Prey The Lion: Superior in Strength The Lion: Universal Terror Caused by Roaring of Related Terms |
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