Topical Bible: Righteous: Lions

◄ Righteous: Lions ►

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In the Bible, lions are frequently used as symbols of strength, courage, and authority. They are often associated with both the righteous and the wicked, serving as metaphors for various spiritual truths. The righteous, in particular, are sometimes compared to lions, highlighting their boldness and confidence in the Lord.

Symbol of Boldness and Confidence

Proverbs 28:1 states, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse underscores the fearless nature of the righteous, who, grounded in their faith and integrity, stand firm and unafraid. The lion's boldness is a reflection of the inner strength that comes from a life aligned with God's will. The righteous, like lions, do not cower in the face of adversity but confront challenges with courage and assurance.

Divine Protection and Deliverance

The account of Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) is a profound illustration of God's protection over the righteous. Daniel, a man of unwavering faith, is thrown into a den of lions as a result of his devotion to God. Yet, God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths, sparing Daniel's life. This miraculous deliverance serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His power to protect those who are righteous in His sight. Daniel 6:22 records Daniel's words: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight."

Judgment and Authority

Lions also symbolize judgment and authority, often representing God's power to execute justice. In Amos 3:8, the prophet declares, "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" Here, the lion's roar is likened to the voice of God, commanding reverence and obedience. The righteous, who align themselves with God's authority, are called to heed His voice and act as His representatives on earth.

Christ as the Lion of Judah

In Revelation 5:5, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah." This title emphasizes His majesty, strength, and rightful authority as the King of Kings. The righteous, who follow Christ, are called to emulate His character and live under His lordship. As the Lion of Judah, Christ embodies the ultimate example of righteousness, courage, and divine authority.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, lions serve as powerful symbols of the qualities that characterize the righteous. Whether illustrating boldness, divine protection, or authority, the imagery of lions in the Bible provides profound insights into the nature of righteousness and the life of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
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

It is the Part of the Wicked to Vex the Righteous.
... The righteous were indeed persecuted, but only by the wicked. ... Was Daniel
[196] cast into the den of lions by such as feared God? ...
/.../the first epistle of clement to the corinthians/chapter xlv it is the part.htm

It is the Part of the Wicked to Vex the Righteous.
... The righteous were indeed persecuted, but only by the wicked. ... Was Daniel
[4239] cast into the den of lions by such as feared God? ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter xlv it is the part.htm

Lions Lacking --But the Children Satisfied
... concerned about temporal things; trust in God; for while "young lions do lack ... ordinary
course of his providence make a distinction between the righteous and the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/lions lackingbut the children satisfied.htm

Of the Renewed World.
... in which God Himself the builder may dwell together with the righteous, bearing
rule in ... Lions and calves shall stand together at the manger, the wolf shall not ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiv of the renewed world.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... THE DESIRE OF THE RIGHTEOUS GRANTED; OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S
DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. As the tree is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... "The young lions do lack ... to "seek peace, and pursue it." On these exhortations follow
joyous assurances of God's watchful eye fixed upon the righteous, and His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

Hymn after Meat
... For nothing sweeter than the Word can be That fell from righteous lips, once ... tyranny
By unjust judgment doom us straight to die, And starved lions rush these ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/iv hymn after meat.htm

We Keep Therefore the one Position, And, in Respect of this ...
... the object of its pursuit, finally, that not only of righteous persons, but ... For
forthwith, certainly, would the lions, with their pent-up and wonted savageness ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter viii we keep therefore.htm

An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... call such men not merely lions, but something more than lions; for a ... The weapons
of the righteous man are spiritual wisdom, temperance, patience, contempt of ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily viii an exhortation to.htm

Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the ...
... savage cruelty of his character, by commanding that the righteous prophet should ...
distinguished benefactor of the Persian people to be devoured by savage lions. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xvii of the wisdom of.htm