Scorpion of Enemies
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In biblical literature, the imagery of scorpions is often used to symbolize danger, pain, and the malicious intent of enemies. The scorpion, a creature known for its venomous sting, serves as a powerful metaphor for the threats and adversities faced by the people of God. This entry explores the symbolic use of scorpions in the Bible, particularly in the context of enemies and divine judgment.

Old Testament References

The scorpion is first mentioned in the context of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 8:15, Moses reminds the Israelites of God's provision and protection in the desert, "He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions." Here, scorpions are part of the hostile environment that God helped His people to endure, symbolizing the physical and spiritual challenges they faced.

In 1 Kings 12:11, scorpions are used metaphorically by Rehoboam, Solomon's son, when he threatens to increase the burden on the people: "Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions." The use of "scorpions" here suggests a harsh and oppressive rule, indicating the potential for increased suffering and hardship under Rehoboam's reign.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophet Ezekiel also uses the imagery of scorpions to describe the rebellious nature of the people to whom he is sent. In Ezekiel 2:6, God warns the prophet, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or be dismayed by their looks, for they are a rebellious house." The "scorpions" here symbolize the hostility and opposition Ezekiel would face, emphasizing the spiritual danger posed by those who reject God's message.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of scorpions to assure His disciples of their authority over spiritual adversaries. In Luke 10:19, He declares, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Here, "scorpions" represent demonic forces and the spiritual enemies of God's people. Jesus' words provide comfort and assurance of divine protection and victory over evil.

Symbol of Divine Judgment

The Book of Revelation employs the imagery of scorpions in the context of divine judgment. In Revelation 9:3-5, during the sounding of the fifth trumpet, locusts with the power of scorpions are released upon the earth: "Then out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were permitted to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion." This apocalyptic vision underscores the severity of God's judgment on those who oppose Him, using the painful sting of scorpions as a metaphor for the suffering inflicted upon the unrepentant.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, the scorpion serves as a vivid symbol of the dangers posed by enemies, both physical and spiritual. Whether representing the oppressive rule of earthly kings, the rebellious nature of God's people, or the demonic forces opposed to the Kingdom of God, the scorpion's sting is a reminder of the trials faced by the faithful. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, the Bible consistently affirms God's protection and ultimate victory over all adversaries.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Nor Should I Think it Needful to Discuss Whether God Pursues a ...
Antidote for the Scorpion's Sting. ... they continued to be spoiled by them, and to be
sold to their adversaries, and could not at all stand before their enemies. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter iii nor should i.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... Should not we be more active for our own preservation than our enemies are for our ...
minds shall make us restless; our conscience shall be as a scorpion in our ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... [Footnote B: The scorpion is a ... overthrown by the Philistines, Samuel prayed, and
God sent thunder and lightning, and destroyed the armies of their enemies. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... have, and the pain of them shall be as the pain of a scorpion, when he ... hurt them,
fire should proceed out of their mouth and devour their enemies; and when ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... a particular region, he may expect in that place, a multitude of enemies with great ...
which they hurt; and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion when it ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... to some of these more freely, to others more cautiously; yea, it even extends to
our enemies, for whom ... or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... feet, thus intimating by an Oriental symbol that they had no connection with the
enemies of Christ. ... 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

Christ Crucified.
... iron or bone, for tearing the flesh, and thus fitted, it was called a scorpion. ... as
well as his humiliation, will appeal to the better feelings of his enemies. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm

Ephesians iv. 31
... "Such a one," say they, "is a bitter man, he is a scorpion, a serpent, a viper."
They ... Let us then pity them, for they have common enemies all over the world. ...
/.../homily xv ephesians iv 31.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... mouse, who is feared by the elephant, or at the scorpion's delicate sting ... accuse
the Creator of having produced venomous animals, destroyers and enemies of our ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

Resources
Why doesn't God respond when I cry out, “God, please help me!”? | GotQuestions.org

What are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Scorpion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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