Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Dogs

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In the biblical narrative, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The wicked are characterized by their sinful actions, rebellion against divine authority, and a general disposition that is contrary to righteousness. Throughout Scripture, the wicked are frequently contrasted with the righteous, highlighting the moral and spiritual dichotomy that exists between those who follow God's ways and those who do not.

The comparison of wicked people to dogs is a recurring motif in the Bible, serving as a vivid illustration of the nature and behavior of those who reject God's law. In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were often viewed as unclean animals, scavengers that roamed the streets and fields, feeding on refuse and carrion. This perception is reflected in the biblical text, where dogs are sometimes used metaphorically to describe individuals who exhibit morally repugnant behavior.

One of the most direct comparisons can be found in the book of Philippians, where the Apostle Paul warns believers to "watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh" (Philippians 3:2). Here, Paul uses the term "dogs" to describe false teachers who pervert the gospel, equating their corrupting influence with the unclean and disruptive nature of stray dogs.

In the Old Testament, the imagery of dogs is also employed to depict the fate of the wicked. In 1 Kings 21:23-24, the prophet Elijah prophesies that dogs will devour the body of Jezebel, a notoriously wicked queen, as a sign of divine judgment: "And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the air will eat’" . This gruesome imagery underscores the ultimate disgrace and destruction that befalls those who persist in wickedness.

Furthermore, in the Psalms, the psalmist often laments the presence and actions of the wicked, sometimes likening them to dogs in their relentless pursuit of the righteous. Psalm 22:16-20 vividly portrays this imagery: "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me" . Here, the psalmist's plea for deliverance from the "dogs" serves as a metaphor for seeking divine intervention against the wicked.

In summary, the biblical comparison of wicked people to dogs serves as a powerful metaphor that conveys the moral corruption, uncleanliness, and ultimate judgment associated with those who oppose God's will. This imagery reinforces the biblical call to righteousness and the stark consequences of living a life characterized by wickedness.

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Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
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Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy to the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
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2 Peter 2:22
But it is happened to them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
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Library

Other Incidents of the Passion Minutely Compared with Prophecy ...
... Other Incidents of the Passion Minutely Compared with Prophecy ... were Pilate and the
Romans; the people were the ... me about; the assembly of the wicked enclosed me ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xlii other incidents of the.htm

Psalm CXVIII.
... great multitude of believers, that might be compared to the ... body of Christ, the holy
Church, the people of adoption ... At least let no wicked man enter there, that ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxviii.htm

Letter cxxii. To Rusticus.
... I might weep day and night for...my people!" [3147] And ... O children of Israel, ye
who think deep counsel and wicked. ... must be which deserves to be compared to a ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxii to rusticus.htm

The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ...
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... not devour men; nor do any
other wicked thing.' And ... alike the hatred of governor and people to treat ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter i the number of those.htm

The Twenty-Second Psalm.
... "Dogs" and "the assembly of the wicked" "Gentiles and ... so attractive and many of God's
people have fallen ... present time are not worthy to be compared with the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the twenty-second psalm.htm

Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
... unlike either please or displease more when compared with their ... house of God ceases
to open to people of the ... perilous is the praise when the wicked is praised ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xix a d 1127 to.htm

Chastisement
... the camp of Israel of old; there are people of God ... will not think his rod light when
compared with that ... with the righteous, and not condemned with the wicked. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... 131, [347]607, [348]608; our flesh compared to, [349 ... in heaven, [496]452; straight
heart and wicked heart, [497 ... of, [577]2, [578]89; refreshing the people of God ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

His Name --Wonderful!
... that you ever saw are nothing compared with this. ... We cannot forget how the people
were scattered"how ... hands, death and destruction on the wicked, becomes the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namewonderful.htm

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... rich, unjustly condemn the poor, and are thoroughly wicked. ... You must be on your guard
against such people. ... This whole section 5 should be compared with Hermas ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the teaching of the twelve.htm