Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Lions Greedy of Prey

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In the biblical narrative, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals or groups who act in opposition to God's will, engaging in behaviors that are morally corrupt, unjust, or harmful to others. The Bible frequently employs vivid imagery to convey the nature and consequences of wickedness, drawing parallels between the actions of wicked people and the characteristics of predatory animals, such as lions.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism

The comparison of wicked people to "lions greedy of prey" is a powerful metaphor found in the Scriptures. This imagery is used to illustrate the destructive and insatiable nature of those who pursue evil. Just as a lion hunts with ferocity and an unyielding desire to devour its prey, so too do the wicked pursue their harmful desires with relentless aggression.

Scriptural References

One of the key passages that highlights this comparison is found in the Psalms. In Psalm 17:12, the psalmist David describes his adversaries with the following words: "They are like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush." Here, David portrays his enemies as predatory and dangerous, emphasizing their eagerness to harm and their stealthy approach to achieving their malicious goals.

Similarly, in Psalm 10:9, the wicked are depicted as lying in wait to capture the innocent: "He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the oppressed and drags them away in his net." This verse underscores the cunning and deceitful nature of the wicked, who, like lions, use stealth and surprise to overpower their victims.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The comparison of wicked people to lions greedy of prey serves as a cautionary illustration of the moral and spiritual dangers posed by those who reject righteousness. It highlights the destructive impact of wickedness on both individuals and communities. The insatiable appetite of the wicked for power, wealth, or personal gain often leads to the exploitation and suffering of others, mirroring the way a lion's hunt results in the death of its prey.

Divine Justice and Deliverance

Despite the formidable threat posed by the wicked, the Bible assures believers of God's ultimate justice and deliverance. In Psalm 34:10, the psalmist declares, "The young lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." This verse contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with the enduring provision and protection granted to those who trust in God.

Furthermore, the Scriptures affirm that God will hold the wicked accountable for their actions. In Psalm 37:12-13, it is written, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage reassures believers that divine justice will prevail, and the wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their deeds.

Conclusion

The biblical comparison of wicked people to lions greedy of prey serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the moral imperative to pursue righteousness. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the Scriptures call believers to remain vigilant against the influence of wickedness and to place their trust in God's justice and deliverance. As followers of Christ, the call is to embody the virtues of love, justice, and mercy, standing in contrast to the predatory ways of the wicked.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 17:12
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hymns of Isaac Watts
... The right people win ... The wicked are cast down ... The wonder is not that Watts is, when
compared with Wesley, rough and grotesque, but that he has achieved even his ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the hymns of isaac watts.htm

The Fourth Book
... of those men, for none are to be compared with them ... than for thee." [217] If he said
the people of Sodom ... For it is written of the wicked: "They set their mouth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fourth book.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... For, the soul of Antichrist is compared to a heaven ... discern between the righteous
and the wicked; yea, they shall cleave to, and countenance the people of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then ... of thy sins for heinousness may be compared
therewith, as ... napkin, but they were an industrious people, they followed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... All on a fiery flame, Hell is compared, for to ... upon them rain, Because they would
not wicked ways refrain ... know The miseries that these poor people felt While ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Christian Behavior
... without strength; enemies in their minds by wicked works, and ... 1. God's people are
fruitful in good works according ... are, are not worthy to be compared with the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... you forsake is not worthy to be compared with a ... of the burning pit, one of the wicked
ones got ... in our country; he neither regardeth prince nor people, law nor ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... misery is ended; thy happiness begins, where wicked men's end ... what means your sour
carriage to the people of God ... ordered so that these creatures, dogs, lions, &c ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... wicked young woman, the ugliest and most wicked it had ... over the minds of the common
people as well ... Windischmann has compared this name with that of the Vedic ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The name Kushtashpi has been compared with that ... possessed altars, He kept guard over
His people, but His ... sea, and the stumbling-blocks with the wicked; and I ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm