In the biblical context, the term "preys" often refers to the act of seizing or capturing, typically in the context of animals hunting for food or enemies capturing spoils. The concept of prey is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, illustrating themes of vulnerability, judgment, and divine justice.

Old Testament References

The imagery of prey is prevalent in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the natural order and the animal kingdom. For instance, in Genesis 49:27, Jacob's blessing over Benjamin describes him as a ravenous wolf: "In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder." This metaphor highlights the tribe's fierce and victorious nature.

In the prophetic literature, the concept of prey is frequently used to depict the judgment and deliverance of nations. Isaiah 5:29 describes the Assyrian army as a lion that roars and seizes its prey, symbolizing the impending judgment on Israel: "Their roar is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl as they seize their prey and carry it off with no one to rescue."

Ezekiel also uses the imagery of prey to convey messages of judgment and restoration. In Ezekiel 19:3-6, the prophet laments over the princes of Israel, likening them to young lions that learned to tear prey and devour men, symbolizing their oppressive rule and eventual downfall.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "prey," the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns against false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, a metaphor that implies their predatory nature: "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."

The apostle Peter also uses similar imagery in 1 Peter 5:8, where he warns believers to be vigilant against the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. This metaphor underscores the spiritual danger and the need for believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Theological Implications

The use of prey in the Bible often serves to illustrate the themes of vulnerability and the need for divine protection. God's people are sometimes depicted as prey in need of deliverance, emphasizing their dependence on God's intervention. For example, in Psalm 124:6-7, the psalmist praises God for not allowing them to be torn by their enemies: "Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped."

Moreover, the imagery of prey highlights the justice of God, who ultimately delivers His people and judges their oppressors. In Isaiah 49:24-25, God promises to rescue His people from their captors: "Can the prey be taken from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered? For thus says the LORD: 'Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; for I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.'"

In summary, the concept of prey in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for illustrating the dynamics of power, vulnerability, and divine justice. It reminds believers of their need for God's protection and the assurance of His ultimate deliverance.

Of the Observance of the Sabbath.
... Israel. Nor is it doubtful that they "wrought servile work," when, in obedience
to God's precept, they drave the preys of war. For ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter iv of the observance of.htm

Melancholy.
... Still, because this mental canker preys on the most vital interests of the soul,
and because a predisposition to it is found to prevail even among the youthful ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xx melancholy.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer (Continued)
... It preys upon the vitals and weakens the whole frame, and what is more than all,
it grieves the Holy Spirit." Her remedy, again, for a common evil, was prayer. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xii modern examples of prayer.htm

Hebrew Craft
... The man that withdraws from a busy life while in full vigor has beckoned
to Death. Inactivity preys upon him like a disease. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xi hebrew craft.htm

Death and War. 1778
... Spreading desolation wide,. Through a once much-favored land: War, with heart and
arms of steel,. Preys on thousands at a meal; Daily drinking human gore,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 5 death and war.htm

Charity.
... CM Lutheran Coll. Charity. 1 Go to the pillow of disease, Where night gives no repose,
And on the cheek where sickness preys, Bid health to plant the rose. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/767 charity.htm

Book vii. This is the Seventh Book of Our Treatise against the ...
... from the Church. It is one that has been often denounced, often rejected,
yet it preys upon our vitals still. Galatia [847] has ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book vii this is the.htm

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
... of spirit, which delighteth itself in condemning, and even in worrying others; yea,
which, if I may be al1owed the expression, fiercely preys upon religion, as ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter v the sinner stripped.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... it, [405]137; antidote to it in the creation, [406]ib.; found in rich and poor,
[407]138; makes men worse than toilers in the mines, [408]137; preys on both ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Philippians i. 11-Aug
... He trembles at robbers. Is death at hand? The thought that he must leave his
goods to others preys upon him worse than death. Hath he a son? ...
/.../homily ii philippians i 11-aug.htm

Preys (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Preys (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:20 For
you bear with a man, if he brings you into bondage, if he ...
/p/preys.htm - 6k

Weasel (1 Occurrence)
... It is active and fearless, and preys upon all sorts of small mammals, birds and
insects. See LIZARD. Alfred Ely Day. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/w/weasel.htm - 9k

Eagle (27 Occurrences)
... 2) the spotted eagle (Aquila naevia); (3) the common species, the imperial eagle
(Aquila heliaca); and (4) the Circaetos gallicus, which preys on reptiles. ...
/e/eagle.htm - 28k

Horseleach (1 Occurrence)
... which, it may be noted, is almost identical with the Hebrew form, is a ghoul (Arabic
ghul), an evil spirit which seeks to injure men and which preys upon the ...
/h/horseleach.htm - 7k

Price (181 Occurrences)

/p/price.htm - 40k

Prey (105 Occurrences)

/p/prey.htm - 42k

What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.org

What is seed faith? What is a seed faith offering? | GotQuestions.org

What is Renovaré / the Renovaré Spiritual Formation Bible / the Life with God Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus