The term "ravenously" is often used to describe an intense, voracious appetite or desire, typically for food. In a biblical context, it can also metaphorically represent an insatiable craving for power, wealth, or other worldly pursuits that can lead individuals away from spiritual fulfillment and righteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Physical Hunger:
While the Bible does not frequently use the term "ravenously," the concept of intense hunger is present in various narratives. For example, in the account of Esau and Jacob, Esau returns from the field famished and sells his birthright for a meal. Genesis 25:29-34 describes Esau's desperation: "He said to Jacob, 'Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted.'... So Esau despised his birthright." This account illustrates how physical hunger can lead to impulsive decisions with lasting consequences.

2. Spiritual Hunger:
The Bible often contrasts physical hunger with spiritual hunger, urging believers to seek sustenance from God. In Matthew 5:6 , Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This verse highlights the importance of a deep, spiritual longing for God's righteousness, which stands in contrast to ravenous desires for worldly things.

3. Metaphorical Usage:
The imagery of ravenous animals is used in Scripture to depict destructive forces or individuals. In Ezekiel 22:27 , the leaders of Israel are described as ravenous wolves: "Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain." This metaphor underscores the dangers of unchecked greed and corruption.

4. Warnings Against Greed:
The Bible warns against the dangers of greed and covetousness, which can be likened to a ravenous appetite for more than what is needed or right. In Luke 12:15 , Jesus cautions, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This teaching encourages believers to focus on spiritual wealth rather than material accumulation.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of ravenousness serves as a reminder of the human tendency toward excess and the need for self-control. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a hunger for God and His righteousness, rather than succumbing to the insatiable desires of the flesh. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of seeking eternal treasures over temporal gains.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are called to examine their desires and motivations, ensuring they align with God's will. By prioritizing spiritual nourishment and resisting the pull of ravenous appetites, believers can live lives that reflect God's love and righteousness. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and active participation in a faith community to foster a deeper relationship with God.

The Bible the Great Civilizer
... cares nothing for the perfume of all the roses in the world, but if there be a carcase
within miles of it, will scent it out eagerly and fly to it ravenously. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon viii the bible the.htm

Of the Mortification of Sensual Love to Meats, &C. ...
... Or of another who, having received a bunch of grapes, ravenously devoured them,
partly to make the gustful pleasure so much the shorter, and partly (as he said ...
/.../chapter vi of the mortification.htm

'Impossible, --Only I Saw It'
... extremities. Then, secure against surprise, they eat and drink as ravenously
as men who had been starving so long would do. Twilight ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/impossibleonly i saw it.htm

Thirst and Satisfaction
... after other good than God, has at the end to say, 'I am sick, tired of it, and it
has lost all power to draw me,' or he has to say, 'I ravenously long for more ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/thirst and satisfaction.htm

On Eating.
... the condiments, and to be constantly reaching to the sauce, cramming themselves
immoderately and shamelessly, not like people tasting, but ravenously seizing! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... It seemed almost more than my poor heart could bear when I called to mind the starving
multitudes gathered in, and ravenously devouring the morsel of bread ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

Ravenously (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ravenously (1 Occurrence). Revelation 19 ... the horse.
And the birds all fed ravenously upon their flesh. (WEY). ...
/r/ravenously.htm - 6k

Ravenous (11 Occurrences)

/r/ravenous.htm - 9k

Fed (62 Occurrences)
... Revelation 19:21 But the rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth
of the Rider on the horse. And the birds all fed ravenously upon their flesh. ...
/f/fed.htm - 25k

Ravens (5 Occurrences)

/r/ravens.htm - 7k

Rider (26 Occurrences)
... Revelation 19:21 But the rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth
of the Rider on the horse. And the birds all fed ravenously upon their flesh. ...
/r/rider.htm - 15k

Devour (118 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To eat up with greediness; to consume ravenously;
to feast upon like a wild beast or a glutton; to prey upon. ...
/d/devour.htm - 37k

Ravenously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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