In the Bible, the term "roarings" is often associated with the sounds made by lions, symbolizing power, fear, and sometimes divine judgment. The imagery of roaring is used to convey both the might of God and the threats posed by adversaries. The concept of roaring is rich in metaphorical meaning, illustrating the intensity of emotions and events.

Roarings of Lions

The lion's roar is frequently used in Scripture to depict strength and authority. In the Book of Amos, the prophet uses the imagery of a lion's roar to describe the certainty of God's judgment: "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). Here, the roar signifies the undeniable power and presence of God, compelling a response from those who hear it.

Similarly, in the Book of Hosea, the Lord is compared to a lion whose roar will summon His children: "They will follow the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west" (Hosea 11:10). This passage highlights the authority of God and the reverent fear it inspires in His people.

Roarings as a Metaphor for Distress

Roarings are also used metaphorically to describe the anguish and turmoil experienced by individuals. In the Psalms, David expresses his deep distress using the imagery of roaring: "For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. Because of the sound of my groaning, my bones cling to my flesh" (Psalm 102:3-5). The "sound of my groaning" can be understood as a form of roaring, illustrating the depth of his suffering.

Roarings of the Enemy

The Bible also uses the concept of roaring to describe the threats posed by enemies. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are warned to be vigilant against the devil, who is likened to a roaring lion: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" . This vivid imagery serves as a caution to Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and aware of spiritual dangers.

Roarings in Prophetic Literature

In prophetic literature, roaring often signifies impending judgment or significant events. The prophet Joel describes a scene of cosmic upheaval with roaring as a central element: "The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel" (Joel 3:16). Here, the roar of the Lord is both a warning of judgment and a promise of protection for His faithful.

Conclusion

The biblical use of "roarings" encompasses a range of meanings, from the literal sound of a lion to metaphorical expressions of distress and divine authority. Whether illustrating the power of God, the anguish of the human soul, or the threats of spiritual adversaries, the concept of roaring serves as a powerful tool for conveying the intensity and gravity of various situations in Scripture.

Gethsemane
... Some of you, my venerable friends, may have learned far more than I; but you will
not refuse to hear again the roarings of the many waters which strove to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

An Elegy of a Broken Heart
... Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, And whom God hath hedged in? For my
sighing cometh before I eat, And my roarings are poured out like water. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/i an elegy of a.htm

If the Immortal Gods Cannot be Angry, Says My Opponent...
... What is the meaning of the earth's roarings, the earthquakes, which we have been
told occurred because the games had been celebrated carelessly, and their ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/38 if the immortal gods.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... and groans, and cries most terrific, were heard filling the air, and shouts most
horrible of mocking laughter, and bellowings, and roarings, and hissings, and ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... Watch unto prayer, and guard against the beginnings of sin lest your bones wax old
through your roarings, and your moisture be turned into the drought of summer ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

An Earnest Invitation
... I should not have marveled if last night, when I was reading my text by the glare
of the lightning, thinking is over amidst the roarings of the thunder, if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/an earnest invitation.htm

Election and Holiness
... eat carrion any mine. It cannot endure it: its nature is entirely changed.
Here is a lion roarings for its prey. I will change it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... rise against it. Great thunderings and loud roarings proceed out of the
mouth of the lion in his strength and glory. So this beast ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... has a voice in it; yea, there is a voice in their prayers, a voice in their cry,
a voice in their tears, a voice in their groans, in their roarings, in their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Roarings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Roarings (1 Occurrence). Job 3:24 For my sighing cometh
before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. ...
/r/roarings.htm - 6k

Roars (9 Occurrences)

/r/roars.htm - 9k

Roaring (28 Occurrences)

/r/roaring.htm - 15k

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