Topical Bible: Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon

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The study of beasts, as documented in the biblical context, finds a unique and insightful perspective in the writings attributed to King Solomon. Known for his unparalleled wisdom, Solomon's reflections on the natural world, including beasts, are interwoven throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

Solomon's Wisdom and Understanding of Beasts

Solomon's wisdom, a divine gift from God, extended to an understanding of the natural world, including the animal kingdom. In 1 Kings 4:33 , it is recorded, "He spoke about trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He also spoke about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish." This verse highlights Solomon's comprehensive knowledge of the natural world, which included a keen interest in the behavior and characteristics of beasts.

Proverbs: Lessons from the Animal Kingdom

The Book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and teachings, often draws upon the animal kingdom to impart moral and ethical lessons. For instance, Proverbs 6:6-8 advises, "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." Here, Solomon uses the industrious nature of the ant to teach the value of diligence and foresight.

Similarly, Proverbs 30:29-31 describes the majesty and confidence of certain animals: "There are three things that are stately in their stride, and four that are impressive in their walk: a lion, mighty among beasts, and refusing to retreat; a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him." These verses illustrate the qualities of strength, leadership, and confidence, drawing parallels between the animal kingdom and human virtues.

Ecclesiastes: Reflections on the Nature of Beasts

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the nature of life and the human condition, often using beasts as a metaphor for existential observations. Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 states, "I said to myself concerning the sons of men, 'God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts.' For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies, so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity."

This passage underscores the shared mortality of humans and animals, emphasizing the transient nature of life. Solomon's contemplations reveal a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all living creatures under God's creation.

Song of Solomon: Symbolism and Imagery

The Song of Solomon, a poetic and allegorical book, employs rich imagery from the natural world, including references to animals, to convey themes of love and beauty. In Song of Solomon 2:9 , the beloved is compared to a gazelle or a young stag: "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice."

Such imagery not only highlights the grace and beauty of the beloved but also reflects the admiration and wonder with which Solomon viewed the animal kingdom. The use of beasts as symbols in this context serves to elevate the natural world as a reflection of divine beauty and love.

Conclusion

Solomon's writings provide a multifaceted view of beasts, offering insights into their behavior, symbolism, and the moral lessons they impart. Through his wisdom, Solomon bridges the natural and spiritual worlds, using the animal kingdom to illuminate truths about human nature and divine creation. His reflections continue to inspire and instruct, revealing the depth of God's wisdom manifested in all of creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:33
And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall: he spoke also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Greater than Solomon
... the magnificent, why, surely, his name crowns Jewish history with glory ... of the wall:
he spoke also of beasts, and of ... the mind of God, for it is written that He ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/a greater than solomon.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... out of the wall; he spoke also of beasts, of birds ... to the most famous wise man in
Israel's early history. ... Many are written from the point of view of a subject ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... shepherd life he entered into conflict with wild beasts. ... How remarkable that the
earliest history in the world ... to the last of the prophets"written by various ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Clean and the Unclean
... the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ...
No, no, the "Acts of the Apostles." So let your history be written, so that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the clean and the unclean.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... But remember, that the history of the ancient church is written for your ... But these,
as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Introduction.
... allots seventy generations to the world's history, in another ... Third Book of the
Sibylline Verses, written about a ... having great horns, and all the beasts of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

Book 1.
... the nature of God exceed that of brute beasts; for so ... [22] He promised to interpret
the Egyptian history out of ... in order to appear to have written what rumors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... and the Lord shall be thine everlasting the beasts of the ... of the present day is that
it was written not far ... the book of Job has a foundation of true history. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

The Statements of Iren??us in Regard to the Divine Scriptures.
... when he was condemned to the wild beasts." It is ... extracted from them all that could
contribute to his History. ... as one of those who had written against Marcion ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the statements of irenaeus.htm

Early Christian Literature and Art.
... of a sheep (ewe?) between two wild beasts (wolves?), ' Susanna' and ' Senioris'
being written over them ... Scenes from the history of Susanna carved on ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/early christian literature and art 2.htm