Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, dogs often symbolize uncleanness and are associated with negative connotations. The presence of dogs in cities is mentioned in several passages, highlighting both literal and metaphorical implications. In ancient times, cities infested by dogs were often seen as places of disorder and impurity, reflecting spiritual and moral decay.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 14:11 : "Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the air will eat. For the LORD has spoken." This passage illustrates the divine judgment pronounced upon the house of Jeroboam. The imagery of dogs consuming the dead in the city underscores the disgrace and defilement associated with divine retribution. 2. 1 Kings 16:4 : "Anyone belonging to Baasha who dies in the city, the dogs will eat, and anyone who dies in the field, the birds of the air will eat." Similar to the judgment on Jeroboam, this pronouncement against Baasha's lineage signifies the complete and utter rejection by God, with dogs serving as agents of dishonor. 3. 1 Kings 21:23 : "And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’" The prophecy against Jezebel, a notorious queen known for her idolatry and wickedness, is fulfilled when dogs consume her body. This event occurs in the city of Jezreel, marking it as a place of divine judgment and moral corruption. 4. 2 Kings 9:36 : "So they went back and told Jehu, who said, 'This is the word of the LORD that He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’" The fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy serves as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, with Jezreel becoming synonymous with divine vengeance. Symbolic Implications: In biblical literature, dogs are often depicted as scavengers, feeding on refuse and the dead. Their presence in cities is emblematic of spiritual decay and moral corruption. The imagery of dogs consuming the dead within city walls serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It reflects the ultimate disgrace and defilement that befalls those who turn away from divine commandments. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dogs were generally not domesticated as they are today. They roamed the streets, often in packs, scavenging for food. This behavior contributed to their negative portrayal in biblical texts. The infestation of dogs in a city was not only a physical nuisance but also a symbol of societal breakdown and divine disfavor. Theological Insights: From a theological perspective, the presence of dogs in cities as depicted in the Bible serves as a warning against idolatry, wickedness, and disobedience to God. It underscores the theme of divine justice, where the consequences of sin are vividly portrayed through the imagery of dogs. These narratives remind believers of the importance of faithfulness and the dire repercussions of turning away from God's statutes. In summary, cities infested by dogs in the Bible are emblematic of divine judgment and moral corruption. The presence of dogs serves as a powerful symbol of uncleanness and the consequences of sin, reinforcing the call to righteousness and obedience to God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 14:11Him that dies of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dies in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD has spoken it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 59:6,14 Library Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Naparima and Montserrat The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Close of the Theban Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Down the Islands The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt the Legendary History of Egypt A Traveler's Note-Book Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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