Topical Bible: The Bear: Often Attacks Men

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In the biblical context, the bear is depicted as a formidable and dangerous creature, often associated with strength and ferocity. The bear's presence in Scripture serves as a symbol of power and potential threat, frequently illustrating the perilous situations faced by individuals and nations.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 2:23-24 : One of the most notable accounts involving bears is found in the account of the prophet Elisha. As Elisha traveled to Bethel, a group of youths mocked him, calling him "baldhead." In response, Elisha cursed them in the name of the LORD, and two female bears emerged from the woods, mauling forty-two of the boys. This incident underscores the bear's role as an instrument of divine judgment and the seriousness of disrespecting God's prophets.

2. 1 Samuel 17:34-37 : In the narrative of David and Goliath, David recounts his experiences as a shepherd defending his flock against predators. He tells King Saul, "Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth." David's triumph over the bear is a testament to his courage and God's providence, preparing him for his future confrontation with Goliath.

3. Proverbs 28:15 : The bear is used metaphorically to describe the oppressive nature of a wicked ruler. "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." This comparison highlights the bear's aggressive and overpowering nature, serving as a warning against tyrannical leadership.

4. Hosea 13:8 : In a vivid portrayal of divine wrath, God declares, "Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them open." This imagery emphasizes the intensity of God's anger and the inevitability of judgment upon those who have turned away from Him. The bear, in this context, symbolizes the fierce and protective nature of God's justice.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The bear's depiction in the Bible often conveys themes of danger, strength, and divine retribution. Its presence in various narratives serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of disobedience and the protection afforded to those who trust in God. The bear's ferocity is both a literal and metaphorical representation of the challenges faced by the faithful, illustrating the need for reliance on divine strength and guidance.

In the broader biblical narrative, the bear's interactions with humans highlight the tension between humanity and the natural world, as well as the spiritual battles that believers must navigate. The bear's role as both a physical and symbolic adversary underscores the importance of faith, courage, and obedience in overcoming life's trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 2:24
And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 5:19
As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Blessing of Mercy,
... We often see people who are neglected and uncared for ... that we are alive, and have
to bear many hours ... angels' visits, and shuts them against the attacks of Satan ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxix the blessing of.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... The bear, which often gets severely wounded, cares for himself ... All bear the marks
of the wisdom of the Creator ... for their friends men whose mouth attacks the Lord ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

Heathen Plots
... and cause of God Though often baffled, he as often renews his attacks with fresh ...
draws near, Satan's temptations will be brought to bear with greater ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

Acts xxi. 39, 40
... undertook journeys: I did not confine my attacks, as ye ... If we would all bear witness
to Christ, we should ... of the beasts, these it has often collected together ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlvii acts xxi 39.htm

To Olympias. Having Risen from the Very Gates of Death I Address ...
... lists with all courage, and cheerfully bear the toils ... every kind of storm; consequently
they often shrink from ... and subject to these severe attacks, have not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias having risen from.htm

Paul at Corinth
... a glimpse of yearning love which cannot bear to give ... Men like him are often swayed
by impulses rising ... presence is not exemption from attacks, but preservation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul at corinth.htm

Book I to Pleasant Songs My Work was Erstwhile Given, and Bright ...
... Should I not share and bear my part of the ... Though want of foresight often deceives
itself, it cannot ... complain of wicked men making impious attacks upon virtue ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book i to pleasant songs.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Criticism
... it has confirmed traditional views at least as often as it has ... It is also well to
bear in mind that the ... that in the majority of cases these attacks are made by ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iii the old testament.htm

1 Timothy i. 14-Dec
... mighty strength, to preserve it uninjured from the attacks of accusers ... "For I bear
them record ... consider: friends, that are truly friends, will often suffer loss ...
/.../homily iii 1 timothy i.htm

On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ...
... Now, mark, God often allows man to fall into trouble ... to anger; the Enemy discovers
this, and attacks him with ... Children, some men cannot bear this; so they seek ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xiv on the presentation.htm