Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the bear is often depicted as a symbol of ferocity and strength, embodying a voracious nature that is both feared and respected. This imagery is used to convey the power and danger associated with this creature, often in metaphorical or illustrative contexts.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 2:23-24 : One of the most vivid accounts involving bears in the Bible is the account of Elisha and the youths at Bethel. As Elisha was traveling, a group of boys mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha cursed them in the name of the LORD, and two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. This incident highlights the bear's role as an instrument of divine judgment, demonstrating its fearsome and voracious nature. 2. Proverbs 28:15 : "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." Here, the bear is used metaphorically to describe the oppressive and destructive nature of a tyrannical leader. The comparison to a charging bear emphasizes the ruler's aggressive and insatiable appetite for power, which can devastate those under his control. 3. Hosea 13:8 : "Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them open." In this passage, God uses the imagery of a bear robbed of her cubs to describe His fierce anger and impending judgment on Israel. The bear's voracious and protective instincts are invoked to illustrate the intensity of divine retribution. 4. Daniel 7:5 : In Daniel's vision of the four beasts, the second beast is described as resembling a bear. "And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. It was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, 'Arise, devour much flesh!'" This vision symbolizes a kingdom characterized by its voracious and conquering nature, further reinforcing the bear's association with insatiable appetite and power. Symbolism and Interpretation: The bear's portrayal in the Bible is consistent with its natural characteristics—powerful, aggressive, and capable of great destruction. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bears were known for their strength and unpredictability, making them apt symbols for conveying messages of judgment, power, and the consequences of wickedness. The bear's voracious nature serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked aggression and the destructive potential of those who wield power without righteousness. In biblical literature, the bear is a reminder of the need for humility and reverence before God, who alone can tame the wild and fierce elements of creation. Cultural and Historical Context: In the regions surrounding ancient Israel, bears were not uncommon and were known to inhabit the forests and mountainous areas. The Syrian brown bear, a subspecies of the brown bear, is likely the type referenced in biblical texts. These bears were known for their strength and ferocity, especially when provoked or threatened. The biblical depiction of bears aligns with the broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of these animals as symbols of power and danger. This cultural context enriches the biblical narratives, providing a vivid backdrop for the lessons and warnings conveyed through the imagery of the bear. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 7:5And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus to it, Arise, devour much flesh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter iii. To Bassula, his Mother-In-Law. The Manich??an Fictions About Things Good and Evil are not ... The Christians Defamed a Sarcastic Description of Fame; Its ... Eusebius as a Historian. The Merits and Defects of his History. Of Scoffing and Derision. On Eating. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield. The General Deliverance The Believer a New Creature Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ... Resources What does it mean to bear one another's burdens? | GotQuestions.orgDoes a son bear any responsibility for the sins of the father? | GotQuestions.org What is the key to bearing fruit as a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Bear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bear: Two Destroy the Young Men of Beth-El Who Mocked Elisha The Bear: Attacks the Flock in the Presence of the Shepherd The Bear: God in his Judgments The Bear: Miraculously Killed by David The Bear: Particularly Fierce when Deprived of Its Young The Bear: The Kingdom of Antichrist The Bear: The Kingdom of the Medes Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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