Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "dog" often carries a negative connotation, symbolizing impurity, uncleanliness, and moral degradation. This perception is rooted in the cultural and religious context of the ancient Near East, where dogs were generally not domesticated as household pets but were instead seen as scavengers and carriers of disease. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of dogs to convey themes of contempt and spiritual unworthiness.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, dogs are often associated with uncleanness and are used metaphorically to describe those who are outside the covenant community or who engage in morally reprehensible behavior. For instance, in Deuteronomy 23:18 , the term "dog" is used to refer to male prostitutes, emphasizing the abomination of such practices: "You must not bring the wages of a prostitute or the earnings of a dog into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God." The imagery of dogs is also employed in narratives of judgment and disgrace. In 1 Kings 14:11 , the prophet Ahijah foretells the grim fate of the house of Jeroboam: "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 prophecy underscores the ultimate dishonor and divine judgment upon those who defy God's commandments. New Testament References In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of "dogs" continues, often to describe those who are hostile to the gospel or who live in opposition to the teachings of Christ. In Philippians 3:2 , the Apostle Paul warns the church: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" refers to false teachers who sought to impose Jewish legalistic practices on Gentile converts, thus threatening the purity of the gospel message. The term also appears in the context of exclusion from the kingdom of God. Revelation 22:15 states, "But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This passage highlights the moral and spiritual separation between the redeemed and those who persist in sin. Symbolism and Theological Implications The consistent use of "dogs" as a symbol of impurity and moral corruption throughout Scripture serves as a stark reminder of the holiness and righteousness required by God. It underscores the biblical theme of separation between the sacred and the profane, the clean and the unclean. The imagery of dogs eating the dead, as seen in the fate of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:36), further illustrates the ultimate consequence of rebellion against God—utter disgrace and destruction. In a broader theological context, the depiction of dogs in the Bible calls believers to a life of holiness, urging them to avoid behaviors and associations that defile and lead away from God's covenant promises. It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and a call to vigilance in maintaining the purity of faith and practice. In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of dogs as symbols of the mean and unclean reflects the broader narrative of God's call to holiness and the consequences of moral and spiritual defilement. This imagery invites believers to reflect on their own lives, ensuring that they remain faithful to the covenant and separate from the corrupting influences of the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 24:14After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 9:8 Library Though He were Dead The Last Two Verses of Chapterviii. ... The Courage of the Saviour On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xv. 21,"Jesus Went Out Thence ... The Spirit and the Flesh David and Jonathan's Son What we Can Say on the Historicity of the Miracles of Jesus Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes How the Valentinians Pervert the Scriptures to Support their Own ... Christ's Prophetic Office Resources Why did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a dog? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that you are the head and not the tail in Deuteronomy 28:13? | GotQuestions.org Dog: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dog (Sodomite?): Dumb and Sleeping Dog (Sodomite?): Epithet of Contempt Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Lapping of Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Blood Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Sores Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Returns to Eat his own Vomit Dog (Sodomite?): Price of, not to be Brought Into the Sanctuary Dog (Sodomite?): Shepherd Dogs The Dog: (Dumb) of Unfaithful Ministers The Dog: Dangerous and Destructive The Dog: Infested Cities by Night The Dog: Manner of, in Drinking Alluded To The Dog: Nothing Holy to be Given To The Dog: Price of, not to be Consecrated The Dog: Sacrificing of, an Abomination The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To The Dog: when Domesticated: Employed in Watching Flocks The Dog: when Domesticated: Fed With the Crumbs 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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