Topical Bible: The Dragon: A Species of, in Rivers

◄ The Dragon: A Species of, in Rivers ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "dragon" is often used to describe a formidable creature, sometimes associated with chaos and opposition to God. The imagery of dragons is prevalent in various parts of the Bible, symbolizing evil forces or powerful adversaries. In the context of rivers, the dragon is depicted as a creature of significant strength and influence, often representing nations or leaders that oppose God's people.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 29:3 : "Speak and tell Pharaoh king of Egypt that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great monster lying in the midst of his rivers, who has said, ‘My Nile is my own; I made it for myself.’" In this passage, the "great monster" is often interpreted as a dragon-like creature, symbolizing Pharaoh and the Egyptian empire. The imagery of the dragon in the river underscores the pride and self-sufficiency of Egypt, which God opposes.

2. Isaiah 27:1 : "In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent, Leviathan, the coiling serpent; He will slay the dragon of the sea." Here, the dragon is associated with Leviathan, a creature of chaos and disorder. The reference to the "dragon of the sea" can be seen as a metaphor for oppressive powers that God will ultimately defeat.

3. Psalm 74:13-14 : "You divided the sea by Your strength; You smashed the heads of the dragons of the sea; You crushed the heads of Leviathan; You fed him to the creatures of the desert." This passage highlights God's sovereignty over chaotic forces, represented by the dragons of the sea. The imagery of God defeating these dragons serves as a reminder of His power to subdue any opposition.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, dragons in rivers or seas often symbolize nations or rulers that embody chaos, pride, and rebellion against God. The dragon's association with water, particularly rivers, may signify the life-giving yet potentially destructive power of these entities. The river dragon's defeat by God illustrates His ultimate authority over creation and His ability to bring order out of chaos.

The dragon's presence in rivers can also be seen as a representation of the spiritual battles faced by God's people. Just as God promises to defeat the dragon, He assures His followers of victory over spiritual adversaries. This imagery serves to encourage believers to trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when confronted by seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dragons and serpentine creatures were often depicted as symbols of chaos and evil. These creatures were believed to inhabit the waters, representing the untamed and unpredictable aspects of nature. The biblical portrayal of dragons in rivers aligns with these cultural motifs, using familiar imagery to convey theological truths about God's supremacy and the ultimate defeat of evil.

The dragon's depiction in the Bible, particularly in relation to rivers, serves as a powerful metaphor for God's triumph over chaos and His protection of His people. Through these vivid images, the biblical narrative communicates the assurance of divine intervention and the hope of deliverance from all forms of oppression.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 74:13
You did divide the sea by your strength: you brake the heads of the dragons in the waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 27:1
In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

New Testament History and Prophecy.
... By every species of indignity and cruelty he finally stung ... The Beast and the Dragon,
and the False Prophet and ... is on these plains, along these rivers, by these ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter x new testament history.htm

Monos
... before the fish was swallowed.' Yet a species caught with ... also up more than one of
the rivers, he has ... much less the great Boca of the Dragon's Mouth, between ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... The present tendency is to identify the hippopotamus with the Dragon and with ... ours,
it was distributed into seas, and continents divided by rivers and canals ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Preface.
... From the full rivers that surround his throne,. ... Why not the dragon's subterranean
den,. For man to howl in? ... Affection, as his species, wide diffused; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/preface.htm

Down the Islands
... manifold corroborations of his theories in Rain and Rivers. ... vegetation, mixed with
other and smaller species of palms ... them the island of the Dragon's Mouth; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... distinct, and represented beings and forces hostile to the sun, with the dragon
Apopi at ... them as they could lay hold of at the fords of rivers; or cynocephali ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Job 20:16). 'Thou shalt not see the rivers, the streaming floods, the brooks
of butter and honey' (Job 20:17). 'All darkness shall ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm