Topical Bible: The Dragon: Found in Deserted Cities

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "dragon" often evokes images of a fearsome, mythical creature. However, within the context of the Bible, the dragon is frequently symbolic, representing chaos, desolation, or evil. The imagery of dragons inhabiting deserted cities is particularly evocative, suggesting a transformation from a place of human habitation to one of desolation and ruin.

Biblical References

The concept of dragons dwelling in deserted cities is primarily found in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. In these texts, dragons are often associated with judgment and the aftermath of divine retribution. The prophet Isaiah speaks of such imagery in his pronouncements against Babylon: "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. She will never be inhabited or settled from generation to generation; no nomad will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flock there. But desert creatures will lie there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses, and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged" (Isaiah 13:19-22). While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "dragon" explicitly in this passage, the imagery of wild and untamed creatures inhabiting the ruins aligns with the broader biblical symbolism of dragons.

Jeremiah also uses similar imagery in his prophecies against Edom: "Edom will become a desolation. Everyone who passes by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds. As Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown along with their neighbors," says the LORD, "no one will live there; no man will dwell there. Look, it will be like a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture. I will chase Edom from its land in an instant. Who is the chosen one I will appoint for this? For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me? And what shepherd can stand against Me?" (Jeremiah 49:17-19). Here, the desolation is so complete that only wild animals, often associated with dragons in ancient Near Eastern literature, remain.

Symbolism and Interpretation

In these passages, the dragon serves as a symbol of desolation and divine judgment. The presence of dragons and other wild creatures in once-thriving cities underscores the totality of God's judgment against nations that have turned away from Him. The imagery is stark and serves as a warning to the people of Israel and Judah about the consequences of disobedience and idolatry.

The dragon's association with deserted cities also reflects the broader biblical theme of chaos versus order. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dragons were often seen as embodiments of chaos, opposing the divine order established by God. Thus, their presence in deserted cities symbolizes a return to chaos, a reversal of the order and prosperity that once characterized these places.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the imagery of dragons in deserted cities serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of His judgments. It emphasizes the transient nature of human achievements and the futility of opposing God's will. The desolation depicted in these passages is not merely a physical reality but also a spiritual one, highlighting the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

Furthermore, the prophetic use of dragon imagery points to the ultimate victory of God over chaos and evil. While dragons may inhabit the ruins of cities for a time, the biblical narrative assures believers of God's ultimate restoration and renewal of creation. This hope is echoed in the eschatological visions found in the New Testament, where the forces of chaos and evil are finally defeated, and God's perfect order is established forever.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 13:22
And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 9:11
And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... In returning to a long-deserted and neglected land, much had to be ... not to fly; for
the moment they found their feet, these children of the dragon fell upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... from heaven, " and he laid hold on the dragon, that old ... take John with them again,
who had deserted them before ... in the truth, wheresoever it is found; in "the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 22 upon our lords.htm

Striking Similes
... Brute terrors like the scurrying of rats in a deserted attic. ... Fresh as a jewel found
but yesterday. ... One winged cloud above like a spread dragon overhangs the ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Psalm CXLVII.
... He sent His Word, He deserted us not even in the ... 5948] How hath this humility ever
been found in great ... Think not that fiscus is a kind of dragon, because men ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvii.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... 1. When I look on that throne, deserted and bereft of ... if where only ten just men
were found, God promised to ... they snuffed up the wind like a dragon; their eyes ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... is, the Devil, Satan, the Serpent, or Dragon: or if he ... his people, assailed by cannon
balls, deserted the place ... that any persons should be found who understand ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The First Theban Empire
... crushing crime, and arising like Tumu himself; restoring that which he found in
ruins ... But the ancient royal cities of Kheops and his children had ceased to exist ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... of the name Mithras, which is to be found in some ... any images to be erected in all
cities, and therefore ... and the other temples would have to be deserted. Ch.49. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... having lost his way, sought direction from a wretched lad keeping hogs"deserted,
forlorn, his ... all they said, that they were to me as if they had found a new ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm