Topical Bible: The Dragon: Powerful

◄ The Dragon: Powerful ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the dragon is a symbol of immense power and often represents chaos, evil, and opposition to God. The imagery of the dragon is most prominently featured in the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Revelation. The dragon is depicted as a formidable adversary, embodying the forces that stand against God's divine order and the establishment of His kingdom.

Old Testament References

While the term "dragon" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept is present through various creatures that symbolize chaos and opposition. The Hebrew word "tannin" is often translated as "dragon" or "serpent" and appears in several passages. In Isaiah 27:1, the prophet speaks of the Lord's victory over the dragon: "In that day the LORD will punish with His sword—His fierce, great, and mighty sword—Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; He will slay the dragon of the sea." This passage highlights the dragon as a symbol of chaos and God's ultimate triumph over it.

New Testament References

The most vivid depiction of the dragon is found in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 12:3-4 introduces the dragon as a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, symbolizing its immense power and authority: "Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth." This dragon is identified as Satan, the ancient serpent, who seeks to devour the male child born to the woman, representing Christ and His mission.

Revelation 12:7-9 describes a cosmic battle between the dragon and the archangel Michael: "Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." This passage underscores the dragon's role as the adversary of God and His people, yet it also affirms the ultimate victory of God over evil.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The dragon's portrayal in Revelation is rich with symbolism. Its seven heads and ten horns suggest completeness and the fullness of its power, while its red color signifies destruction and bloodshed. The dragon's actions—sweeping stars from the sky and waging war against the heavenly host—illustrate its rebellion against divine authority and its intent to disrupt God's plan for salvation.

Throughout Christian tradition, the dragon has been interpreted as a representation of Satan and the forces of evil that oppose God's will. The imagery serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the assurance of God's ultimate victory over evil. The dragon's defeat by Michael and the heavenly host is a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the protection He provides to His people.

Conclusion

The dragon, as depicted in the Bible, is a powerful symbol of chaos, evil, and opposition to God. Its presence in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation serves to highlight the cosmic struggle between good and evil, while also affirming the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Through the imagery of the dragon, believers are reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare and the assurance of God's victory over all forces that stand against His divine purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 12:4
And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon. Rev. 12 ...
... And fought the battles of our God. Against the dragon and his host. ... Thine armies
trod the tempter down; 'Twas by thy word and powerful name. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 58 the devil vanquished.htm

Virgins are Called to the Imitation of the Church in the ...
... more powerful; but the many-headed and many-faced beast will immediately allow you
to carry off the spoils of the seven contests:" "Lion in front, but dragon ...
/.../chapter xii virgins are called to.htm

The Devil Vanquished; Or, Michael's War with the Dragon, Rev. 12 7
... 2 Against the dragon and his host The armies of the Lord prevail: In vain ... Lamb, Thine
armies trod the tempter down; 'Twas by thy word and powerful Name, They ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 58 the devil vanquished.htm

Jupiter is Troubled Enough, Being Overwhelmed with Fear, and ...
... with his daughter, he passes into the terrible form of a dragon: he winds ... She, too,
is in consequence filled with the seed of the most powerful Jupiter, but ...
/.../21 jupiter is troubled enough.htm

The Birth of Saint George.
... a young hippopotamus, would have been bad enough, but a green dragon, with claws ...
that in the Black Forest in Germany there lived a powerful enchantress, Kalyb ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter one the birth of.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... its shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations
of the earth. But the beast with lamb-like horns "spake as a dragon. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

The Two-Horned Beast.
... were the only remedies that could damp the fury of this powerful agent, which was ...
through the air, says Joinville, like a winged long-tailed dragon, about the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the two-horned beast.htm

God's Law Immutable
... its shores, and the United States has risen to a place among the most powerful nations
of the earth. But the beast with lamblike horns "spake as a dragon. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

Psalm XLI.
... of Christ, powerful is that law, divine, ineffable! but who fulfilleth it? In the
name of our Saviour, [1188] "tread upon the lion and the dragon." [1189] By ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xli.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... the Head of the United States of the World, will be powerful governmentally. He
will also be mighty in his person, for we are told that the Dragon shall give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm