Topical Bible: The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath

◄ The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the lion is frequently employed as a symbol of strength, majesty, and authority. Its roar, in particular, is emblematic of power and the capacity to instill fear. This imagery is often used to describe the wrath of a king, drawing a parallel between the fearsome nature of a lion's roar and the formidable anger of a sovereign ruler.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible contains numerous references to lions, often highlighting their ferocity and dominance. In the context of a king's wrath, the lion's roar serves as a metaphor for the overwhelming and inescapable nature of royal anger. Proverbs 19:12 states, "A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." This verse underscores the dual nature of a king's power: his wrath is as terrifying and destructive as a lion's roar, while his favor is gentle and life-giving.

Similarly, Proverbs 20:2 warns, "A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his life." Here, the comparison to a lion's roar emphasizes the lethal consequences of inciting a king's anger. The imagery suggests that just as one would not dare to provoke a lion, so too should one exercise caution in dealings with a king.

Theological Implications

The use of the lion's roar to describe a king's wrath carries significant theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the divine authority bestowed upon kings, who were often seen as God's appointed rulers on earth. The fearsome nature of a king's wrath reflects the seriousness with which one should regard the authority and commands of those in power.

Moreover, this imagery can be extended to understand the nature of God's own wrath. Just as a king's anger is likened to a lion's roar, so too is God's wrath depicted as powerful and awe-inspiring. The prophet Amos declares, "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). This verse draws a direct connection between the fear induced by a lion's roar and the reverence due to God's word and judgment.

Practical Applications

For believers, the metaphor of a king's wrath as a lion's roar serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting authority and understanding the consequences of disobedience. It encourages a posture of humility and wisdom in interactions with those in positions of power.

Furthermore, this imagery invites reflection on the nature of divine authority and the appropriate response to God's commands. Just as one would heed the warning of a lion's roar, so too should one respond with reverence and obedience to the voice of God.

In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of a king's wrath as the roaring of a lion is a powerful metaphor that conveys the gravity of authority and the potential consequences of defiance. It serves as a reminder of the respect due to both earthly and divine rulers, urging believers to live in accordance with wisdom and reverence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 19:12
The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew on the grass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wrath of God
... its dregs? Psal 75: 8. Solomon says, The king's wrath is as the roaring
of a lion.' Proverbs 19:12. What then is God's wrath? When ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

Letter Lxxxviii. (AD 406. )
... be devoured by the same lions by which they first sought to have him destroyed;
as it is written: "The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion." [2107] These ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxviii a d 406.htm

Man's Misery by the Fall
... wrath. And who knows the power of God's wrath?' Psalm 90: The wrath of
a king is as the roaring of a lion.' Proverbs 19:12. How ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 mans misery by the.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan
... resists temptation, will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan ... trial, as was Daniel
in the king's court, we ... adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 30 enmity between man.htm

Enmity Between Man and Satan.
... resists temptation, will assuredly arouse the wrath of Satan ... trial, as was Daniel
in the king's court, we ... adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /30 enmity between man and.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... adversary goes about continually like "a roaring lion, seeking whom ... the great
wine-press of the wrath of God ... O daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... mankind, and that wish well to their king and country ... by the sinners themselves against
the day of wrath. ... Who can expect the roaring lion will tamely submit to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

Who Can Tell?
... I think, the greatest confidence which the king of Nineveh ... and warning you to flee
from the wrath to come. ... Behold the roaring lion of the pit, athirst for your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... God's picture, and breaking in pieces the King of heaven's ... of pleasure men will drink
a sea of wrath. ... pheasants: the devil is called a roaring lion: feed him ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Wandering Bird
... Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to ... He ever watcheth, going "about like
a roaring lion, seeking whom ... Has he ever smitten us in his wrath, or treated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm