Topical Bible: The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men

◄ The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men ►

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In the biblical narrative, the lion is often depicted as a powerful and fearsome creature, symbolizing both physical strength and spiritual danger. The lion's ability to attack and destroy men is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, serving as a metaphor for divine judgment, human vulnerability, and the presence of evil.

Old Testament References

1. Judges 14:5-6: The account of Samson provides an early example of a lion's attack. As Samson travels to Timnah, a young lion comes roaring toward him. "The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat" . This encounter highlights both the lion's threat and the divine empowerment given to Samson to overcome it.

2. 1 Kings 13:24-25: In this account, a man of God is killed by a lion as a consequence of his disobedience to God's command. "As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was left lying on the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it" . The lion here acts as an instrument of divine judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of disobedience to God's word.

3. 2 Kings 17:25: After the Assyrians resettled the land of Israel with people from other nations, the LORD sent lions among them because they did not fear Him. "So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, 'The nations you have deported and resettled in the cities of Samaria do not know the requirements of the god of the land. Therefore, He has sent lions among them, and they are indeed killing them, because they do not know the requirements of the god of the land'" . This incident underscores the lion as a tool of divine retribution against those who do not honor God.

Symbolism and Metaphor

The lion's ferocity and ability to destroy are often used metaphorically to describe the threats posed by enemies or evil forces. The lion's roar and predatory nature serve as vivid imagery for the dangers that lurk in the spiritual realm.

1. Psalm 22:13: In this messianic psalm, the psalmist describes his enemies as lions: "They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul" . This imagery conveys the intensity of the psalmist's suffering and the ferocity of his adversaries.

2. 1 Peter 5:8: The New Testament also employs the lion metaphor to describe spiritual danger. "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" . Here, the lion represents Satan, emphasizing the need for vigilance and spiritual readiness.

Lessons and Warnings

The biblical portrayal of lions attacking and destroying men serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the need for divine protection. The lion's presence in Scripture calls believers to a heightened awareness of the spiritual battles they face and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith.

Throughout the Bible, the lion's role as both a literal and symbolic threat underscores the need for reliance on God's strength and guidance. Whether as a physical predator or a metaphor for spiritual adversaries, the lion's depiction in Scripture is a sobering reminder of the dangers that can beset humanity and the ultimate power of God to deliver and protect His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 13:24
And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 20:36
Then said he to him, Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as you are departed from me, a lion shall slay you. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Wagner -- I am a Voice
... Men seek, feeling their way, a road that seems to elude ... word: "Thou art the man!"
The sword attacks, destroys, but it ... seem to us like Daniel in the lion's den! ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/wagner i am a.htm

The Snare of the Fowler
... does not now attack us as the roaring lion, roaring against ... are, and there it is
he immediately attacks us ... hawk comes sweeping down upon them, and destroys them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Justice and the Reason of Effects
... epochs; the entry of Saturn into the Lion marks to ... carries it back to first principles
destroys it. ... When force attacks humbug, when a private soldier takes the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section v justice and the.htm

Ephesians iv. 31
... all into gall, and therewith at once attacks likewise the ... of the soul, and how entirely
it destroys first of ... how we turn away from them; the lion, for instance ...
/.../homily xv ephesians iv 31.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... Therefore he attacks them then first, when "all hope that they ... in, more keenly than
any sickle it destroys the thorns ... so much does the roaring of a lion put the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... to be duped and robbed by Isis, destroys rebellious men ... foam which fell from their
mouths during their attacks of rage ... in the form of a cat or lion, and beheaded ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... is more furious and hungry than a famished and angry lion. ... No matter how shamefully
he attacks thee, he has ... at length, he suddenly seizes and destroys them in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... water; the bow ended, moreover, in a lion's head of ... in the land of Egypt, and its
lord destroys our souls ... he had not delivered Egypt from their future attacks. ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... The powerful attacks of the latest phase of ... He is justly compared with the lion in
strength ... contempt and unfeeling indifference, which destroys the sensibilities ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... 476, [787]494; denied before men in pretending heresy, [788]485; few deny sincerely,
[789]486; kept back some truth, [790]491; called a "Rock," "Lion," [791]491 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm