Topical Bible: The Lion: Courageous

◄ The Lion: Courageous ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," is a symbol of courage, strength, and majesty throughout the Bible. Its presence in Scripture serves as a powerful metaphor for both divine and human attributes, illustrating the qualities of bravery and authority.

Symbol of Courage and Strength

The lion's courage is frequently highlighted in biblical texts. In Proverbs 28:1, the righteous are compared to a lion: "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse underscores the lion's fearless nature, associating it with the moral courage of those who live in righteousness. The lion's boldness is not merely physical but also spiritual, representing an unwavering confidence in the face of adversity.

Divine Representation

The lion is also used to depict the power and majesty of God. In Hosea 11:10, the Lord's voice is likened to a lion's roar: "They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west." Here, the lion's roar symbolizes God's commanding presence and authority, drawing His people to Himself with a call that cannot be ignored.

The Lion of Judah

One of the most significant references to the lion in the Bible is the title "Lion of Judah," which is attributed to Jesus Christ. This title is rooted in Genesis 49:9-10, where Jacob blesses his son Judah, saying, "Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He crouches; he lies down like a lion, and like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." This prophecy points to the Messiah, who would come from the tribe of Judah, embodying the lion's regal and courageous qualities.

In Revelation 5:5, the fulfillment of this prophecy is confirmed: "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.'" Here, Jesus is depicted as the triumphant Lion of Judah, possessing the authority and power to execute God's divine plan.

Human Emulation of the Lion's Courage

The lion's courage is not only a divine attribute but also a quality to be emulated by believers. In 2 Samuel 17:10, the courage of a lion-hearted warrior is described: "Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man and those with him are valiant men." This passage highlights the expectation for God's people to exhibit lion-like bravery in their spiritual and physical battles.

Warnings and Adversaries

While the lion is often a positive symbol, it also serves as a warning against spiritual adversaries. In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are cautioned: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Here, the lion's predatory nature is used to illustrate the vigilance required to resist the devil's schemes.

Conclusion

The lion, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol of courage, strength, and authority. It represents both the divine attributes of God and the qualities that believers are called to emulate. Through its various appearances in Scripture, the lion serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and strength found in faith and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 17:10
And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... If I did meet a lion at all I should best like to meet his roaring majesty ... "Slain
in the streets," when there will be others there more courageous than himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Meeting the Lions
... their utter defeat, and Daniel, stronger and more courageous than ever, came forth
to continue his service to God. Samson too had an experience with a lion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk six meeting the lions.htm

A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ...
... But if the mediaevals had been convinced that a lion was not courageous, they would
have dropped the lion and kept the courage; if the pelican is not charitable ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 42 a cultivated conservative.htm

Irresistible Logic.
... These ten thousand were not chicken-hearted nor downhearted. They were lion-hearted,
stout-hearted. ... Only a third of them are both willing and courageous. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/irresistible logic.htm

Daniel's Band
... do. Moreover, this assurance of God's love will make us very courageous.
If ... mice. Lion's dens would not be at all in their line. They ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/daniels band.htm

The Story of David
... Then, too, he was as brave as a lion, and if any wild beast came lurking round ... He
was as watchful as ever in his care for his sheep and as courageous as ever ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Work of God's Spirit
... roared against him, and he had nothing in his hand, and the Spirit of the Lord came
mightily upon him, and he tore the lion as he ... Can MATTER be courageous? ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iv the work of.htm

Psalm XCI.
... the devil, openly by men, or secretly, as in Job's case, inflicts; be courageous,
be of ... If Christ were really a Stone, [4296] He could not be a Lion; if a Lion ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xci.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... "Be courageous, Be gentle Be liberal, Be just, Be aspiring, Be humble, because you
are dust. ... "Androcles and the Lion." Most of those who read these pages may ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

The Courage of the Saviour
... That is not altogether bad; men ought to be courageous. ... And so books say, and seem
to prove it, by many strange stories, that the lion, while he is the ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xxv the courage of.htm