Topical Bible: The Lion: Fearless Even of Man

◄ The Lion: Fearless Even of Man ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," holds a significant place in biblical literature and symbolism. Known for its strength, majesty, and fearlessness, the lion is frequently used in Scripture to convey power, authority, and divine protection. The lion's fearlessness, even in the face of man, is a recurring theme that underscores its role as a symbol of courage and dominance.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The lion is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, often in contexts that highlight its formidable nature. In the Book of Proverbs, the lion's fearlessness is explicitly noted: "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1). This verse contrasts the cowardice of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous, using the lion as the ultimate example of courage.

In the Book of Job, the lion is depicted as a creature of immense strength and independence: "The lion roars in the thicket, and the fierce lion prowls in the dens" (Job 38:39-40). Here, the lion's roar and its prowling nature are emblematic of its unchallenged authority in the animal kingdom.

The lion's fearlessness is also evident in its symbolic representation of divine power and protection. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5), signifying His ultimate authority and victory over sin and death. This title draws from the Old Testament blessing of Jacob over his son Judah, where he is likened to a lion: "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?" (Genesis 49:9).

Fearlessness in the Face of Man

The lion's fearlessness, even in the presence of humans, is a testament to its unrivaled position in the natural order. This characteristic is highlighted in the account of Daniel in the lions' den. Despite being thrown into a den of lions, Daniel remains unharmed, as God shuts the mouths of the lions (Daniel 6:22). The lions' natural fearlessness is subdued by divine intervention, illustrating God's sovereignty over creation.

In the prophetic literature, the lion's fearlessness serves as a metaphor for impending judgment and the power of God. The prophet Amos warns of the Lord's coming judgment with the imagery of a lion: "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). Here, the lion's roar is a call to attention, a signal of the divine message that cannot be ignored.

Conclusion

The lion's depiction in the Bible as fearless even of man serves as a powerful symbol of strength, authority, and divine protection. Its presence in Scripture underscores the themes of courage, righteousness, and the ultimate power of God. Through the imagery of the lion, believers are reminded of the boldness that comes from faith and the assurance of God's sovereign rule over all creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 31:4
For thus has the LORD spoken to me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nahum 2:11
Where is the dwelling of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion's whelp, and none made them afraid?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Fearlessness is a Sin?
... Prov.28:1): "The just, bold as a lion, shall be ... iii, 6). Yet one ought not to fear
even death, according ... mortal man?" Therefore it is not a sin to be fearless. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether fearlessness is a sin.htm

Harmony of all Graces and virtues in Christ.
... son to his father's house; and even provoked the ... commanding dignity with winning
humility, fearless courage with ... He is justly compared with the lion in strength ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/harmony of all graces and.htm

Stumbling-Stones, or Stepping-Stones?
... He has fled for his life, but now even his life has lost its value ... as he looked to
God, he was victorious over his enemies and fearless as a lion; they could ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-seven stumbling-stones or stepping-stones.htm

The Resurrection
... unafraid at the prospect of corruption, fearless of the ... he sees boys making fun of
a lion, does he ... Even if their mental faculties are defective, surely their ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 5 the resurrection.htm

A visit from vigilantius
... blameless life, of bright intelligence, of fearless candour, and ... monster than Leviathan
or the Nemean lion, I am ... is my view,' said Vigilantius; and even if I ...
/.../chapter xl a visit from.htm

The Story of David
... Then, too, he was as brave as a lion, and if ... of David's playing and singing had spread
even beyond Bethlehem ... but he was a good boy, brave and fearless, and best ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Baptist's Testimony.
... the Philistines, or, like Samson, tore a lion in pieces. ... by his spiritual stature,
his fearless unworldliness, his ... But (2) even such testimony as John's is not ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iii the baptists testimony.htm

Peace
... They may be fearless and stupid; but there is a ... of peace; he beats back the roaring
lion; he stills ... that peace which may sweeten trouble, yea, even the bitter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The Arrest
... were to surprise Him, but, when He came forth fearless, rapt and ... So spake the Lion
of the tribe of Judah ... Surely it was even with a smile that Jesus said to Peter ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots
... But even now this disastrous mission was not to close ... which Chrysostom had created
by his fearless righteousness in ... as it had been a ramping and a roaring lion. ...
/.../chapter xxxix bad ecclesiastics and.htm