Topical Bible: The Lion: Fierce

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," is a symbol of strength, power, and ferocity in the Bible. Its presence in the Scriptures is frequently associated with both literal and metaphorical depictions of might and danger. The lion's fierceness is emblematic of its role as a formidable predator, and this characteristic is utilized in various biblical narratives and teachings.

Symbol of Strength and Power

In the Bible, the lion is often used to symbolize strength and power. Proverbs 30:30 describes the lion as "mighty among beasts and does not retreat before any." This depiction underscores the lion's position as a creature of unparalleled strength and courage, feared by other animals and respected by humans.

Metaphor for Danger and Judgment

The fierceness of the lion is also employed metaphorically to convey danger and divine judgment. In Amos 3:8, the prophet declares, "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" Here, the roar of the lion is likened to the voice of God, instilling fear and prompting action. Similarly, in Hosea 5:14, God warns, "For I will be like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear them to pieces and go away; I will carry them off with no one to rescue them." The imagery of a lion tearing its prey is a vivid representation of impending judgment and the inescapable nature of divine retribution.

Representation of Enemies and Evil

The lion's ferocity is also used to depict enemies and evil forces. 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." This comparison highlights the devil's predatory nature and the constant threat he poses to the faithful. The lion's roar, a symbol of its power and intent to dominate, serves as a warning to remain vigilant against spiritual adversaries.

Divine Protection Against the Lion's Ferocity

Despite the lion's fearsome nature, the Bible also emphasizes God's power to protect His people from such threats. In Daniel 6:22, Daniel testifies to God's deliverance: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, because I was found innocent in His sight." This miraculous intervention demonstrates God's sovereignty over even the most fearsome of creatures and His ability to safeguard the righteous.

The Lion of Judah

While the lion is often associated with danger and judgment, it is also a symbol of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" in Revelation 5:5. This title signifies Christ's authority, majesty, and victory over sin and death. The lion's fierceness, in this context, is transformed into a representation of divine kingship and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

In summary, the lion's fierceness in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing strength, danger, judgment, and divine protection. Its presence in the Scriptures underscores the complex interplay between power and vulnerability, fear and faith, and ultimately, the sovereignty of God over all creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 10:16
For it increases. You hunt me as a fierce lion: and again you show yourself marvelous on me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 28:8
The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

7826. shachal -- a lion
... fierce lion. From an unused root probably meaning to roar; a lion (from his
characteristic roar) -- (fierce) lion. 7825, 7826. shachal. 7827 . ...
/hebrew/7826.htm - 5k

Library

The Tamed Lion.
... John Newton 8,6,8,6. The tamed lion. A Lion, though by nature wild,. The art of
man can tame; ... A nature, more unfeeling shows,. And far more fierce than they. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 93 the tamed lion.htm

Of the Pain and Restlessness of Love
... In the like season of the year, the visible sun enters the sign of Leo, that is,
the Lion, who is fierce by nature, for he is the lord over all beasts. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxiii of the pain.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... Yes, but in this sluggard's case it was a very fierce lion. The Hebrew of the second
text implies that it was a mighty lion that was in the street. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

The Wrath of God
... Hast thou an arm like God?' Job 40:9. [2] God's wrath is terrible. The Spanish
proverb is, The lion is not so fierce as he is painted. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/3 3 the wrath of god.htm

2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... "Fierce," hence their inhumanity and cruelty, when any one is covetous, selfish,
ungrateful ... 39:9, Gr.) And the Scripture sometimes takes a lion to represent ...
/.../homily viii 2 timothy iii.htm

Righteous Hatred
... The whole of that passion which, when let loose in a wrong track, becomes as a fierce
lion on its prey, thou mayest keep in leash, (like a noble lion, only ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Thy Footsteps are not Known
... No vulture's eye hath seen,. Where never the lion goeth,. Nor the fierce lion's
track hath been; Not in the land of the living. That wondrous path is known,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen suso and others/thy footsteps are not known.htm

The Temptation
... The lion and fierce tiger glared aloof.". Such a consciousness would have relieved
the strain of which their presence is evidently a part. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 1 12 13 the temptation.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Then David told Saul how he had killed with his own hands a fierce lion,
and a bear which had stolen a lamb from the flock. "The ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life
... Once hath he suffered, but it is once for all. His victory is final. Like Samson,
the fierce lion of death roared upon him in the vineyard. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/christs resurrection and our newness.htm