Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the lion is often depicted as a symbol of strength, majesty, and power. However, it is also used to illustrate God's provision and care for His creation, including the mighty lion itself. The Scriptures reveal that God, in His sovereignty, provides for all creatures, ensuring that even the most powerful among them are sustained by His hand.God's Provision for the Lion The Bible acknowledges the lion's need for sustenance and portrays God as the ultimate provider. In Job 38:39-40, God challenges Job with a series of questions that highlight His care for the natural world: "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness or satisfy the hunger of the young lions when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?" . These verses emphasize that it is God who provides food for the lions, ensuring their survival and well-being. Similarly, Psalm 104:21 states, "The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God" . This verse underscores the dependence of even the fiercest creatures on God's provision. The roaring of the lions is a natural expression of their need, and it is God who responds to that need, supplying them with the necessary sustenance. The Lion as a Symbol of God's Power and Provision The lion is not only a recipient of God's provision but also serves as a symbol of His power and authority. In Proverbs 30:30, the lion is described as "mighty among beasts and retreats before nothing" . This imagery reflects the strength and dominion that God possesses, as He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. Furthermore, the lion is used metaphorically to describe the character of God Himself. In Hosea 11:10, the Lord declares, "They will follow 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 powerful call to His people, demonstrating His authority and the reverence He commands. The Lion in the Context of God's Creation The lion's place within the created order is a testament to God's intricate design and care for all living things. In the broader context of creation, the lion represents the diversity and complexity of life that God sustains. As part of the animal kingdom, lions fulfill their role in the ecosystem, and their existence is a reflection of God's wisdom and provision. In Psalm 145:15-16, the psalmist declares, "The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing" . This passage highlights the universal nature of God's provision, extending to all creatures, including the lion. It is a reminder that God's care encompasses the entire world, from the smallest to the greatest of His creations. Conclusion The lion, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and care for His creation. Through the imagery of the lion, Scripture reveals the depth of God's involvement in the natural world, ensuring that even the mightiest of beasts are sustained by His hand. The lion's dependence on God's provision is a testament to the Creator's sovereignty and the intricate balance He maintains within His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 38:39Will you hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:21,28 Library Whether Everything is Subject to the Providence of God? The Power of God The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan Give us this Day Our Daily Bread. The Covenant of Grace Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin 2 Timothy iii. 4-Jan An Example Showing How one is Hindered in this Exercise The Joyous Return Resources Who/what is the Lion of the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.orgHow should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org What are the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? | GotQuestions.org Lion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lion used for the Torture of Criminals Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By Lion: Disobedient Prophet Killed By Lion: Instincts of, in Taking Prey Lion: Samson's Riddle Concerning Lion: Sent As Judgment Upon the Samaritans Lion: The Bases in the Temple Ornamented by Mouldings of Lion: Twelve Statues of, on the Stairs Leading to Solomon's Throne The Lion of Boldness of Saints The Lion of Cruel and Powerful Enemies The Lion of God in Executing Judgments The Lion of God in Protecting his Church The Lion of Imaginary Fears of the Slothful The Lion of the Tribe of Judah The Lion: (Roaring of) a King's Wrath The Lion: (Tamed) the Natural Man Subdued by Grace The Lion: A Swarm of Bees Found in the Carcass of, by Samson The Lion: Attacks and Destroys Men The Lion: Attacks the Sheepfolds The Lion: Conceals Itself by Day The Lion: Criminals often Thrown To The Lion: Disobedient Prophet Slain By The Lion: Fearless Even of Man The Lion: God's Power Exhibited in Restraining The Lion: Greatness of Its Teeth Alluded To The Lion: Hunting of, Alluded To The Lion: Majestic in Movement The Lion: Often Carries Its Prey to Its Den The Lion: Often Perishes for Lack of Food The Lion: Roars when Seeking Prey The Lion: Superior in Strength The Lion: Universal Terror Caused by Roaring of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |