Topical Bible: The Lion: Roars when Seeking Prey

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The lion, a symbol of strength and majesty, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often as a metaphor for power, danger, and divine judgment. The lion's roar, in particular, is a vivid image used to convey the fearsome presence and intent of a predator seeking its prey. This imagery is employed in various scriptural contexts to illustrate both the might of God and the threats posed by adversaries.

In the natural world, the lion's roar serves as a tool for communication and intimidation. It can be heard over great distances, signaling the lion's presence and asserting its dominance over its territory. This characteristic of the lion is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the roar is often associated with impending action or judgment.

One of the most direct references to the lion's roar in the context of seeking prey is found in the book of Amos. The prophet Amos uses the imagery of a lion's roar to describe the certainty and imminence of God's judgment upon Israel. Amos 3:4 states, "Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl in his den unless he has captured something?" Here, the rhetorical questions emphasize the inevitability of God's actions, just as a lion's roar signifies its readiness to pounce on its prey.

The lion's roar is also used metaphorically to describe the threats posed by enemies or evil forces. In 1 Peter 5:8 , the apostle Peter warns believers, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This passage highlights the vigilance required of Christians in the face of spiritual danger, likening the devil's predatory nature to that of a lion on the hunt.

In the book of Hosea, the lion's roar is again associated with divine judgment. Hosea 11:10 declares, "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 roar signifies God's call to His people, a powerful summons that evokes both fear and reverence, drawing them back to Him.

The lion's roar, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a multifaceted symbol. It represents the awe-inspiring power of God, the reality of His judgment, and the vigilance required to withstand spiritual adversaries. The imagery of the lion, with its majestic and fearsome roar, continues to resonate as a powerful metaphor within the biblical tradition, illustrating the dynamic interplay between divine authority and human response.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:21
The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.
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

Library

A view of God's Glory
... The lion roars in the forest for his prey, and he ... Pulpit, No.442, "God's Will and
Man's Will;" and No.553, "Election no Discouragement to Seeking Souls.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/a view of gods glory.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... Sometimes, when we have seen men plotting against God, seeking to ruin ... done him much
harm; but the more he roars, the more ... Judah, you know, was the lion tribe. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

Concerning Persecution
... is to sacrifice this idol and to turn self-seeking into self ... lion's mouth and taking
hold of his tongue killed the lion. ... When the sea roars the rivers are silent ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... as he was, to proceed still in this his way of self-seeking, saying, "Believe ... the
avenger of blood is behind thee, and the devil like a roaring lion is behind ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... be compared with a little of that which I am seeking to enjoy ... If he that "goeth about
like a roaring lion" comes by, you will certainly become a prey to his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm