Topical Bible: The Lion: Superior in Strength

◄ The Lion: Superior in Strength ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The lion, often referred to as the "king of beasts," holds a prominent place in biblical literature, symbolizing strength, majesty, and power. Its presence in the Scriptures serves as a metaphor for both divine and earthly authority, as well as a representation of formidable strength and courage.

Symbol of Strength and Majesty

The lion's strength and regal nature are frequently highlighted in the Bible. In the Book of Proverbs, the lion is described as a creature that "turns not away for any" (Proverbs 30:30), emphasizing its fearless and commanding presence. This portrayal underscores the lion's role as a symbol of unmatched strength and authority.

Representation of Divine Power

In the prophetic literature, the lion is often used to depict the power and majesty of God. The prophet Amos declares, "The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). Here, the lion's roar is likened to the voice of God, instilling awe and reverence. This imagery conveys the idea that just as the lion's roar demands attention and respect, so too does the word of the Lord.

Judah as a Lion

The tribe of Judah is frequently associated with the lion, symbolizing its leadership and strength among the tribes of Israel. In Jacob's blessing over his sons, he proclaims, "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). This blessing not only highlights Judah's prowess but also foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who is often referred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5).

Christ as the Lion

The lion is a powerful symbol of Christ's authority and victory. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," who has triumphed and is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals (Revelation 5:5). This imagery conveys Christ's ultimate strength and dominion over all creation, as well as His role as the victorious King.

Adversary as a Lion

Conversely, the lion is also used to describe the adversary, Satan, who prowls like a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). This depiction serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, recognizing the strength and cunning of their spiritual enemy.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the lion serves as a multifaceted symbol of strength, authority, and power. Whether representing divine majesty, tribal leadership, or the adversary's threat, the lion's presence in Scripture underscores the importance of strength and vigilance in the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 14:18
And the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion? and he said to them, If you had not plowed with my heifer, you had not found out my riddle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 30:30
A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turns not away for any;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Demons are not Better than Men Because of their Aerial ...
... Otherwise it must put many beasts before itself which are superior to us both in
acuteness of the senses, in ease ... Who can equal in strength the lion or the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 that the demons are.htm

The Judges Said: if You Allege that the Shepherd Exposed the Kid ...
... whom he is unable afterwards to recover by his own strength. ... as a perfect shepherd,
nor is the lion shown to ... he makes as if he were somewhat superior even to ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/26 the judges said if.htm

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... in the depth of winter, and take the lion by the ... the faithless found." We have some
who are superior to the ... are mighty is, because God has put strength in them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

Petilianus Said: "It is Written, Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness ...
... by superior strength, have prevailed against the weak. Whence they, being wholly
powerless, say that they are innocent, like the wolf in the power of the lion. ...
/.../chapter 58 131 petilianus.htm

A Prophet's Woes
... Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar ... Such very superior persons are
emancipated from the rules ... who are 'mighty' and 'men of strength,'-but how ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a prophets woes.htm

The Disciples' Return.
... It is the secret of your spiritual strength. ... and I was delivered out of the mouth
of the lion." "And God ... That grace will enable us to rise superior to all the ...
/.../macduff/memories of bethany/xxiii the disciples return.htm

Stumbling-Stones, or Stepping-Stones?
... challenged the idolatrous party to a test of strength. ... walk out before the assembled
multitude, superior to them ... his enemies and fearless as a lion; they could ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-seven stumbling-stones or stepping-stones.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... Satan raged like a chained lion, and defiantly exhibited ... find shelter and deliverance
in the superior power of ... attacks we have, in our own strength, no method ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... Satan raged like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited ... find shelter and deliverance
in the superior power of ... attacks we have, in our own strength, no method ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

Of Good Angels
... They had some conception of a superior order of beings ... to chance, or to our own wisdom
or strength. ... might have imputed Daniel's preservation in the lion's den. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 71 of good angels.htm