Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Lion of Persecutors" is not a direct biblical phrase but is often used to describe figures in the Bible who were known for their intense persecution of Christians or the people of God. This metaphorical expression draws on the imagery of a lion, which is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize strength, ferocity, and a predatory nature. In the context of persecution, it highlights the relentless and often violent opposition faced by early Christians and the faithful throughout biblical history.Saul of Tarsus One of the most prominent figures associated with this concept is Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. Before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul was known for his zealous persecution of Christians. Acts 8:3 states, "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison." His actions were driven by a fervent adherence to Jewish law and a desire to eradicate what he saw as a heretical sect. Saul's transformation into Paul, a devoted apostle of Christ, is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God. King Nebuchadnezzar Another figure often associated with persecution is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Known for his conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people, Nebuchadnezzar's reign was marked by attempts to suppress the worship of Yahweh. In Daniel 3, he famously ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship a golden image he had set up. Despite his initial opposition, Nebuchadnezzar ultimately acknowledged the power of the God of Israel, as seen in Daniel 4:37 : "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride." The Roman Empire The Roman Empire, particularly under emperors like Nero and Diocletian, is also emblematic of the "Lion of Persecutors." Christians in the early church faced severe persecution, including imprisonment, torture, and execution. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 5:8 , warns believers to be vigilant: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This verse underscores the spiritual dimension of persecution, where earthly oppressors are seen as instruments of a greater, malevolent force. Herod the Great and Herod Antipas The Herodian dynasty, particularly Herod the Great and his son Herod Antipas, also played significant roles in the persecution of God's people. Herod the Great, in an attempt to kill the infant Jesus, ordered the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas, on the other hand, was responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist, as recorded in Mark 6:27 : "So without delay, the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison." Jezebel In the Old Testament, Queen Jezebel is a notable persecutor of the prophets of Yahweh. Married to King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel sought to establish the worship of Baal and Asherah, leading to the persecution and killing of many prophets. Her actions are recounted in 1 Kings 18:4 : "While Jezebel was killing off the LORD’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water." The "Lion of Persecutors" serves as a reminder of the trials faced by the faithful throughout biblical history. These figures, while initially opposing God's purposes, often encountered divine intervention that demonstrated God's sovereignty and justice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 22:13They gaped on me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 4:17 Library Psalm 83. A Complaint against Persecutors. Psalm 83 a Complaint against Persecutors. 2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep Psalm XXII. Antichrist in the Psalms A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Psalm CIV. Psalm VII. Psalm 7 Resources What is the significance of lions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the correct translation of Psalm 22:16? | GotQuestions.org What are the Christian themes in The Magician's Nephew? | 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) |
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