Topical Bible: The Roe: Cheerful

◄ The Roe: Cheerful ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The roe, often referred to as a roe deer, is a small, graceful animal mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing swiftness and beauty. In the context of biblical literature, the roe is frequently associated with qualities of cheerfulness and vitality, reflecting the creature's lively nature.

Biblical References:

1. Song of Solomon 2:9 : "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice." In this poetic book, the roe is used as a metaphor for the beloved, emphasizing agility and the joyful anticipation of love. The imagery of the roe here conveys a sense of excitement and delight, capturing the essence of youthful romance.

2. Proverbs 5:19 : "A loving doe, a graceful fawn—may her breasts satisfy you always; may you be captivated by her love forever." The roe, or doe, is depicted as a symbol of grace and affection. This verse highlights the joy and satisfaction found in marital love, using the roe's elegance to illustrate the beauty and pleasure of a devoted relationship.

3. 2 Samuel 2:18 : "Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle." The comparison of Asahel to a roe underscores his speed and agility, traits that are admired and celebrated. The roe's swiftness is emblematic of youthful vigor and the pursuit of noble endeavors.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical symbolism, the roe is often associated with positive attributes such as joy, beauty, and liveliness. Its presence in Scripture serves to illustrate the virtues of love, grace, and the exuberance of life. The roe's cheerful disposition is reflected in its natural behavior, characterized by quick movements and a playful demeanor.

The use of the roe in biblical texts often conveys a sense of admiration for the natural world and the Creator's handiwork. Its depiction in romantic and familial contexts highlights the importance of love and harmony in human relationships, drawing parallels between the natural instincts of the roe and the ideal qualities of human interaction.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the roe was a familiar sight, known for its elegance and speed. Its presence in the Bible reflects the agrarian society's close relationship with nature and the animals that inhabited their environment. The roe's characteristics made it a fitting symbol for expressing themes of love, beauty, and vitality in biblical poetry and wisdom literature.

The roe's cheerful nature and graceful movements continue to inspire interpretations that celebrate the joy and beauty of God's creation. Its enduring symbolism in Scripture serves as a reminder of the virtues that believers are encouraged to embody in their own lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 5:19
Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and be you ravished always with her love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter Xlii. To Chilo, his Disciple.
... or slumber to your eyelids [2064] that you may be delivered "as a roe from the ... in
contact, be in all things a giver of no offence, [2077] cheerful, "loving as ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlii to chilo his.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... So also the bridegroom is like a roe or a young hart leaping ... unsatisfying world,
where disappointment and trouble cannot be avoided, the cheerful enjoyment of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Christ's Birth
... These presents were little animals not unlike roe-deer ... She was wide awake and in
full consciousness, and though she was tired, she was in the cheerful state of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Mosaic Cosmogony.
... and hy??na; for familiar animals, such as the red deer, the roe, the fox ... terrestrial
flora may have covered the dry land with its mantle of cheerful green, and ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/mosaic cosmogony.htm