Topical Bible: The Roe: Swift

◄ The Roe: Swift ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "roe" refers to a small, swift-footed deer, often associated with grace and agility. In the biblical context, the roe is frequently mentioned as a symbol of speed and beauty. The Hebrew word for roe is "tsvi" (צְבִי), which is often translated as "gazelle" or "roe deer" in English translations of the Bible. The roe is a creature that inhabits the landscapes of the ancient Near East, and its characteristics are used metaphorically in various scriptural passages.

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 and romantic book, the roe is used to describe the swiftness and grace of the beloved. The imagery of the roe here emphasizes the beauty and desirability of the beloved, as well as the sense of anticipation and excitement.

2. 2 Samuel 2:18 : "The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle." Asahel, one of David's warriors, is compared to a roe for his speed and agility in battle. This comparison highlights his prowess and ability to pursue enemies swiftly, a valuable trait in the context of ancient warfare.

3. Proverbs 6:5 : "Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." The roe is used here as a metaphor for escaping danger. The proverb advises the reader to act with the swiftness and urgency of a roe to avoid the traps of life, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and quick action in the face of peril.

4. 1 Chronicles 12:8 : "Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were brave warriors, ready for battle, and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains." The warriors' swiftness is likened to that of a roe, underscoring their readiness and capability in combat. The comparison to the roe highlights their agility and speed, essential qualities for effective soldiers.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, the roe is often a symbol of speed, grace, and beauty. Its presence in scripture serves to illustrate these qualities in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The roe's agility and ability to navigate difficult terrain make it an apt symbol for swiftness and dexterity, qualities that are admired and sought after in various biblical narratives.

The roe's symbolic use in the Bible also extends to spiritual and moral lessons. For instance, the exhortation in Proverbs to "free yourself, like a gazelle" suggests a spiritual urgency and the need for decisive action to avoid moral or spiritual entrapment. The roe's ability to escape quickly from danger serves as a powerful metaphor for the believer's need to flee from sin and temptation.

Overall, the roe's depiction in the Bible reflects its natural characteristics and serves as a rich source of metaphorical language, illustrating themes of love, war, and spiritual vigilance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 12:8
And of the Gadites there separated themselves to David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes on the mountains;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Summer Song.
... Leads forth her little brood the hen, The stork builds near the haunts of men, And
feed their young the swallows; The stag so swift, the roe so light Of foot ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/summer song.htm

On the Question of an Accused Bishop Appealing to the Seat of the ...
... the righteousness of God." [2870] Hence it is said again, "Let every man be swift
to hear ... For he is as a roe escaped out of the snare, since his soul is wounded ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v on the question of.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... Even the stork in the heavens Knoweth her seasons, And dove, swift and swallow ... at
Gibeah and Rimmon, Saul's sullen figure, Asahel stricken like a roe in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary.
... The Lord is loving unto man, and swift to pardon, but slow to punish. ... Roe and Casaubon,
exhibit a recension of the Lecture differing from the editions. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ii on repentance and.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... There were oysters, mussels, spondyli, fieldfares with asparagus, roe-ribs,
sea-nettles, and purple ... his head and fore-paws into the arena; then a swift step ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Christ's Birth
... These presents were little animals not unlike roe-deer. ... They had long necks,
very clear beautiful eyes, and were very swift and graceful. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... into strong sinews, and bright eyes, and sensitive nose, and hearing ears, and speaking
tongue, and beating heart, and busy hands, and swift feet, and ... Roe. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... [1167] Isaiah 19:1. "Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and ... Mon. 1, 2, Roe,
Casaub., and is probably repeated from the preceding line: such repetitions ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... And immediately after the Saviour Himself says, And I will draw near to you in judgment;
and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and ... A. Roe. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm