Topical Bible: The Roe: The Church

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "roe" in the Bible typically refers to a type of deer or gazelle, known for its grace and swiftness. In a metaphorical sense, the roe is often used to symbolize beauty, agility, and the beloved nature of the Church in its relationship with Christ. This imagery is particularly evident in the poetic and allegorical language of the Song of Solomon, where the love between the bride and the bridegroom is depicted with vivid and tender metaphors.

Biblical References and Symbolism

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." Here, the beloved is likened to a gazelle, emphasizing the swiftness and desirability of the bridegroom, which can be interpreted as Christ's pursuit of His Church. The imagery of the roe highlights the intimate and loving relationship between Christ and His people.

2. Song of Solomon 2:17 : "Before the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether." The call for the beloved to be like a gazelle suggests a longing for the presence and nearness of Christ. The Church, as the bride, desires the swift return and presence of the bridegroom, reflecting the Church's anticipation of Christ's second coming.

3. Song of Solomon 8:14 : "Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the spice-laden mountains." This verse captures the yearning of the Church for the consummation of its union with Christ. The roe, as a symbol of beauty and grace, underscores the Church's admiration and longing for the divine.

Theological Implications

The use of the roe as a symbol for the Church in its relationship with Christ carries deep theological significance. It reflects the Church's role as the beloved bride, cherished and pursued by Christ. The imagery of the roe conveys the idea of a relationship that is both tender and dynamic, characterized by love, pursuit, and fulfillment.

The roe's attributes of grace and swiftness also serve as a reminder of the Church's calling to embody these qualities in its mission and witness. Just as the roe moves swiftly and gracefully, the Church is called to be active and vibrant in spreading the Gospel and living out its faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the roe or gazelle was a common sight and a familiar symbol of beauty and elegance. Its presence in biblical poetry would have resonated with the original audience, who would have understood the nuances of the metaphor. The roe's characteristics made it an apt symbol for expressing the depth and beauty of the love between Christ and His Church.

Conclusion

The roe, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of the Church's relationship with Christ. Through the imagery of the roe, the Scriptures convey the beauty, grace, and longing inherent in this divine relationship, inviting believers to reflect on their own connection with Christ and the Church's role in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 4:5
Your two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 7:3
Your two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Flee Away, My Beloved, and be Thou Like to a Roe or to a Young ...
... Flee away, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon ... purify them,
and perfect them in all the mountains and hills of the church; that He ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 flee away my beloved.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... In this Holy Catholic Church receiving instruction and behaving ourselves virtuously,
we shall attain the kingdom of heaven, and inherit eternal life; for ... Roe. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

On the Question of an Accused Bishop Appealing to the Seat of the ...
... We admonish thee, our brother, and all our brethren who are rulers in the Church
of Christ ... 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

S. Cyril's Writings.
... Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, having been often driven out from the Church, afterwards
in ... Roe, our first Ambassador from King James 1.to the Great Mogul, brought ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter xi s cyrils writings.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... Let her therefore, says he, be with thee, like a roe, to keep all virtue fresh ... sea,
leaves no traces of her way behind her, so neither does the Church, which is ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

How we Practise the Love of Benevolence in the Praises which Our ...
... [254] Yes, my dear Theotimus, all the benedictions which the Church militant and ...
the Seraphim, and all other creatures; he has the eyes of a roe to penetrate ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi how we practise.htm

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh
... Rebekah, 133 f. Reformation of Irish Church, took place in twelfth century, xii
causes of, xvi-xx, xxvi scope of, xiii. ... Roe Valley, xliv. Rosemarkie, 28. ...
/.../lawlor/st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/index 2.htm

Darkness Before the Dawn
... for just now I feel that there is a gathering gloom over the church and over ... flee
away." Thirdly, our petition: "Turn, my Beloved, and be thou like a roe or a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/darkness before the dawn.htm

Preface to the Present Edition.
... light and strength, he succeeded in gaining many converts to the Church. ... were two
of Father Baker's confr??res, Fathers Ambrose Barlow and Bartholomew Roe. ...
/.../preface to the present edition.htm

Effects of Baptism and of Chrism.
... appears to be perfectly right in refusing to connect the Chrism of which Cyril treats
with the Unction used in Confirmation by the Roman Church. ... Roe, Casaub. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter vi effects of baptism and.htm