The Scorpion: Christ Gave his Disciples Power Over
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In biblical literature, the scorpion is often depicted as a symbol of danger and malevolence, representing the challenges and adversities faced by the faithful. The scorpion is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating both its literal and metaphorical significance.

Biblical References:

1. Physical Description and Habitat:
Scorpions are arachnids known for their venomous sting, often found in arid and desert regions. In the Bible, they are mentioned in the context of the harsh wilderness, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:15, which describes the Israelites' journey through "a vast and dreadful wilderness, with its venomous snakes and scorpions."

2. Symbol of Judgment and Suffering:
Scorpions are used metaphorically to represent suffering and divine judgment. In Revelation 9:3-5, during the sounding of the fifth trumpet, locusts with the power of scorpions are released upon the earth to torment those without the seal of God on their foreheads. This imagery underscores the severity of God's judgment and the suffering of the unrepentant.

3. Christ's Authority Over Scorpions:
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ explicitly grants His disciples authority over scorpions, symbolizing His power over evil and harm. In Luke 10:19 , Jesus declares, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." This passage highlights the divine protection and authority bestowed upon the followers of Christ, empowering them to overcome spiritual adversaries.

4. Protection and Deliverance:
The promise of protection from scorpions is emblematic of God's deliverance from physical and spiritual threats. In Ezekiel 2:6, God reassures the prophet Ezekiel, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house." This assurance reflects God's provision and protection for His servants amidst opposition and danger.

Theological Significance:

The scorpion serves as a powerful symbol of the trials and tribulations faced by believers, as well as the divine authority granted to them through Christ. The ability to "tread on snakes and scorpions" signifies the victory of faith over fear and the triumph of divine power over the forces of evil. This authority is not merely a physical protection but extends to spiritual warfare, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory over sin and Satan.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of scorpions encompasses both literal and metaphorical dimensions, illustrating the challenges faced by God's people and the assurance of His protection and authority through Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 10:19
Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ...
... For, the words in which Christ now gave authority and ... But it might be interrupted
for a scorpion, Ber. ... Lastly, if Christ had introduced so vital a change, the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v further incidents of.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... Or if he shall ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? ... social order, and in the
universal reign of Christ. ... his disciples in such petitions Jesus gave them the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... generations, and made their sway a scorpion scourge to ... the remnant became terrified,
and gave glory to ... Under the gospel dispensation, also, Christ had chosen ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... [Footnote B: The scorpion is a ... close of the day, his master sent for him, and gave
him a ... And even when Christ himself told his disciples that he was only sent ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Philippians ii. 8-May
... nature, it calleth him a snake, and a scorpion; "For tread ... wholly, and to enter into
him, until Christ had severed ... made thee one of the twelve, He gave thee a ...
/.../homily vi philippians ii 8-may.htm

Against vigilantius.
... Scorpiacum, [4974] because, as the scorpion bends itself ... prolonged abstinence, show
forth the chastity of Christ. ... of Peter, John, and James, who gave the right ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against vigilantius.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... Christ's holy yokefellows, [3644] because they gave to Demetrias ... your property to
the poor, Christ will value ... strike the simple with their scorpion-sting and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Bardesan.
... The scorpion strikes with its sting him who has not ... and created man, and ordained
Governors, and gave to all ... the new race of us Christians, whom Christ at His ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents bardesan.htm

Life in Persia.
... The night before we found a black scorpion in our tent ... and giddiness;"but my heart
is with Christ and His ... Earth gave nothing to Henry Martyn in his mortal need ...
/.../rhea/life of henry martyn missionary to india and persia/life in persia.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... and your life is hid with Christ in God; when Christ, who is our ... for to him it is
dangerous to look back; but the scorpion is to ... [2478] Again, He gave them, in ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

Resources
Why doesn't God respond when I cry out, “God, please help me!”? | GotQuestions.org

What are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Scorpion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Scorpion

Scorpion of Cruelty

Scorpion of Enemies

Scorpion: A Venomous Insect Common in the Wilderness Through Which the People of Israel Journeyed

Scorpion: Power Over, Given to the Seventy Disciples (The Best Mss Have "Seventy-Two")

Scorpion: Sting of, Located in the Tail

Scorpion: Symbolical

Scorpion: Unfit for Food

The Scorpion: Abounded in the Great Desert

The Scorpion: Armed With a Sharp Sting in Its Tail

The Scorpion: Christ Gave his Disciples Power Over

The Scorpion: Ministers of Antichrist

The Scorpion: Severe Scourges

The Scorpion: Sting of, Venomous and Caused Torment

The Scorpion: Unfit for Food

The Scorpion: Wicked Men

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The Scorpion: Armed With a Sharp Sting in Its Tail
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