Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the scorpion is often used metaphorically to represent wickedness, danger, and the harmful nature of certain individuals or groups. The imagery of the scorpion is employed to convey the perilous and malicious characteristics of those who oppose God's will and threaten His people.The scorpion is first mentioned in the context of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 8:15, Moses reminds the Israelites of God's provision and protection in the desert, "He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions." Here, the scorpion is depicted as one of the natural dangers of the wilderness, symbolizing the hostile environment from which God delivered His people. In the prophetic literature, the scorpion is used to describe the rebellious and obstinate nature of the people of Israel. Ezekiel 2:6 records God's warning to 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 be dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house." In this passage, the scorpions symbolize the adversarial and defiant attitude of the Israelites, who resist the prophetic message and persist in their wickedness. The New Testament also employs the imagery of the scorpion to illustrate spiritual danger and the protection afforded by faith. In Luke 10:19, Jesus assures His disciples of their authority over evil: "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Here, scorpions represent the spiritual forces of evil and the malevolent actions of wicked men, against which believers are safeguarded through the power of Christ. The scorpion's sting is a potent symbol of the pain and suffering inflicted by wicked individuals. Revelation 9:3-5 describes a vision of locusts with the power of scorpions, sent as a judgment upon the earth: "And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were permitted to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion." This apocalyptic imagery underscores the destructive influence of wickedness and the suffering it brings upon those who are not aligned with God's purposes. In summary, the scorpion serves as a vivid metaphor for the malevolence and danger posed by wicked men throughout the biblical narrative. It highlights the spiritual and physical threats faced by God's people and underscores the necessity of divine protection and faithfulness in overcoming such adversities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 2:6And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Being of God Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) The Justice of God They Shall be Called the Children of God The Ninth Commandment The Treatise Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. The Eternity of God On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622. Resources Why doesn't God respond when I cry out, “God, please help me!”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the three woes of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Scorpion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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 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: Sting of, Venomous and Caused Torment 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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