Topical Bible: The Wolf: Particularly Fierce in the Evening when It Seeks Its Prey

◄ The Wolf: Particularly Fierce in the Evening when It Seeks Its Prey ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The wolf, a creature often mentioned in the Bible, symbolizes danger, destruction, and the presence of false prophets or enemies of God's people. Its characteristics and behaviors are used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths and warnings to the faithful.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The wolf is depicted as a predator, known for its cunning and ferocity, especially during the evening when it hunts for its prey. This imagery is vividly captured in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. In the book of Jeremiah, the wolf is described as a relentless hunter: "A wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will watch over their cities. Everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces, for their rebellion is great, their backslidings many" (Jeremiah 5:6). Here, the wolf symbolizes the impending judgment and destruction due to the people's unfaithfulness.

In the book of Habakkuk, the wolf's evening activity is highlighted: "Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night" (Habakkuk 1:8). This passage underscores the wolf's nocturnal nature, emphasizing its fierceness and the threat it poses under the cover of darkness. The wolf's behavior serves as a metaphor for the sudden and overwhelming nature of divine judgment.

New Testament Warnings

In the New Testament, the wolf is used to warn against false prophets and teachers who threaten the spiritual well-being of the church. Jesus Himself cautions His followers: "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). This warning highlights the deceptive nature of false teachers who appear harmless but are, in reality, dangerous and destructive.

The Apostle Paul echoes this warning in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders: "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock" (Acts 20:29). Paul’s use of the wolf metaphor underscores the vigilance required to protect the church from those who would lead believers astray.

The Wolf and the Messianic Kingdom

Despite the wolf's negative connotations, the Bible also presents a vision of transformation and peace in the Messianic Kingdom. In Isaiah's prophecy, the wolf is depicted as living in harmony with the lamb: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them" (Isaiah 11:6). This imagery symbolizes the peace and restoration that will characterize the reign of the Messiah, where even natural enemies will coexist peacefully.

Conclusion

The wolf, as portrayed in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of danger, deception, and divine judgment. Its fierce nature, particularly in the evening, is used to convey the urgency of spiritual vigilance and the hope of ultimate peace and restoration under the Messiah's reign.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:6
Why a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goes out there shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 1:8
Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hastens to eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... The fierce Bessians [1826] and the throng of skinclad ... before us examples without
number; and particularly those of ... in the morning the ravening wolf of Benjamin ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... as afflictions, worldly people (Psalm 69:1,2), and particularly the saints ... And the
evening and the ... had bloodily butchered his holy brother, then he seeks to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm