Biblical References and Context

The term "wild-cat" does not appear explicitly in the Berean Standard Bible or in most traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of wild animals, including those that could be likened to wild-cats, is present in various passages. In the ancient Near East, the region where the biblical narrative unfolds, wild-cats such as the caracal, lynx, and possibly the leopard were known to inhabit the wilderness areas.

Symbolism and Imagery

In the Bible, wild animals often symbolize desolation, danger, and the untamed aspects of creation. They are frequently mentioned in contexts that highlight the contrast between the cultivated, ordered world of human habitation and the chaotic, untamed wilderness. For instance, in Isaiah 13:21 , the desolation of Babylon is described with imagery of wild animals inhabiting the ruins: "But desert creatures will lie there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about."

While the specific mention of wild-cats is absent, the broader category of wild animals serves a similar symbolic purpose. The presence of such creatures in prophetic literature often underscores the judgment and abandonment of a place by God, leaving it to revert to a state of nature.

Cultural and Historical Background

In the ancient world, wild-cats were part of the natural fauna of the region. They were known for their elusive nature and predatory skills. The caracal, for example, is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa and parts of Asia, including the Middle East. It is known for its agility and ability to hunt birds and small mammals. The lynx, another possible candidate, is known for its keen eyesight and solitary behavior.

These animals would have been familiar to the people of biblical times, who lived in close proximity to the wilderness and its inhabitants. The presence of wild-cats and other predators would have been a reminder of the untamed world beyond the safety of human settlements.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of wild animals in the Bible often serves to remind readers of God's sovereignty over all creation, both tame and wild. In Job 38:39-41 , God challenges Job with questions about the natural world, including the provision for wild animals: "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food?"

This passage highlights God's intimate knowledge and care for all creatures, emphasizing His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life. The wild-cats, though not mentioned by name, are part of this broader category of creatures that testify to God's power and wisdom.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention wild-cats, the presence and symbolism of wild animals in the biblical text provide insight into the ancient understanding of the natural world and its relationship to the divine. These creatures serve as reminders of the untamed aspects of creation and the sovereignty of God over all life.

The First Games
... So for them it was a continual life in the open air, which makes the body strong
and hard. Augustin and his companions should be pictured as young wild-cats. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

Anti-Unionistic Attitude.
... That would be like stabling together sheep, goats, lambs, cows, oxen, horses, bears,
wolves, wildcats, foxes, and swine, and putting them under the care of one ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-unionistic attitude.htm

Critical Conventions.
... was no more possible than to bring together as one peaceful flock into one fold
"sheep, goats, lambs, cows, oxen, horses, bears, wolves, wild cats, foxes, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/critical conventions.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... be justly compared to Hogs; Snarlers are Curs that continually show their teeth,
but never bite; and the Spitfire passionate are a sort of wild cats that will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... They find, I presume, that they are protected enough from monkeys, wild cats, and
gato- melaos (a sort of ferret) by being hung at the extremity of the bough. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Wild-cats (2 Occurrences)
Wild-cats. Wild-ass, Wild-cats. Wild-dogs . Multi-Version Concordance
Wild-cats (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 13:21 But wild ...
/w/wild-cats.htm - 7k

Ostrich (9 Occurrences)
... its eggs, which is thus described: "The outer layer of eggs is generally so ill
covered that they are destroyed in quantities by jackals, wild-cats, etc., and ...
/o/ostrich.htm - 18k

Wild-ass (1 Occurrence)
Wild-ass. Wild, Wild-ass. Wild-cats . Multi-Version Concordance Wild-ass (1
Occurrence). ... (DBY YLT). Wild, Wild-ass. Wild-cats . Reference Bible.
/w/wild-ass.htm - 6k

Wild-dogs (2 Occurrences)
Wild-dogs. Wild-cats, Wild-dogs. Wilder . Multi-Version Concordance Wild-dogs
(2 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). Wild-cats, Wild-dogs. Wilder . Reference Bible
/w/wild-dogs.htm - 6k

Cat
... It is not mentioned in the canonical Scriptures, though Bochart (Hieroz., 862) gives
"wildcats" as the equivalent of tsyim in Isaiah 13:21; Isaiah 34:14 ...
/c/cat.htm - 8k

Shaggy (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:21 But wild-cats shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of ferrets;
and ostriches shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. (See NAS). ...
/s/shaggy.htm - 7k

Jackal (3 Occurrences)
... 23:13. "Wildcats" have been suggested. 'Ochim, "doleful creatures," perhaps
onomatopoetic, occurs only in Isaiah 13:21. The translation ...
/j/jackal.htm - 15k

Elamites (2 Occurrences)
... there. Bears, panthers, wild boars, wolves, wildcats, foxes, jackals, and
several species of wild dogs, however, still exist. Numbers ...
/e/elamites.htm - 39k

Elam (24 Occurrences)
... there. Bears, panthers, wild boars, wolves, wildcats, foxes, jackals, and
several species of wild dogs, however, still exist. Numbers ...
/e/elam.htm - 48k

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