Lion
VIEW:41 DATA:01-04-2020
LION
(1) ări, aryeh, full-grown lion (Gen_49:9, Jdg_14:8; Jdg_14:2 etc.).
(2) kĕphîr, a young strong lion (Jdg_14:6, Job_4:10, Eze_19:2 etc.).
(3) lâbî (cf. Arab [Note: Arabic.] , labwah), specially lioness (Gen_49:9, Num_23:24, Job_4:11 etc.); and lĕbîyyah (Eze_19:2).
(4) layîsh, particularly in poetry (Job_4:11, Pro_30:30, Isa_30:6 etc.).
(5) shachal, poetically, lit. the roarer (Job_4:10; Job_10:18; Job_28:8, Hos_5:14, Psa_91:13).
(6) benç-shachats is tr. [Note: translate or translation.] in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] of Job_28:8 lion s whelps, but ought to be, as in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] , sons of pride.
Lions have been extinct in Palestine since the time of the Crusades, but evidently were once plentiful, especially in the thickets along the Jordan (Jer_49:19; Jer_50:44, Zec_11:3). They were a source of danger to men (1Ki_13:24 f., 1Ki_20:35, 2Ki_17:25), and especially to shepherds flocks (1Sa_17:34, Isa_31:4, Amo_3:12, Mic_5:8). The terrifying roar of the lion is referred to in Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2 etc., and it is compared to the voice of God (Jer_25:30, Joe_3:16, Amo_3:8). Metaphorically, Judah is described as a lion in Gen_49:9, Dan in Deu_33:22, and Israel in Num_23:24; Num_24:9; but in the NT the lion is usually typical of Satan (1Pe_5:8; ct. [Note: t. contrast.] Lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev_5:5).
E. W. G. Masterman.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
'ariy, 'arieh ("the bearer," Umbreit); guwr, "the whelp" (Gen_49:9); kephir, "the young lion" in adolescent vigour, his "great teeth" grown (Psa_58:6), having his own covert (Jer_25:38); labiy, in adult maturity (Gen_49:9); libyah, "lioness"; la'ish, "an old (rather strong, from an Arabic root) lion": Job_4:11, where the five different terms occur; shachal is "the roaring lion"; labiy appears in the German lowe. The variety of names shows the abundance of lions in the regions of Scripture at that time. Now there are none in Palestine. But the names Lebaoth (Jos_15:32), Arieh (2Ki_15:25), Ariel for Jerusalem (Isa_29:1-2; Isa_29:7), Laish (Jdg_18:7), incidentally, and so undesignedly, confirm the Scripture assertions as to their former existence.
The forests and tangled thickets have been almost swept away which were their former lair. Jordan's wooded banks, its "pride" (as some translated, but others "swelling"), gave cover to lions (Jer_49:19), "a lion from the swelling (so Calvin, the overflow forcing the lion from the woody banks) of Jordan." The Asiatic lion has a short curly mane, and is shorter and rounder than the African. It laid waste villages (2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13) and slew men (1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:35-36). Shepherds, as David, sometimes singly encountered it, and prevailed (1Sa_17:34-35; Amo_3:12); oftener in bands, frightening him with shouts into a pit covered over with reed or branches lightly, to entrap it (Eze_19:4; Eze_19:8-9). Benaiah slew one in a pit or cistern, in which it had taken refuge in a snowstorm (2Sa_23:20).
Samson slew one at Timnath (Jdg_14:5-6). Lion hunting is depicted as the amusement of the Ninevite kings, who followed the great hunter Nimrod's example. Captured lions were caged, which illustrates the image in Eze_19:9. The lion symbolizes bravery, so the faces of the warriors of Gad who joined David are designated "the faces of lions" (1Ch_12:8); also might and royalty, as in the winged lion figures with human heads in the Assyrian palace remains, and in Solomon's steps to his throne (1Ki_10:19-20); so the royal tribe Judah had the lion as its standard. Messiah is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David," yet also the Lamb, combining opposites. The first of the four living creatures was like a lion (Rev_4:7, compare Eze_1:10), the kingly aspect of Messiah in Matthew.
Nineveh is compared to a lion's den, full of remains of its prey, appropriately, as lion figures abounded in the Assyrian palaces, Nah_2:11-12, "where is," etc.? i.e. God will so destroy it that its site will be hard to find; fulfilled to the letter (Nah_1:8). Lions haunted dens in Lebanon and Hermon (Son_4:8). Balaam compares Israel to "a great lion (labiy) and a young lion" ('arieh): Num_23:24; Num_24:9. Amo_3:4, "will a lion roar in the forest when he hath no prey?" i.e., God would not threaten wrath if there were not; a guilty nation, its object (Mat_24:28); "will a young lion cry out of his den if he (the old lion) have taken nothing?" The young lion lies silent until the parent lion brings the prey near, then the scent rouses him; so the prophet would not speak against Israel if God did not reveal to him Israel's sin requiring Israel's punishment.
Satan is the "roaring lion" as well as the subtle serpent (1Pe_5:8). Sha'ag is the lion's roar in seeking prey (Psa_104:21); naham his cry when seizing it (Isa_5:29, compare Pro_19:12); hagah his growl defying any effort to snatch from him his prey (Isa_31:4); na'ar the cry of the young lion (Jer_51:38); rabats is his crouching in his lair (Gen_49:10); shacah and yashab (Job_38:40) his lying in wait; 'arab his secretly doing so (Psa_10:9); ramas his stealthily creeping after prey (Psa_104:20); zinneq his leap, flinging himself on it (Deu_33:22) (Smith's Bible Dictionary).
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Lion. "The most powerful, daring and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice." At present, lions do not exist in Palestine; but they must, in ancient times, have been numerous.
The lion of Palestine was in all probability the Asiatic variety, described by Aristotle and Pliny as distinguished by its short and curly mane, and by being shorter and rounder in shape, like the sculptured lion found at Arban. It was less daring than the longer maned species, but when driven by hunger, it not only ventured to attack the flocks in the desert in presence of the shepherd, 1Sa_17:34; Isa_31:4, but laid waste to towns and villages, 2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13; Pro_26:13, and devoured men. 1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:36.
Among the Hebrews, and throughout the Old Testament, the lion was the achievement of the princely tribe of Judah, while, in the closing book of the canon, it received a deeper significance as the emblem of him who "prevailed to open the book and loose the seven seals thereof." Rev_5:5. On the other hand, its fierceness and cruelty rendered it an appropriate metaphor for a fierce and malignant enemy, Psa_7:2; Psa_22:21; Psa_57:4; 2Ti_4:17, and hence, for the arch-fiend himself. 1Pe_5:8.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
ארי , or ארה , Gen_49:9; Deu_33:22; Psa_7:2; Psa_22:13; Hos_13:8; Mic_5:8; a large beast of prey, for his courage and strength called the king of beasts. This animal is produced in Africa, and the hottest parts of Asia. It is found in the greatest numbers in the scorched and desolate regions of the torrid zone, in the deserts of Zaara and Billdulgerid, and in all the interior parts of the vast continent of Africa. In these desert regions, from whence mankind are driven by the rigorous heat of the climate, this animal reigns sole master. His disposition seems to partake of the ardour of his native soil. Inflamed by the influence of a burning sun, his rage is tremendous, and his courage undaunted. Happily, indeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to be greatly diminished; for, if we may credit the testimony of those who have traversed those vast deserts, the number of lions is not nearly so great as formerly. Mr. Shaw observes that the Romans carried more lions from Libya in one year for their public spectacles, than could be found in all that country at this time. The lion was also found in Palestine, and the neighbouring countries. The length of the largest lion is between eight and nine feet, the tail about four, and its height about four feet and a half. The female is about one-fourth part less, and without a mane. As the lion advances in years, his mane grows longer and thicker. The hair on the rest of the body is short and smooth, of a tawny colour, but whitish on the belly. Its roaring is loud and dreadful. When heard in the night it resembles distant thunder. Its cry of anger is much louder and shorter. The attachment of a lioness to her young is remarkably strong. For their support she is more ferocious than the lion himself; makes her incursions with greater boldness; destroys, without distinction, every animal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her cubs. She usually brings forth in the most retired and inaccessible places; and when afraid that her retreat should be discovered, endeavours to hide her track by brushing the ground with her tail. When much disturbed or alarmed, she will sometimes transport her young, which are usually three or four in number, from one place to another in her mouth; and, if obstructed in her course, will defend them to the last extremity. The habits of the lion and the lioness afford many spirited, and often sublime, metaphors to the sacred writers.
The lion has several names in Scripture, according to his different ages or character:
1. גור , a little lion, a lion's whelp, Deu_33:22; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2; Nah_2:13.
2. כפיר , a young lion that has done sucking the lioness, and, leaving the covert, begins to seek prey. for himself. So Eze_19:2-3 : The lioness hath brought up one of her whelps; it became a chephir; it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men. See Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12.
3. ארי , a grown and vigorous lion, having whelps, eager in pursuit of prey for them, Nah_2:12; valiant, 2Sa_17:10; arrogantly opposing himself, Num_23:24. This is, indeed, the general name, and occurs frequently.
4. שחל one in the full strength of his age; a black lion, Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7.
5. ליש , a fierce or enraged lion, Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_25:6. A regard to these characteristics and distinctions is very important for illustrating the passages of Scripture where the animal is spoken of, and discovering the propriety of the allusions and metaphors which he so often furnishes to the Hebrew poets. The lion of the tribe of Judah, mentioned Rev_5:5, is Jesus Christ, who sprung from the tribe of Judah, and overcame death, the world, and the devil. The lion from the swelling of Jordan, Jer_50:44, is Nebuchadnezzar marching against Judea, with the strength and fierceness of a lion. Isaiah, describing the happy time of the Messiah, says, that then the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling should lie down together; and that a little child should lead them; and that the lion should eat straw like the ox, Isa_11:6-7, which is hyberbolical, and signifies the peace and happiness which the church of Christ should enjoy. The lion hath roared, and who shall not fear? Amo_3:8. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion. Who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul, Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2; that is, he seeketh his own death. Solomon says, A living dog is better than a dead lion, Ecc_10:4; showing that death renders those contemptible who otherwise are the greatest, most powerful, and most terrible.
Then went Samson down, and, behold, a young lion roared against him, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand, Jdg_14:5-6. An instance in quite modern times of an unarmed man attempting to combat a lion is related by Poiret: In a douar, or a camp of Bedouin Arabs, near La Calle, a French factory, a young lion had seized a cow. A young Moor threw himself upon the savage beast, to tear his booty from him, and as at were to stifle him in his arms, but he would not let go his prey. The father of the young man hastened to him, armed with a kind of hoe; and aiming at the lion, struck his son's hand, and cut off three of his fingers. It cost a great deal of trouble to rescue the prey from the lion. I
saw this young man, who was attended by Mr. Gay, at that time surgeon to the hospital of La Calle. David, according to 1Sa_17:34, had, when a shepherd, once fought with a lion, and another time with a bear, and rescued their prey from them. Tellez relates, that an Abyssinian shepherd had once killed a lion of extraordinary size with only two poles. Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong, Jer_49:19. The comparison used by the prophet in these words will be perfectly understood by the account which Mr. Maundrell gives of the river Jordan: After having descended, says he, the outermost bank of Jordan, you go about a furlong upon a level strand, before you come to the immediate bank of the river. This second bank is so beset with bushes and trees, such as tamarisks, willows, oleanders, &c, that you can see no water till you have made your way through them. In this thicket anciently, and the same is reported of it at this day, several sorts of wild beasts were wont to harbour themselves, whose being washed out of the covert by the over-flowings of the river gave occasion to that allusion: He shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan.'
He shall be cast into the den of lions, Dan_6:7. In Morocco, says Host, the king has a lions' den, into which men, particularly Jews, are sometimes thrown; but the latter generally come off unhurt; because the keepers of these animals are Jews, who may safely be with them, with a rod in the hand, if they only take care to go out backward, as the lion does not suffer any one to turn his back upon him. The other Jews do not let their brethren remain longer than a night among the lions, as they might otherwise become too hungry; but ransom them with money, which is, in fact, the king's object. In another place in the same work we find the following description of the construction of this lions' den: At one end of the royal palace there is a place for ostriches and their young; and beyond the other end, toward the mountains, there is a large lions' den, which consists of a large square hole in the ground, with a partition, in the middle of which there is a door, which the Jews, who are obliged to maintain and keep them for nothing, are able to open and shut from above, and can thus entice the lions, by means of the food, from one division to the other, to clean the other in the mean time. It is all in the open air, and a person may look down over a wall, which is a yard and a quarter high.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
lı̄?un
1. Names:
(1) Occurring most often in the Old Testament is אריה, 'aryēh, plural אריות, 'ărāyōth. Another form, ארי, 'ărı̄, plural אריים, 'ărāyı̄m, is found less often. Compare אריאל, 'ărı̄'ēl, ?Ariel? (Ezr_8:16; Isa_29:1, Isa_29:2, Isa_29:7); חראל, ḥar'ēl, ?upper altar,? and אראיל, 'ări'ēl, ?altar hearth? (Eze_43:15); אריה, 'aryēh, ?Arieh? (2Ki_15:25); אראלי, 'ar'ēlı̄, ?Areli? and ?Arelites? (Gen_46:16; Num_26:17). (2) כּפיר, kephı̄r, ?young lion,? often translated ?lion? (Psa_35:17; Pro_19:12; Pro_23:1, etc.). (3) שׁהל, shaḥal, translated ?fierce lion? or ?lion? (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Job_28:8; Hos_5:14). (4) לישׁ, layish, translated ?old lion? or ?lion? (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6). Compare Arabic laith, ?lion?: לישׁ, layish, ?Laish,? or ?Leshem? (Jos_19:47; Jdg_18:7, Jdg_18:14, Jdg_18:27, Jdg_18:29); לישׁ, layish, ?Laish? (1Sa_25:44; 2Sa_3:15). (5) לבי, lebhı̄, plural לבאים, lebhā'ı̄m, ?lioness?; also לביא, lābhı̄', and לביּא, lebhı̄yā' (Gen_49:9; Num_23:24; Num_24:9); compare town in South of Judah, Lebaoth (Jos_15:32) or Beth-lebaoth (Jos_19:6); also Arabic labwat, ?lioness ?;Lebweh, a town in Coele-Syria. (6) גּוּר, gūr, גּור, gōr, ?whelp,? with 'aryēh or a pronoun, e.g. ?Judah is a lion's whelp,? gūr 'ăryēh (Gen_49:9); ?young ones? of the jackal (Lam_4:3). Also לביא בּני, benē lābhı̄', ?whelps (sons) of the lioness? (Job_4:11); and אריות כּפיר, kephı̄r 'ărāyōth, ?young lion,? literally, ?the young of lions? (Jdg_14:5). In Job_28:8, the King James Version has ?lion's whelps? for שׁחץ בּני, benē shaḥac, the Revised Version (British and American) ?proud beasts.? the Revised Version margin ?sons of pride?; compare Job_41:34 (Hebrew 26). (7) λέων, léōn, ?lion? (2Ti_4:17; Heb_11:33; 1Pe_5:8; Rev_4:7; Rev_5:5; The Wisdom of Solomon 11:17; Ecclesiasticus 4:30; 13:19; Bel and the Dragon 31, 32, 34). (8) σκύμνος, skúmnos, ?whelp? (1 Macc 3:4).
2. Natural History:
The lion is not found in Palestine at the present day, though in ancient times it is known to have inhabited not only Syria and Palestine but also Asia Minor and the Balkan peninsula, and its fossil remains show that it was contemporary with prehistoric man in Northwestern Europe and Great Britain. Its present range extends throughout Africa, and it is also found in Mesopotamia, Southern Persia, and the border of India. There is some reason to think that it may be found in Arabia, but its occurrence there remains to be proved. The Asiatic male lion does not usually have as large a mane as the African, but both belong to one species, Fells leo.
3. Figurative:
Lions are mentioned in the Bible for their strength (Jdg_14:18), boldness (2Sa_17:10), ferocity (Psa_7:2), and stealth (Psa_10:9; Lam_3:10). Therefore in prophetical references to the millennium, the lion, with the bear, wolf, and leopard, is mentioned as living in peace with the ox, calf, kid, lamb and the child (Psa_91:13; Isa_11:6-8; Isa_65:25). The roaring of the lion is often mentioned (Job_4:10; Psa_104:21; Isa_31:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) ?growling?); Jer_51:38; Eze_22:25; Hos_11:10). Judah is a ?lion's whelp? (Gen_49:9), likewise Dan (Deu_33:22). It is said of certain of David's warriors (1Ch_12:8) that their ?faces were like the faces of lions.? David's enemy (Psa_17:12) ?is like a lion that is greedy of his prey.? ?The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion? (Pro_19:12). God in His wrath is ?unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah? (Hos_5:14). ?The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour? (1Pe_5:8). ?Lion? occurs in the figurative language of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. The figures of lions were used in the decorations of Solomon's temple and throne (1Ki_7:29, 1Ki_7:36; 1Ki_10:19 f).
4. Narrative:
Nearly all references to the lion are figurative. The only notices of the lion in narrative are of the lion slain by Samson (Jdg_14:5); by David (1Sa_17:34 f); by Benaiah (2Sa_23:20; 1Ch_11:22); the prophet slain by a lion (1Ki_13:24; also 1Ki_20:36); the lions sent by the Lord among the settlers in Samaria (2Ki_17:25); Daniel in the lions' den (Dan_6:16). In all these cases the word used is 'aryēh or 'ărı̄.
5. Vocabulary:
The Arabic language boasts hundreds of names for the lion. Many of these are, however, merely adjectives used substantively. The commonest Arabic names are sab‛, 'asad, laith, and labwat, the last two of which are identified above with the Hebrew layish and lābhı̄'. As in Arabic, so in Hebrew, the richness of the language in this particular gives opportunity for variety of expression, as in Job_4:10, Job_4:11 :
?The roaring of the lion ('aryēh), and the voice of the fierce lion (shaḥal),
And the teeth of the young lions (kephı̄rı̄m), are broken.
The old lion (layish) perisheth for lack of prey,
And the whelps of the lioness (benē lābhı̄') are scattered abroad.?
In Jdg_14:5-18, no less than three different terms, kephı̄r 'ărāyōth, 'aryēh, and 'ărı̄, are used of Samson's lion.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Fig. 244?Lion
The most powerful, daring, and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice. Being very common in Syria in early times, the lion naturally supplied many forcible images to the poetical language of Scripture, and not a few historical incidents in its narratives. This is shown by the great number of passages where this animal, in all the stages of existence?as the whelp, the young adult, the fully mature, the lioness?occurs under different names, exhibiting that multiplicity of denominations which always results when some great image is constantly present to the popular mind. Thus we have,
Gor, a lion's whelp, a very young lion (Gen_49:9; Deu_33:20; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2; Nah_2:11-12, etc.).
Chephir, a young lion, when first leaving the protection of the old lair to hunt independently (Eze_19:2-3; Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12, etc.).
Art, an adult and vigorous lion, a lion having paired, vigilant and enterprising in search of prey (Nah_2:12; 2Sa_17:10; Num_23:24). This is the common name of the animal.
Sachal, a mature lion in full strength; a black lion? (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7) This denomination may very possibly refer to a distinct variety of lion, and not to a black species or race, because neither black nor white lions are recorded, excepting in Oppian; but the term may be safely referred to the color of the skin, not of the fur; for some lions have the former fair, and even rosy, while in other races it is perfectly black. An Asiatic lioness, formerly at Exeter Change, had the naked part of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the bare soles of all the feet pure black, though the fur itself was very pale buff.
Laish, a fierce lion, one in a state of fury (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6).
Labia, a lioness (Job_4:11, where the lion's whelps are denominated 'the sons of Labiah,' or of the lioness).
The lion is the largest and most formidably armed of all carnassial animals, the Indian tiger alone claiming to be his equal. One full grown, of Asiatic race, weighs above 450 pounds, and those of Africa often above 500 pounds. The fall of a fore paw in striking has been estimated to be equal to twenty-five pounds' weight, and the grasp of the claws, cutting four inches in depth, is sufficiently powerful to break the vertebrae of an ox. The huge laniary teeth and jagged molars worked by powerful jaws, and the tongue entirely covered with horny papillae, hard as a rasp, are all subservient to an immensely strong, muscular structure, capable of prodigious exertion, and minister to the self-confidence which these means of attack inspire. In Asia the lion rarely measures more than nine feet and a half from the nose to the end of the tail, though a tiger-skin of which we took the dimensions was but a trifle less than 13 feet. In Africa they are considerably larger, and supplied with a much greater quantity of mane. Both tiger and lion are furnished with a small horny apex to the tail?a fact noticed by the ancients, but only verified of late years, because this object lies concealed in the hair of the tip, and is very liable to drop off. All the varieties of the lion are spotted when whelps; but they become gradually buff or pale. One African variety, very large in size, perhaps a distinct species, has a peculiar and most ferocious physiognomy, a dense black mane extending half way down the back, and a black fringe along the abdomen and tip of the tail; while those of southern Persia and the Dekkan are nearly destitute of that defensive ornament. The roaring voice of the species is notorious to a proverb, but the warning cry of attack is short, snappish, and sharp. Like all the feline, they are more or less nocturnal, and seldom go abroad to pursue their prey till after sunset. When not pressed by hunger, they are naturally indolent, and, from their habits of uncontrolled superiority, perhaps capricious, but often less sanguinary and vindictive than is expected.
Lions are monogamous, the male living constantly with the lioness, both hunting together, or for each other when there is a litter of whelps; and the mutual affection and care for their offspring which they display are remarkable in animals by nature doomed to live by blood and slaughter. It is while seeking prey for their young that they are most dangerous; at other times they bear abstinence, and when pressed by hunger will sometimes feed on carcasses found dead. They live to more than fifty years; consequently, having annual litters of from three to five cubs, they multiply rapidly when not seriously opposed. In ancient times, when the devastations of Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman armies passed over Palestine, there can be little doubt that these destroyers made their appearance in great numbers. The fact, indeed, is attested by the impression which their increase made upon the mixed heathen population of Samaria, when Israel was carried away into captivity (2Ki_17:25-26).
The Scriptures present many striking pictures of lions, touched with wonderful force and fidelity: even where the animal is a direct instrument of the Almighty, while true to his mission, he still remains so to his nature. Thus nothing can be more graphic than the record of the man of God (1Ki_13:28), disobedient to his charge, struck down from his ass, and lying dead, while the lion stands by him, without touching the lifeless body, or attacking the living animal, usually a favorite prey. See also Gen_49:9; Job_4:10-11; Nah_2:11-12. Samson's adventure also with the young lion (Jdg_14:5-6), and the picture of the young lion coming up from the underwood cover on the banks of the Jordan, all attest a perfect knowledge of the animal and its habits. Finally, the lions in the den with Daniel, miraculously leaving him unmolested, still retain, in all other respects, the real characteristics of their nature.
The lion, as an emblem of power, was symbolical of the tribe of Judah (Gen_49:9). The type recurs in the prophetical visions, and the figure of this animal was among the few which the Hebrews admitted in sculpture, or in cast metal, as exemplified in the throne of Solomon. Lions, in remote antiquity, appear to have been trained for the chase, and are, even now, occasionally domesticated with safety. Placability and attachment are displayed by them even to the degree of active defense of their friends, as was exemplified at Birr, in Ireland, in 1839, when 'a keeper of wild beasts, being within the den, had fallen accidentally upon a tiger, who immediately caught the man by the thigh, in the presence of numerous spectators; but a lion, being in the same compartment, rose up, and seizing the tiger by the neck, compelled it to let go, and the man was saved.' Numerous anecdotes of a similar character are recorded both by ancient and modern writers.
Zoologists consider Africa the primitive abode of lions, their progress towards the north and west having at one time extended to the forests of Macedonia and Greece; but in Asia, never to the south of the Nerbudda, nor east of the lower Ganges. Since the invention of gunpowder, and even since the havoc which the ostentatious barbarism of Roman grandees made among them, they have diminished in number exceedingly, although at the present day individuals are not infrequently seen in Barbary, within a short distance of Ceuta.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
This animal is used as a figure or a type of power, sagacity, strength, wrath and ability. Sometimes the lion represents CHRIST JESUS. Sometimes it represents Satan. It always represents tremendous power and strength.
Gen_49:9 (b) Emblematic of the power, strength and cunning of Judah for GOD because he came from GOD. The "lion" refers to GOD. Judah as the whelp is the offspring.
Jdg_14:8 (c) This is sometimes taken as a type of CHRIST. Out of His death comes the sweetness of GOD's grace, and the blessings of salvation.
2Sa_17:10 (b) This is the estimate of David's power and boldness as given by Hushai. He uses this figure to describe the mighty fighting power of David.
1Ki_7:29 (c) These figures represent various aspects of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. They are to be seen in connection with the character of CHRIST, both in Ezekiel and in the Revelation. Over the grave of Bobby Burns in the castle at Dumfernlin in Scotland there is a wooden canopy upheld by four posts. On the top of these posts there appear the four figures which Solomon mentions and which are also mentioned in Ezekiel - the lion, the ox, the man, the eagle. These indicate the four great attributes and characteristics of the Lord JESUS CHRIST.
1Ch_11:22 (c) This may be used as a type of Satan. Though every condition was favorable to the lion, this bold servant of David took his life in his hand and killed the beast. So our Saviour with everything against Him overcame Satan at Calvary when it seemed as though He could not possibly come out of the conflict a victor.
1Ch_12:8 (a) The face of the lion is under perfect control of the spirit of the lion. No one can tell the feelings of the lion by observing the face. Even when ready to attack, the face remains placid and calm. This figure used in connection with the Gadites indicates that these were men of might as the lion, men of fight as a lion, men of flight as a lion, and always with perfect control of their actions and their feelings.
Psa_22:13 (a) The maddening throng around the Cross resembled lions in their hatred, their vociferous shouts and their anger against the Son of GOD.
Psa_35:17 (b) This is a cry of the Lord JESUS for GOD to preserve Him from the fierce attacks of the enemies around Him.
Ecc_9:4 (b) This is a very graphic way of telling us that a great and mighty powerful man is of no value when dead. Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler have lost their power. The least of all living persons is better than the greatest of dead conquerors.
Jer_12:8 (a) This represents GOD's own people who should have been of the sheep of His pasture, but instead turned against Him in hatred and rebellion.
Eze_1:10 (b) This is one of the types of the Lord JESUS in which His great strength, power, majesty and sovereignty are represented. (See also Rev_4:7 and Rev_5:5).
Eze_19:2 (a) The nation of Israel was compared to this animal. The leaders represent the parent animals. Their offspring are the cubs, but all of them are fierce and cruel in their attitude toward GOD and His prophet.
1Pe_5:8 (a) Satan is thus described. This animal cannot be tamed to become a servant of man. Its nature cannot be changed. It is never constructive, but always destructive in all its actions. It is never a friend of man, but always his enemy. He is said to be roaring because he is always hunting up victims. The lion roars only when it is hungry. Satan is never satisfied. He is always in the business of devouring and destroying and is never a blessing to men.
Rev_5:5 (a) CHRIST JESUS is the King of kings as the lion is the king of beasts. He is unconquerable and unavoidable. He cannot be defeated. He is afraid of no enemy. He cannot be hindered by any circumstances. He is always able to do whatever needs to be done for the glory of GOD and the blessing of men.
Rev_13:2 (b) This animal reveals the terrible power the antichrist will have to tear, destroy and hurt GOD's people and all who will not bow to his sovereign sway.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
Lion
(prop. אֲרַי, ai, or אִרְיֵה, aryeeh'; Sept. and N.T. λέων), the most powerful, daring, and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice. Being very common in Syria in early times, the lion naturally supplied many forcible images to the poetical language of Scripture,, and not a few historical incidents in its narratives. This is shown by the great number of passages where this animal, in all the stages of existence-as the whelp, the young adult, the fully mature, the lioness-occurs under different names, exhibiting that multiplicity of denominations which always results when some great image is constantly present to the popular mind. Thus we have,
1. גּוֹר, gor, or גּוּר, gur (a suckling), a lion's "whelp," a very young lion (Gen_49:9; Deu_33:20; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2-3; Eze_19:5; Nah_2:11-12).
2. כְּפַיר, kephir' (the shaggy), a " young lion," when first leaving the protection of the old pair to hunt independently (Eze_19:2-3; Eze_19:5-6; Eze_41:19; Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2; Pro_28:1; Isa_31:4; Jeremiah 41:38; Hos_5:14; Nah_2:11; Zec_11:3), old enough to roar (Jdg_14:5; Psa_104:21; Pro_19:12; Jer_2:15; Amo_3:4); beginning to seek prey for itself (Job_4:10; Job_38:39; Isa_5:29; Jer_25:38; Eze_19:3; Mic_5:8); and ferocious and blood-thirsty in his youthful strength (Psa_17:12; Psa_91:13; Isa_11:6). This term is also used tropically for cruel and blood-thirsty enemies (Psa_34:10; Psa_35:17; Psa_58:6; Jer_2:15); Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is called a "young lion of the nations," i.e., an enemy prowling among them (Eze_32:2); it is also used of the young princes or warriors of a state (Eze_38:13; Nah_2:13).
3. אֲרַי, cari' (the pulleer in pieces, plur. masc. in 1Ki_10:20, elsewhere fem.), or אִרְיֵה, aryueh' (the same with הparagogic, also Chald.), an adult and vigorous lion, a lion having paired, vigilant and enterprising in search of prey (Nah_2:12; 2Sa_17:10; Num_23:24, etc.). This is the common name of the animal.
4. שִׁחִל, sha'chal (the roarer), a mature lion in full strength (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Job_28:8; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7). Bochart (Hieroz. 1:717) understands the swarthy lion of Syria (Pliny, Il. N. 8:17), deriving the name from שָׁחֹר, black, by an interchange of liquids. This denomination may very possibly refer to a distinct variety of lion, and not to a black species or race. because neither black nor white lions are recorded, excepting in Oppian (De Venat. 3:43); but the term may be safely referred to the color of the skin, not of the fur; for some lions have the former fair, and even rosy, while in other races it is perfectly black. An Asiatic lioness, formerly at Exeter Change, had the naked part of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the bare soles of all the feet pure black, though the fur itself was very pale buff. Yet albinism and melanism are not uncommon in the felina; the former occurs in tigers, and the latter is frequent in leopards, panthers, and jaguars.
5. לִיַשׁ, la'yish (the strong), a fierce lion, one in a state of fury, or rather, perhaps, a poetical term for a lion that has reached the utmost growth and effectiveness (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6).
6. לְבַיא, lebia', or לְבַי, lebi' (lowcin/g, roaring), hence a lion, lioness (Num_24:9, Hos_13:8; Joe_1:6; Deu_33:20; Psa_57:4; Isa_5:29). Bochart (Hieroz. 1:719) supposes this word not to denote the male lion, but the lioness; and Gesenius (Thes. page 738) says this rests on good grounds, as it is coupled with other nouns denoting a lion, where it can hardly be a mere synonyme (Gen_49:9; Num_24:9; Isa_30:6; Nah_2:11); and the passages in Job_4:11; Job_38:39; Eze_19:2, accord much better with a lioness than with a lion.
7. In Job_28:8, the Heb. words a בְּנֵי שִׁחִוֹ, beney sha'chats, are rendered "the lion's whelss." 'The terms properly signify "sons of pride," and are applied to the larger beasts of prey, as the lion, leviathan, so called from their proud gait, boldness, and courage. The lion is often spoken of as "the king of the forest." or "the king of beasts;" and in a similar sense, in Job_41:34, the leviathan or crocodile is called the "king over all the children of pride," that is, the head of the animal creation (see Bochart, Heroz. 1:718). SEE WHELP.
As "king of beasts," "the lion is the largest and most formidably armed of all carnassier animals, the Indian tiger alone claiming to be his equal. One full grown, of Asiatic race, weighs above 450 pounds, and those of Africa often above 500 pounds. The fall of a fore-paw in striking has been estimated to be equal to twenty-five pounds' weight. and this, with the grasp of the claws, cutting four inches in depth, is sufficiently powerful to break the vertebra of an ox. The huge laniary teeth and jagged molars, worked by powerful jaws, and the tongue entirely covered with horny papilla, hard as a rasp, so as to crush the frame of the victim and clean its bones of the flesh, are all subservient to an otherwise immensely strong, muscular structure, capable of prodigious exertion, and minister to the self- confidence which these means of attack inspire. In Asia the lion rarely measures more than nine feet and a half from the nose to the end of the tail, though a tiger-skin has been known of the dimensions but a trifle less than thirteen feet. In Africa they are considerably larger, and supplied with a much greater quantity of mane. Both lion and tiger are furnished with a small horny apex to the tail-a fact noted by the ancients, but only verified of late years (see the Proceedings of the Council of the Zoological Society of London, 1832, page 146), because this object lies concealed in the hair of the tip, and is very liable to drop off." Yet this singular circumstance has not escaped the attention of the Assyrians, and it is foiund represented on the ruined inscriptions of Nineveh (Bonomi's Nineveh, pages 245, 246).
"All the varieties of the lion are spotted when whelps, but they become gradually buff or pale. One African variety, very large in size, perhaps a distinct species, has a peculiar and most ferocious physiognomy, a dense black mane extending half way down the back, and a black fringe along the abdomen and tip of the tail, while those of Southern Persia and the Dekkan are nearly destitute of that defensive ornament. The roaring voice of the species is notorious to a proverb, but the warning cry of attack is short, snappish, and sharp" (Kitto). This is always excited by opposition, and upon those occasions when the lion summons up all its terrors for the combat, nothing can be more formidable. It then lashes its sides with its long tail, its mane seems to rise and stand like bristles round its head, the skin and muscles of its face are all in agitation, its huge eyebrows half cover its glaring eyeballs, it discovers its formidable teeth and tongue, and extends its powerful claws. When it is thus prepared for war. even the boldest of the human kind are daunted at its approach, and there are few animals that will venture singly to engage it. Like all the felinae, it is more or less nocturnal, and seldom goes abroad to pursue its prey till after sunset. When not pressed by hunger it is naturally indolent, and, from its habits of uncontrolled superiority, perhaps capricious, but often less sanguinary and vindictive than is expected. In those regions where it has not experienced the dangerous arts and combinations of man it has no apprehensions from his power. It boldly faces him, and seems to brave e the force of his arms. Wounds rather serve to provoke its rage than to repress its ardor. Nor is it daunted by the opposition of numbers; a single lion of the desert often attacks an entire caravan, and after an obstinate combat, when it finds itself overpowered, instead of flying, it still continues to combat, retreating and still facing the enemy until it dies.
"Lions are monogamous, the male living constantly with the lioness, both hunting together, or for each other when there is a litter of whelps, and the mutual affection and care for their offspring which they display are remarkable in animals doomed by nature to live by blood and slaughter. It is while seeking prey for their young that they are most dangerous; at other times they bear abstinence, and when pressed by hunger will sometimes feed on carcasses found dead. They live to more than fifty years; consequently, having annual litters of from three to five cubs, they multiply rapidly when not seriously opposed. Zoologists consider Africa the primitive abode of lions, their progress towards the north and west having at one time extended to the forests of Macedonia and Greece, but in Asia never to the south of the Nerbundda nor east of the Lower Ganfges. Since the invention of gunpowder, and even since the havoc which the ostentatious barbarism of Roman grandees made among them, they have diminished in number exceedingly, although at the present day individuals are not unfrequently seen in Barbary, within a short distance of Ceuta" (Kitto). "At present lions do not exist in Palestine, though they are said to be found in the desert on the road to Egypt (Schwarz, Desc. of Pal.; see Isa_30:6). They abound on the banks of the Euphrates, between Bussorah and Bagdad (Rassell, Aleppo, page 61), and in the marshes and jungles near the rivers of Babylonia (Layard,Nineveh and Babylon, p. 566). This species, according to Layard, is without the dark and shaggy mane of the African lion (ibid. 487), though he adds in a note that he had seen lions on the River Karûn with a long black mane. But, though lions have now disappeared from Palestine, they must in ancient times have been numerous. The names Lebaoth (Jos_15:32), Beth-Lebaoth (Jos_19:6), Arieh (2Ki_15:25), and Laish (Jdg_18:7; 1Sa_25:44) were probably derived from the presence of, or connection with lions, and point to the fact that they were at one time common. They had their lairs in the forests which have vanished with them (Jer_5:6; Jer_12:8; Amo_3:4), in the tangled brushwood (Jer_4:7; Jer_25:38; Job_38:40), and in the caves of the mountains (Son_4:8 Eze_19:9; Nah_2:12). The canebrake on the banks of the Jordan, the 'pride' of the river, was their favorite haunt (Jer_49:19; Jeremiah 1, 44; Zec_11:3), and in this reedy covert (Lam_3:10) they were to be found at a comparatively recent period, as we learn from a passage of Johannes Phocas, who traveled in Palestine towards the end of the 12th century (Reland, Pal. 1:274). They abounded in the jungles which skirt the rivers of Mesopotamia (Ammian. Marc. 18:7, 5), and in the time of Xenophon (De Venat. 11) were found in Nysa."
"Naturalists are disposed to consider the lion as a genus, consisting of some three or four species. Two of these are found in Asia, the one called, from the scantiness of its mane, the maneless lion (Leo Goozeratensis), found only in Western India, and the other furnished with that appendage in its ordinary profusion (L. A siaticus), which is spread over Bengal, Persia, the Euphratean Valley, and some parts of Arabia. This is smaller, and more slightly built than the African lions, with a fur of a lighter yellow. It is doubtful, however, whether it is really more than variety."
"The lion of Palestine was in all probability the Asiatic variety, described by Aristotle (II. A. 9:44) and Pliny (8:18) as distinguished by its short curly mane, and by being shorter and rounder in shape, like the sculptured lion found at Arban (Layard Nineveh and Babbylon, page 278). It was less daring than the longermaned species, but when driven by hunger it not only ventured to attack the flocks in the desert in presence of the shepherd (Isa_31:4; 1Sa_17:34), but laid waste towns and villages (2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13; Pro_26:13), and devoured men (1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:36; 2Ki_17:25; Eze_19:3; Eze_19:6). The shepherds sometimes ventured to encounter the lion single-handed (1Sa_17:34), and the vivid figure employed by Amos (Amo_3:12), the herdsman of Tekoa, was but the transcript o a scene which he must have often witnessed. At other times they pursued the animal in large bands, raising loud shouts to intimidate him (Isa_31:4) and drive him into the net or pit they had prepared to catch him (Eze_19:4; Eze_19:8). This method of capturing wild beasts is described by Xenophon (De Ven. 11:4) and by Shaw, who says, 'The Arabs dig a pit where they are observed to enter, and, covering it over lightly with reeds or small branches of trees, they frequently decoy and catch them' (Travels, 2d ed. page 172). Benaiah, one of David's heroic bodyguard, had distinguished himself by slaying a lion in his den (2Sa_23:20).
The kings of Persia had a menagerie of lions (גֹּב, gob, Dan_6:7, etc.). When captured alive they were put in a cage (Eze_19:9), but it does not appear that they were tamed. In the hunting scenes at Beni-Hassan tame lions are represented as used in hunting (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 3:17). On the bas-reliefs at Kouyunjik a lion led by a chain is among the presents brought by the conquered to their victors (Layard, Nineveh and Babylon, page 138)." Wilkinson says: "The worship of the lion was particularly regarded in the city of Leontopolis, and other cities adored this animal as the emblem of more than one deity." It was the symbol of strength, and therefore typical of the Egyptian Hercules (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 5:169). In Babylon it appears to have been the custom to throw offenders to be devoured by lions kept in dens for that purpose (Dan_6:7-28). This is thought to be confirmed by the evidence of several ancient monuments, brought to light by the researches of recent travelers, on the sites of Babylon and Susa, which represent lions destroying and preying upon human beings. SEE DEN. The Assyrian monuments abound in illustrations of lionhunting, which appears to have been a favorite pastime, especially with royalty (Layard, Nineveh, 1:120). SEE HUNTING.
"The terrible roar of the lion is expressed in Hebrew by four different words, between which the following distinction appears to be maintained: שָׁאִג, shâag' (Jdg_14:5; Psa_22:13; Psa_104:21; Amo_3:4), also used of the thunder (Job_37:4), denotes the roar of the lion while seeking his prey; נָהִם, nâham' (Isa_5:29), expresses the cry which he utters when he seizes his victim; הָגָּה, hâgâh,' (Isa_31:4), the growl with which he defies any attempt to snatch the prey from his teeth; while נָעִר, nâ'ar' (Jer_51:38), which in Syriac is applied to the braying of the ass and camel, is descriptive of the cry of the young lions. If this distinction be correct, the meaning attached to nâham will give force to Pro_19:12. The terms which describe the movements of the animal are equally distinct: רָבִוֹ, râbats' (Gen_49:9; Eze_19:2), is applied to the crouching of the lion, as well as of any wild beast, in his lair; שָׁחָה, shâchâh', יָשִׁב, yâshab' (Job_38:40), and אָרִב, arab' (Psa_10:9), to his lying in wait in his den, the two former denoting the position of the animal, and the latter the secrecy of the act; רָמִשׂ, râmas' (Psa_104:20), is used of the stealthy creeping of the lion after his prey; and זַנֵּק zinnêk' (Deu_33:22), of the leap with which he hurls himself upon it" (Smith). "The Scriptures present many striking pictures of lions, touched with wonderful force and fidelity; even where the animal is a direct instrument of the Almighty, while true to his mission, he still remains so to his nature.
Thus nothing can be more graphic than the record of the man of God (1Ki_13:28), disobedient to his charge, struck down from his ass, and lying dead, while the lion stands by him, without touching the lifeless body or attacking the living animal, usually a favorite prey. (See also Gen_49:9; Job_4:10-11; Nah_2:11-12.) Samson's adventure also with the young lion (Jdg_14:5-6), and the picture of the young lion coming up from the underwood cover on the banks of the Jordan, all attest a perfect knowledge of the animal and its habits. Finally, the lions in the den with Daniel, miraculously leaving him unmolested, still retain, in all other respects, the real characteristics of their nature."
"The strength (Jdg_14:18, Pro_30:30; 2Sa_1:23), courage (2Sa_17:10; Pro_28:1; Isa_31:4; Nah_2:11), and ferocity (Gen_49:9; Num_24:9) of the lion were proverbial. The 'lion-faced' warriors of Gad were among David's most valiant troops (1Ch_12:8) and the hero Judas Maccabaeus is described as 'like a lion, and like a lion's whelp roaring for his prey' (1Ma_3:4)." Hence the lion, as an emblem of power, was symbolical of the tribe of Judah (Gen_49:9). Grotius thinks the passage in Eze_19:2-3, alludes to this fact that Judaea was among the nations like a lioness among the beasts of the forest; she had strength and sovereignty. The same type of sovereignty recurs in the prophetical visions, and the figure of this animal was among the few which the Hebrews admitted in sculpture or in cast metal, as exemplified in the throne of Solomon (1Ki_10:19-20) and the brazen sea (1Ki_7:29; 1Ki_7:36). The heathen assumed the lion as an emblem of the sun, of the god of war, of Ares, Ariel, Arioth, Re, the Indian Siva, of dominion in general, of valor, etc.; and it occurs in the names and standards of many nations. This illustrated Dan_7:4, "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings." The Chaldaean or Babylonian empire is here represented (see Jer_4:7). Its progress to what was then deemed universal empire was rapid, and therefore it has the wings of an eagle (see Jer_48:40, and Eze_17:3). It is said by Megasthenes and Strabo that this power advanced as far as Spain. When its wings were plucked or torn out, that is, when it was checked in its progress by frequent defeats, it became more peaceable and humane, agreeably to that idea of Psa_9:20. A remarkable coincidence between the symbolical figure of Daniel's vision and the creations of ancient Assyrian art has lately been brought to light by the researches of Lavard and Botta on the sites of Babylon and Nineveh. SEE CHERUB.
In Isa_29:1, "Woe to the lion of God, the city where David dwelt," Jerusalem is denoted, and the terms used appear to signify the strength of the place, by which it was enabled to resist and overcome all its enemies. SEE ARIEL.
The apostle Paul says (2Ti_4:17), "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." The general opinion is that Nero is here meant, or, rather, his prefect AElius Cesarianus, to whom Nero committed the government of the city of Rome during his absence, with power to put to death whomsoever he pleased. SEE PAUL.
So, when Tiberius died, Marsyas said to Agrippa, "The lion is dead." So likewise speaks Esther of Artaxerxes, in the apocryphal chapters of that book (ch. 14:13), "Put a word into my mouth before the lion." There are some commentators who regard the apostle's expression as a proverbial one for a deliverance from any great or imminent danger, but others conclude that he had been actually delivered from a lion let loose against him in the amphitheater. That the same symbol should sometimes be applied to opposite characters is not at all surprising or inconsistent, since different qualities may reside in the symbol, of which the good may be referred to the one, the bad to another. Thus in the lion reside courage and victory over antagonists. In these respects it may be and is employed as a symbol of Christ, called the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev_5:5), as being the illustrious descendant of that tribe, whose emblem was the lion. In the lion also reside fierceness and rapacity. In this point of view it is used as a fit emblem of Satan: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1Pe_5:8). On the subject generally, see Bochart, Hieroz. 2:1 sq.; Rosenmüller, Alterlft. IV, 2:111 sq.; Wemyss, Clavis Symbolica, s.v.; Penny Cyclopaedia, s.v.; Wood, Bible Animals, page 18 sq.; Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, page 115 sq.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
(1) ări, aryeh, full-grown lion (Gen_49:9, Jdg_14:8; Jdg_14:2 etc.).
(2) kĕphîr, a young strong lion (Jdg_14:6, Job_4:10, Eze_19:2 etc.).
(3) lâbî (cf. Arab [Note: Arabic.] , labwah), specially lioness (Gen_49:9, Num_23:24, Job_4:11 etc.); and lĕbîyyah (Eze_19:2).
(4) layîsh, particularly in poetry (Job_4:11, Pro_30:30, Isa_30:6 etc.).
(5) shachal, poetically, lit. the roarer (Job_4:10; Job_10:18; Job_28:8, Hos_5:14, Psa_91:13).
(6) benç-shachats is tr. [Note: translate or translation.] in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] of Job_28:8 lion s whelps, but ought to be, as in RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] , sons of pride.
Lions have been extinct in Palestine since the time of the Crusades, but evidently were once plentiful, especially in the thickets along the Jordan (Jer_49:19; Jer_50:44, Zec_11:3). They were a source of danger to men (1Ki_13:24 f., 1Ki_20:35, 2Ki_17:25), and especially to shepherds flocks (1Sa_17:34, Isa_31:4, Amo_3:12, Mic_5:8). The terrifying roar of the lion is referred to in Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2 etc., and it is compared to the voice of God (Jer_25:30, Joe_3:16, Amo_3:8). Metaphorically, Judah is described as a lion in Gen_49:9, Dan in Deu_33:22, and Israel in Num_23:24; Num_24:9; but in the NT the lion is usually typical of Satan (1Pe_5:8; ct. [Note: t. contrast.] Lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev_5:5).
E. W. G. Masterman.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
'ariy, 'arieh ("the bearer," Umbreit); guwr, "the whelp" (Gen_49:9); kephir, "the young lion" in adolescent vigour, his "great teeth" grown (Psa_58:6), having his own covert (Jer_25:38); labiy, in adult maturity (Gen_49:9); libyah, "lioness"; la'ish, "an old (rather strong, from an Arabic root) lion": Job_4:11, where the five different terms occur; shachal is "the roaring lion"; labiy appears in the German lowe. The variety of names shows the abundance of lions in the regions of Scripture at that time. Now there are none in Palestine. But the names Lebaoth (Jos_15:32), Arieh (2Ki_15:25), Ariel for Jerusalem (Isa_29:1-2; Isa_29:7), Laish (Jdg_18:7), incidentally, and so undesignedly, confirm the Scripture assertions as to their former existence.
The forests and tangled thickets have been almost swept away which were their former lair. Jordan's wooded banks, its "pride" (as some translated, but others "swelling"), gave cover to lions (Jer_49:19), "a lion from the swelling (so Calvin, the overflow forcing the lion from the woody banks) of Jordan." The Asiatic lion has a short curly mane, and is shorter and rounder than the African. It laid waste villages (2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13) and slew men (1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:35-36). Shepherds, as David, sometimes singly encountered it, and prevailed (1Sa_17:34-35; Amo_3:12); oftener in bands, frightening him with shouts into a pit covered over with reed or branches lightly, to entrap it (Eze_19:4; Eze_19:8-9). Benaiah slew one in a pit or cistern, in which it had taken refuge in a snowstorm (2Sa_23:20).
Samson slew one at Timnath (Jdg_14:5-6). Lion hunting is depicted as the amusement of the Ninevite kings, who followed the great hunter Nimrod's example. Captured lions were caged, which illustrates the image in Eze_19:9. The lion symbolizes bravery, so the faces of the warriors of Gad who joined David are designated "the faces of lions" (1Ch_12:8); also might and royalty, as in the winged lion figures with human heads in the Assyrian palace remains, and in Solomon's steps to his throne (1Ki_10:19-20); so the royal tribe Judah had the lion as its standard. Messiah is "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David," yet also the Lamb, combining opposites. The first of the four living creatures was like a lion (Rev_4:7, compare Eze_1:10), the kingly aspect of Messiah in Matthew.
Nineveh is compared to a lion's den, full of remains of its prey, appropriately, as lion figures abounded in the Assyrian palaces, Nah_2:11-12, "where is," etc.? i.e. God will so destroy it that its site will be hard to find; fulfilled to the letter (Nah_1:8). Lions haunted dens in Lebanon and Hermon (Son_4:8). Balaam compares Israel to "a great lion (labiy) and a young lion" ('arieh): Num_23:24; Num_24:9. Amo_3:4, "will a lion roar in the forest when he hath no prey?" i.e., God would not threaten wrath if there were not; a guilty nation, its object (Mat_24:28); "will a young lion cry out of his den if he (the old lion) have taken nothing?" The young lion lies silent until the parent lion brings the prey near, then the scent rouses him; so the prophet would not speak against Israel if God did not reveal to him Israel's sin requiring Israel's punishment.
Satan is the "roaring lion" as well as the subtle serpent (1Pe_5:8). Sha'ag is the lion's roar in seeking prey (Psa_104:21); naham his cry when seizing it (Isa_5:29, compare Pro_19:12); hagah his growl defying any effort to snatch from him his prey (Isa_31:4); na'ar the cry of the young lion (Jer_51:38); rabats is his crouching in his lair (Gen_49:10); shacah and yashab (Job_38:40) his lying in wait; 'arab his secretly doing so (Psa_10:9); ramas his stealthily creeping after prey (Psa_104:20); zinneq his leap, flinging himself on it (Deu_33:22) (Smith's Bible Dictionary).
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Lion. "The most powerful, daring and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice." At present, lions do not exist in Palestine; but they must, in ancient times, have been numerous.
The lion of Palestine was in all probability the Asiatic variety, described by Aristotle and Pliny as distinguished by its short and curly mane, and by being shorter and rounder in shape, like the sculptured lion found at Arban. It was less daring than the longer maned species, but when driven by hunger, it not only ventured to attack the flocks in the desert in presence of the shepherd, 1Sa_17:34; Isa_31:4, but laid waste to towns and villages, 2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13; Pro_26:13, and devoured men. 1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:36.
Among the Hebrews, and throughout the Old Testament, the lion was the achievement of the princely tribe of Judah, while, in the closing book of the canon, it received a deeper significance as the emblem of him who "prevailed to open the book and loose the seven seals thereof." Rev_5:5. On the other hand, its fierceness and cruelty rendered it an appropriate metaphor for a fierce and malignant enemy, Psa_7:2; Psa_22:21; Psa_57:4; 2Ti_4:17, and hence, for the arch-fiend himself. 1Pe_5:8.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
ארי , or ארה , Gen_49:9; Deu_33:22; Psa_7:2; Psa_22:13; Hos_13:8; Mic_5:8; a large beast of prey, for his courage and strength called the king of beasts. This animal is produced in Africa, and the hottest parts of Asia. It is found in the greatest numbers in the scorched and desolate regions of the torrid zone, in the deserts of Zaara and Billdulgerid, and in all the interior parts of the vast continent of Africa. In these desert regions, from whence mankind are driven by the rigorous heat of the climate, this animal reigns sole master. His disposition seems to partake of the ardour of his native soil. Inflamed by the influence of a burning sun, his rage is tremendous, and his courage undaunted. Happily, indeed, the species is not numerous, and is said to be greatly diminished; for, if we may credit the testimony of those who have traversed those vast deserts, the number of lions is not nearly so great as formerly. Mr. Shaw observes that the Romans carried more lions from Libya in one year for their public spectacles, than could be found in all that country at this time. The lion was also found in Palestine, and the neighbouring countries. The length of the largest lion is between eight and nine feet, the tail about four, and its height about four feet and a half. The female is about one-fourth part less, and without a mane. As the lion advances in years, his mane grows longer and thicker. The hair on the rest of the body is short and smooth, of a tawny colour, but whitish on the belly. Its roaring is loud and dreadful. When heard in the night it resembles distant thunder. Its cry of anger is much louder and shorter. The attachment of a lioness to her young is remarkably strong. For their support she is more ferocious than the lion himself; makes her incursions with greater boldness; destroys, without distinction, every animal that falls in her way, and carries it reeking to her cubs. She usually brings forth in the most retired and inaccessible places; and when afraid that her retreat should be discovered, endeavours to hide her track by brushing the ground with her tail. When much disturbed or alarmed, she will sometimes transport her young, which are usually three or four in number, from one place to another in her mouth; and, if obstructed in her course, will defend them to the last extremity. The habits of the lion and the lioness afford many spirited, and often sublime, metaphors to the sacred writers.
The lion has several names in Scripture, according to his different ages or character:
1. גור , a little lion, a lion's whelp, Deu_33:22; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2; Nah_2:13.
2. כפיר , a young lion that has done sucking the lioness, and, leaving the covert, begins to seek prey. for himself. So Eze_19:2-3 : The lioness hath brought up one of her whelps; it became a chephir; it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men. See Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12.
3. ארי , a grown and vigorous lion, having whelps, eager in pursuit of prey for them, Nah_2:12; valiant, 2Sa_17:10; arrogantly opposing himself, Num_23:24. This is, indeed, the general name, and occurs frequently.
4. שחל one in the full strength of his age; a black lion, Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7.
5. ליש , a fierce or enraged lion, Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_25:6. A regard to these characteristics and distinctions is very important for illustrating the passages of Scripture where the animal is spoken of, and discovering the propriety of the allusions and metaphors which he so often furnishes to the Hebrew poets. The lion of the tribe of Judah, mentioned Rev_5:5, is Jesus Christ, who sprung from the tribe of Judah, and overcame death, the world, and the devil. The lion from the swelling of Jordan, Jer_50:44, is Nebuchadnezzar marching against Judea, with the strength and fierceness of a lion. Isaiah, describing the happy time of the Messiah, says, that then the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling should lie down together; and that a little child should lead them; and that the lion should eat straw like the ox, Isa_11:6-7, which is hyberbolical, and signifies the peace and happiness which the church of Christ should enjoy. The lion hath roared, and who shall not fear? Amo_3:8. The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion. Who provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul, Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2; that is, he seeketh his own death. Solomon says, A living dog is better than a dead lion, Ecc_10:4; showing that death renders those contemptible who otherwise are the greatest, most powerful, and most terrible.
Then went Samson down, and, behold, a young lion roared against him, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand, Jdg_14:5-6. An instance in quite modern times of an unarmed man attempting to combat a lion is related by Poiret: In a douar, or a camp of Bedouin Arabs, near La Calle, a French factory, a young lion had seized a cow. A young Moor threw himself upon the savage beast, to tear his booty from him, and as at were to stifle him in his arms, but he would not let go his prey. The father of the young man hastened to him, armed with a kind of hoe; and aiming at the lion, struck his son's hand, and cut off three of his fingers. It cost a great deal of trouble to rescue the prey from the lion. I
saw this young man, who was attended by Mr. Gay, at that time surgeon to the hospital of La Calle. David, according to 1Sa_17:34, had, when a shepherd, once fought with a lion, and another time with a bear, and rescued their prey from them. Tellez relates, that an Abyssinian shepherd had once killed a lion of extraordinary size with only two poles. Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong, Jer_49:19. The comparison used by the prophet in these words will be perfectly understood by the account which Mr. Maundrell gives of the river Jordan: After having descended, says he, the outermost bank of Jordan, you go about a furlong upon a level strand, before you come to the immediate bank of the river. This second bank is so beset with bushes and trees, such as tamarisks, willows, oleanders, &c, that you can see no water till you have made your way through them. In this thicket anciently, and the same is reported of it at this day, several sorts of wild beasts were wont to harbour themselves, whose being washed out of the covert by the over-flowings of the river gave occasion to that allusion: He shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan.'
He shall be cast into the den of lions, Dan_6:7. In Morocco, says Host, the king has a lions' den, into which men, particularly Jews, are sometimes thrown; but the latter generally come off unhurt; because the keepers of these animals are Jews, who may safely be with them, with a rod in the hand, if they only take care to go out backward, as the lion does not suffer any one to turn his back upon him. The other Jews do not let their brethren remain longer than a night among the lions, as they might otherwise become too hungry; but ransom them with money, which is, in fact, the king's object. In another place in the same work we find the following description of the construction of this lions' den: At one end of the royal palace there is a place for ostriches and their young; and beyond the other end, toward the mountains, there is a large lions' den, which consists of a large square hole in the ground, with a partition, in the middle of which there is a door, which the Jews, who are obliged to maintain and keep them for nothing, are able to open and shut from above, and can thus entice the lions, by means of the food, from one division to the other, to clean the other in the mean time. It is all in the open air, and a person may look down over a wall, which is a yard and a quarter high.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
lı̄?un
1. Names:
(1) Occurring most often in the Old Testament is אריה, 'aryēh, plural אריות, 'ărāyōth. Another form, ארי, 'ărı̄, plural אריים, 'ărāyı̄m, is found less often. Compare אריאל, 'ărı̄'ēl, ?Ariel? (Ezr_8:16; Isa_29:1, Isa_29:2, Isa_29:7); חראל, ḥar'ēl, ?upper altar,? and אראיל, 'ări'ēl, ?altar hearth? (Eze_43:15); אריה, 'aryēh, ?Arieh? (2Ki_15:25); אראלי, 'ar'ēlı̄, ?Areli? and ?Arelites? (Gen_46:16; Num_26:17). (2) כּפיר, kephı̄r, ?young lion,? often translated ?lion? (Psa_35:17; Pro_19:12; Pro_23:1, etc.). (3) שׁהל, shaḥal, translated ?fierce lion? or ?lion? (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Job_28:8; Hos_5:14). (4) לישׁ, layish, translated ?old lion? or ?lion? (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6). Compare Arabic laith, ?lion?: לישׁ, layish, ?Laish,? or ?Leshem? (Jos_19:47; Jdg_18:7, Jdg_18:14, Jdg_18:27, Jdg_18:29); לישׁ, layish, ?Laish? (1Sa_25:44; 2Sa_3:15). (5) לבי, lebhı̄, plural לבאים, lebhā'ı̄m, ?lioness?; also לביא, lābhı̄', and לביּא, lebhı̄yā' (Gen_49:9; Num_23:24; Num_24:9); compare town in South of Judah, Lebaoth (Jos_15:32) or Beth-lebaoth (Jos_19:6); also Arabic labwat, ?lioness ?;Lebweh, a town in Coele-Syria. (6) גּוּר, gūr, גּור, gōr, ?whelp,? with 'aryēh or a pronoun, e.g. ?Judah is a lion's whelp,? gūr 'ăryēh (Gen_49:9); ?young ones? of the jackal (Lam_4:3). Also לביא בּני, benē lābhı̄', ?whelps (sons) of the lioness? (Job_4:11); and אריות כּפיר, kephı̄r 'ărāyōth, ?young lion,? literally, ?the young of lions? (Jdg_14:5). In Job_28:8, the King James Version has ?lion's whelps? for שׁחץ בּני, benē shaḥac, the Revised Version (British and American) ?proud beasts.? the Revised Version margin ?sons of pride?; compare Job_41:34 (Hebrew 26). (7) λέων, léōn, ?lion? (2Ti_4:17; Heb_11:33; 1Pe_5:8; Rev_4:7; Rev_5:5; The Wisdom of Solomon 11:17; Ecclesiasticus 4:30; 13:19; Bel and the Dragon 31, 32, 34). (8) σκύμνος, skúmnos, ?whelp? (1 Macc 3:4).
2. Natural History:
The lion is not found in Palestine at the present day, though in ancient times it is known to have inhabited not only Syria and Palestine but also Asia Minor and the Balkan peninsula, and its fossil remains show that it was contemporary with prehistoric man in Northwestern Europe and Great Britain. Its present range extends throughout Africa, and it is also found in Mesopotamia, Southern Persia, and the border of India. There is some reason to think that it may be found in Arabia, but its occurrence there remains to be proved. The Asiatic male lion does not usually have as large a mane as the African, but both belong to one species, Fells leo.
3. Figurative:
Lions are mentioned in the Bible for their strength (Jdg_14:18), boldness (2Sa_17:10), ferocity (Psa_7:2), and stealth (Psa_10:9; Lam_3:10). Therefore in prophetical references to the millennium, the lion, with the bear, wolf, and leopard, is mentioned as living in peace with the ox, calf, kid, lamb and the child (Psa_91:13; Isa_11:6-8; Isa_65:25). The roaring of the lion is often mentioned (Job_4:10; Psa_104:21; Isa_31:4 (the Revised Version (British and American) ?growling?); Jer_51:38; Eze_22:25; Hos_11:10). Judah is a ?lion's whelp? (Gen_49:9), likewise Dan (Deu_33:22). It is said of certain of David's warriors (1Ch_12:8) that their ?faces were like the faces of lions.? David's enemy (Psa_17:12) ?is like a lion that is greedy of his prey.? ?The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion? (Pro_19:12). God in His wrath is ?unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah? (Hos_5:14). ?The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour? (1Pe_5:8). ?Lion? occurs in the figurative language of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. The figures of lions were used in the decorations of Solomon's temple and throne (1Ki_7:29, 1Ki_7:36; 1Ki_10:19 f).
4. Narrative:
Nearly all references to the lion are figurative. The only notices of the lion in narrative are of the lion slain by Samson (Jdg_14:5); by David (1Sa_17:34 f); by Benaiah (2Sa_23:20; 1Ch_11:22); the prophet slain by a lion (1Ki_13:24; also 1Ki_20:36); the lions sent by the Lord among the settlers in Samaria (2Ki_17:25); Daniel in the lions' den (Dan_6:16). In all these cases the word used is 'aryēh or 'ărı̄.
5. Vocabulary:
The Arabic language boasts hundreds of names for the lion. Many of these are, however, merely adjectives used substantively. The commonest Arabic names are sab‛, 'asad, laith, and labwat, the last two of which are identified above with the Hebrew layish and lābhı̄'. As in Arabic, so in Hebrew, the richness of the language in this particular gives opportunity for variety of expression, as in Job_4:10, Job_4:11 :
?The roaring of the lion ('aryēh), and the voice of the fierce lion (shaḥal),
And the teeth of the young lions (kephı̄rı̄m), are broken.
The old lion (layish) perisheth for lack of prey,
And the whelps of the lioness (benē lābhı̄') are scattered abroad.?
In Jdg_14:5-18, no less than three different terms, kephı̄r 'ărāyōth, 'aryēh, and 'ărı̄, are used of Samson's lion.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Fig. 244?Lion
The most powerful, daring, and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice. Being very common in Syria in early times, the lion naturally supplied many forcible images to the poetical language of Scripture, and not a few historical incidents in its narratives. This is shown by the great number of passages where this animal, in all the stages of existence?as the whelp, the young adult, the fully mature, the lioness?occurs under different names, exhibiting that multiplicity of denominations which always results when some great image is constantly present to the popular mind. Thus we have,
Gor, a lion's whelp, a very young lion (Gen_49:9; Deu_33:20; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2; Nah_2:11-12, etc.).
Chephir, a young lion, when first leaving the protection of the old lair to hunt independently (Eze_19:2-3; Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12, etc.).
Art, an adult and vigorous lion, a lion having paired, vigilant and enterprising in search of prey (Nah_2:12; 2Sa_17:10; Num_23:24). This is the common name of the animal.
Sachal, a mature lion in full strength; a black lion? (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7) This denomination may very possibly refer to a distinct variety of lion, and not to a black species or race, because neither black nor white lions are recorded, excepting in Oppian; but the term may be safely referred to the color of the skin, not of the fur; for some lions have the former fair, and even rosy, while in other races it is perfectly black. An Asiatic lioness, formerly at Exeter Change, had the naked part of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the bare soles of all the feet pure black, though the fur itself was very pale buff.
Laish, a fierce lion, one in a state of fury (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6).
Labia, a lioness (Job_4:11, where the lion's whelps are denominated 'the sons of Labiah,' or of the lioness).
The lion is the largest and most formidably armed of all carnassial animals, the Indian tiger alone claiming to be his equal. One full grown, of Asiatic race, weighs above 450 pounds, and those of Africa often above 500 pounds. The fall of a fore paw in striking has been estimated to be equal to twenty-five pounds' weight, and the grasp of the claws, cutting four inches in depth, is sufficiently powerful to break the vertebrae of an ox. The huge laniary teeth and jagged molars worked by powerful jaws, and the tongue entirely covered with horny papillae, hard as a rasp, are all subservient to an immensely strong, muscular structure, capable of prodigious exertion, and minister to the self-confidence which these means of attack inspire. In Asia the lion rarely measures more than nine feet and a half from the nose to the end of the tail, though a tiger-skin of which we took the dimensions was but a trifle less than 13 feet. In Africa they are considerably larger, and supplied with a much greater quantity of mane. Both tiger and lion are furnished with a small horny apex to the tail?a fact noticed by the ancients, but only verified of late years, because this object lies concealed in the hair of the tip, and is very liable to drop off. All the varieties of the lion are spotted when whelps; but they become gradually buff or pale. One African variety, very large in size, perhaps a distinct species, has a peculiar and most ferocious physiognomy, a dense black mane extending half way down the back, and a black fringe along the abdomen and tip of the tail; while those of southern Persia and the Dekkan are nearly destitute of that defensive ornament. The roaring voice of the species is notorious to a proverb, but the warning cry of attack is short, snappish, and sharp. Like all the feline, they are more or less nocturnal, and seldom go abroad to pursue their prey till after sunset. When not pressed by hunger, they are naturally indolent, and, from their habits of uncontrolled superiority, perhaps capricious, but often less sanguinary and vindictive than is expected.
Lions are monogamous, the male living constantly with the lioness, both hunting together, or for each other when there is a litter of whelps; and the mutual affection and care for their offspring which they display are remarkable in animals by nature doomed to live by blood and slaughter. It is while seeking prey for their young that they are most dangerous; at other times they bear abstinence, and when pressed by hunger will sometimes feed on carcasses found dead. They live to more than fifty years; consequently, having annual litters of from three to five cubs, they multiply rapidly when not seriously opposed. In ancient times, when the devastations of Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman armies passed over Palestine, there can be little doubt that these destroyers made their appearance in great numbers. The fact, indeed, is attested by the impression which their increase made upon the mixed heathen population of Samaria, when Israel was carried away into captivity (2Ki_17:25-26).
The Scriptures present many striking pictures of lions, touched with wonderful force and fidelity: even where the animal is a direct instrument of the Almighty, while true to his mission, he still remains so to his nature. Thus nothing can be more graphic than the record of the man of God (1Ki_13:28), disobedient to his charge, struck down from his ass, and lying dead, while the lion stands by him, without touching the lifeless body, or attacking the living animal, usually a favorite prey. See also Gen_49:9; Job_4:10-11; Nah_2:11-12. Samson's adventure also with the young lion (Jdg_14:5-6), and the picture of the young lion coming up from the underwood cover on the banks of the Jordan, all attest a perfect knowledge of the animal and its habits. Finally, the lions in the den with Daniel, miraculously leaving him unmolested, still retain, in all other respects, the real characteristics of their nature.
The lion, as an emblem of power, was symbolical of the tribe of Judah (Gen_49:9). The type recurs in the prophetical visions, and the figure of this animal was among the few which the Hebrews admitted in sculpture, or in cast metal, as exemplified in the throne of Solomon. Lions, in remote antiquity, appear to have been trained for the chase, and are, even now, occasionally domesticated with safety. Placability and attachment are displayed by them even to the degree of active defense of their friends, as was exemplified at Birr, in Ireland, in 1839, when 'a keeper of wild beasts, being within the den, had fallen accidentally upon a tiger, who immediately caught the man by the thigh, in the presence of numerous spectators; but a lion, being in the same compartment, rose up, and seizing the tiger by the neck, compelled it to let go, and the man was saved.' Numerous anecdotes of a similar character are recorded both by ancient and modern writers.
Zoologists consider Africa the primitive abode of lions, their progress towards the north and west having at one time extended to the forests of Macedonia and Greece; but in Asia, never to the south of the Nerbudda, nor east of the lower Ganges. Since the invention of gunpowder, and even since the havoc which the ostentatious barbarism of Roman grandees made among them, they have diminished in number exceedingly, although at the present day individuals are not infrequently seen in Barbary, within a short distance of Ceuta.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
This animal is used as a figure or a type of power, sagacity, strength, wrath and ability. Sometimes the lion represents CHRIST JESUS. Sometimes it represents Satan. It always represents tremendous power and strength.
Gen_49:9 (b) Emblematic of the power, strength and cunning of Judah for GOD because he came from GOD. The "lion" refers to GOD. Judah as the whelp is the offspring.
Jdg_14:8 (c) This is sometimes taken as a type of CHRIST. Out of His death comes the sweetness of GOD's grace, and the blessings of salvation.
2Sa_17:10 (b) This is the estimate of David's power and boldness as given by Hushai. He uses this figure to describe the mighty fighting power of David.
1Ki_7:29 (c) These figures represent various aspects of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. They are to be seen in connection with the character of CHRIST, both in Ezekiel and in the Revelation. Over the grave of Bobby Burns in the castle at Dumfernlin in Scotland there is a wooden canopy upheld by four posts. On the top of these posts there appear the four figures which Solomon mentions and which are also mentioned in Ezekiel - the lion, the ox, the man, the eagle. These indicate the four great attributes and characteristics of the Lord JESUS CHRIST.
1Ch_11:22 (c) This may be used as a type of Satan. Though every condition was favorable to the lion, this bold servant of David took his life in his hand and killed the beast. So our Saviour with everything against Him overcame Satan at Calvary when it seemed as though He could not possibly come out of the conflict a victor.
1Ch_12:8 (a) The face of the lion is under perfect control of the spirit of the lion. No one can tell the feelings of the lion by observing the face. Even when ready to attack, the face remains placid and calm. This figure used in connection with the Gadites indicates that these were men of might as the lion, men of fight as a lion, men of flight as a lion, and always with perfect control of their actions and their feelings.
Psa_22:13 (a) The maddening throng around the Cross resembled lions in their hatred, their vociferous shouts and their anger against the Son of GOD.
Psa_35:17 (b) This is a cry of the Lord JESUS for GOD to preserve Him from the fierce attacks of the enemies around Him.
Ecc_9:4 (b) This is a very graphic way of telling us that a great and mighty powerful man is of no value when dead. Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler have lost their power. The least of all living persons is better than the greatest of dead conquerors.
Jer_12:8 (a) This represents GOD's own people who should have been of the sheep of His pasture, but instead turned against Him in hatred and rebellion.
Eze_1:10 (b) This is one of the types of the Lord JESUS in which His great strength, power, majesty and sovereignty are represented. (See also Rev_4:7 and Rev_5:5).
Eze_19:2 (a) The nation of Israel was compared to this animal. The leaders represent the parent animals. Their offspring are the cubs, but all of them are fierce and cruel in their attitude toward GOD and His prophet.
1Pe_5:8 (a) Satan is thus described. This animal cannot be tamed to become a servant of man. Its nature cannot be changed. It is never constructive, but always destructive in all its actions. It is never a friend of man, but always his enemy. He is said to be roaring because he is always hunting up victims. The lion roars only when it is hungry. Satan is never satisfied. He is always in the business of devouring and destroying and is never a blessing to men.
Rev_5:5 (a) CHRIST JESUS is the King of kings as the lion is the king of beasts. He is unconquerable and unavoidable. He cannot be defeated. He is afraid of no enemy. He cannot be hindered by any circumstances. He is always able to do whatever needs to be done for the glory of GOD and the blessing of men.
Rev_13:2 (b) This animal reveals the terrible power the antichrist will have to tear, destroy and hurt GOD's people and all who will not bow to his sovereign sway.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
Lion
(prop. אֲרַי, ai, or אִרְיֵה, aryeeh'; Sept. and N.T. λέων), the most powerful, daring, and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice. Being very common in Syria in early times, the lion naturally supplied many forcible images to the poetical language of Scripture,, and not a few historical incidents in its narratives. This is shown by the great number of passages where this animal, in all the stages of existence-as the whelp, the young adult, the fully mature, the lioness-occurs under different names, exhibiting that multiplicity of denominations which always results when some great image is constantly present to the popular mind. Thus we have,
1. גּוֹר, gor, or גּוּר, gur (a suckling), a lion's "whelp," a very young lion (Gen_49:9; Deu_33:20; Jer_51:38; Eze_19:2-3; Eze_19:5; Nah_2:11-12).
2. כְּפַיר, kephir' (the shaggy), a " young lion," when first leaving the protection of the old pair to hunt independently (Eze_19:2-3; Eze_19:5-6; Eze_41:19; Psa_91:13; Pro_19:12; Pro_20:2; Pro_28:1; Isa_31:4; Jeremiah 41:38; Hos_5:14; Nah_2:11; Zec_11:3), old enough to roar (Jdg_14:5; Psa_104:21; Pro_19:12; Jer_2:15; Amo_3:4); beginning to seek prey for itself (Job_4:10; Job_38:39; Isa_5:29; Jer_25:38; Eze_19:3; Mic_5:8); and ferocious and blood-thirsty in his youthful strength (Psa_17:12; Psa_91:13; Isa_11:6). This term is also used tropically for cruel and blood-thirsty enemies (Psa_34:10; Psa_35:17; Psa_58:6; Jer_2:15); Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is called a "young lion of the nations," i.e., an enemy prowling among them (Eze_32:2); it is also used of the young princes or warriors of a state (Eze_38:13; Nah_2:13).
3. אֲרַי, cari' (the pulleer in pieces, plur. masc. in 1Ki_10:20, elsewhere fem.), or אִרְיֵה, aryueh' (the same with הparagogic, also Chald.), an adult and vigorous lion, a lion having paired, vigilant and enterprising in search of prey (Nah_2:12; 2Sa_17:10; Num_23:24, etc.). This is the common name of the animal.
4. שִׁחִל, sha'chal (the roarer), a mature lion in full strength (Job_4:10; Job_10:16; Job_28:8; Psa_91:13; Pro_26:13; Hos_5:14; Hos_13:7). Bochart (Hieroz. 1:717) understands the swarthy lion of Syria (Pliny, Il. N. 8:17), deriving the name from שָׁחֹר, black, by an interchange of liquids. This denomination may very possibly refer to a distinct variety of lion, and not to a black species or race. because neither black nor white lions are recorded, excepting in Oppian (De Venat. 3:43); but the term may be safely referred to the color of the skin, not of the fur; for some lions have the former fair, and even rosy, while in other races it is perfectly black. An Asiatic lioness, formerly at Exeter Change, had the naked part of the nose, the roof of the mouth, and the bare soles of all the feet pure black, though the fur itself was very pale buff. Yet albinism and melanism are not uncommon in the felina; the former occurs in tigers, and the latter is frequent in leopards, panthers, and jaguars.
5. לִיַשׁ, la'yish (the strong), a fierce lion, one in a state of fury, or rather, perhaps, a poetical term for a lion that has reached the utmost growth and effectiveness (Job_4:11; Pro_30:30; Isa_30:6).
6. לְבַיא, lebia', or לְבַי, lebi' (lowcin/g, roaring), hence a lion, lioness (Num_24:9, Hos_13:8; Joe_1:6; Deu_33:20; Psa_57:4; Isa_5:29). Bochart (Hieroz. 1:719) supposes this word not to denote the male lion, but the lioness; and Gesenius (Thes. page 738) says this rests on good grounds, as it is coupled with other nouns denoting a lion, where it can hardly be a mere synonyme (Gen_49:9; Num_24:9; Isa_30:6; Nah_2:11); and the passages in Job_4:11; Job_38:39; Eze_19:2, accord much better with a lioness than with a lion.
7. In Job_28:8, the Heb. words a בְּנֵי שִׁחִוֹ, beney sha'chats, are rendered "the lion's whelss." 'The terms properly signify "sons of pride," and are applied to the larger beasts of prey, as the lion, leviathan, so called from their proud gait, boldness, and courage. The lion is often spoken of as "the king of the forest." or "the king of beasts;" and in a similar sense, in Job_41:34, the leviathan or crocodile is called the "king over all the children of pride," that is, the head of the animal creation (see Bochart, Heroz. 1:718). SEE WHELP.
As "king of beasts," "the lion is the largest and most formidably armed of all carnassier animals, the Indian tiger alone claiming to be his equal. One full grown, of Asiatic race, weighs above 450 pounds, and those of Africa often above 500 pounds. The fall of a fore-paw in striking has been estimated to be equal to twenty-five pounds' weight. and this, with the grasp of the claws, cutting four inches in depth, is sufficiently powerful to break the vertebra of an ox. The huge laniary teeth and jagged molars, worked by powerful jaws, and the tongue entirely covered with horny papilla, hard as a rasp, so as to crush the frame of the victim and clean its bones of the flesh, are all subservient to an otherwise immensely strong, muscular structure, capable of prodigious exertion, and minister to the self- confidence which these means of attack inspire. In Asia the lion rarely measures more than nine feet and a half from the nose to the end of the tail, though a tiger-skin has been known of the dimensions but a trifle less than thirteen feet. In Africa they are considerably larger, and supplied with a much greater quantity of mane. Both lion and tiger are furnished with a small horny apex to the tail-a fact noted by the ancients, but only verified of late years (see the Proceedings of the Council of the Zoological Society of London, 1832, page 146), because this object lies concealed in the hair of the tip, and is very liable to drop off." Yet this singular circumstance has not escaped the attention of the Assyrians, and it is foiund represented on the ruined inscriptions of Nineveh (Bonomi's Nineveh, pages 245, 246).
"All the varieties of the lion are spotted when whelps, but they become gradually buff or pale. One African variety, very large in size, perhaps a distinct species, has a peculiar and most ferocious physiognomy, a dense black mane extending half way down the back, and a black fringe along the abdomen and tip of the tail, while those of Southern Persia and the Dekkan are nearly destitute of that defensive ornament. The roaring voice of the species is notorious to a proverb, but the warning cry of attack is short, snappish, and sharp" (Kitto). This is always excited by opposition, and upon those occasions when the lion summons up all its terrors for the combat, nothing can be more formidable. It then lashes its sides with its long tail, its mane seems to rise and stand like bristles round its head, the skin and muscles of its face are all in agitation, its huge eyebrows half cover its glaring eyeballs, it discovers its formidable teeth and tongue, and extends its powerful claws. When it is thus prepared for war. even the boldest of the human kind are daunted at its approach, and there are few animals that will venture singly to engage it. Like all the felinae, it is more or less nocturnal, and seldom goes abroad to pursue its prey till after sunset. When not pressed by hunger it is naturally indolent, and, from its habits of uncontrolled superiority, perhaps capricious, but often less sanguinary and vindictive than is expected. In those regions where it has not experienced the dangerous arts and combinations of man it has no apprehensions from his power. It boldly faces him, and seems to brave e the force of his arms. Wounds rather serve to provoke its rage than to repress its ardor. Nor is it daunted by the opposition of numbers; a single lion of the desert often attacks an entire caravan, and after an obstinate combat, when it finds itself overpowered, instead of flying, it still continues to combat, retreating and still facing the enemy until it dies.
"Lions are monogamous, the male living constantly with the lioness, both hunting together, or for each other when there is a litter of whelps, and the mutual affection and care for their offspring which they display are remarkable in animals doomed by nature to live by blood and slaughter. It is while seeking prey for their young that they are most dangerous; at other times they bear abstinence, and when pressed by hunger will sometimes feed on carcasses found dead. They live to more than fifty years; consequently, having annual litters of from three to five cubs, they multiply rapidly when not seriously opposed. Zoologists consider Africa the primitive abode of lions, their progress towards the north and west having at one time extended to the forests of Macedonia and Greece, but in Asia never to the south of the Nerbundda nor east of the Lower Ganfges. Since the invention of gunpowder, and even since the havoc which the ostentatious barbarism of Roman grandees made among them, they have diminished in number exceedingly, although at the present day individuals are not unfrequently seen in Barbary, within a short distance of Ceuta" (Kitto). "At present lions do not exist in Palestine, though they are said to be found in the desert on the road to Egypt (Schwarz, Desc. of Pal.; see Isa_30:6). They abound on the banks of the Euphrates, between Bussorah and Bagdad (Rassell, Aleppo, page 61), and in the marshes and jungles near the rivers of Babylonia (Layard,Nineveh and Babylon, p. 566). This species, according to Layard, is without the dark and shaggy mane of the African lion (ibid. 487), though he adds in a note that he had seen lions on the River Karûn with a long black mane. But, though lions have now disappeared from Palestine, they must in ancient times have been numerous. The names Lebaoth (Jos_15:32), Beth-Lebaoth (Jos_19:6), Arieh (2Ki_15:25), and Laish (Jdg_18:7; 1Sa_25:44) were probably derived from the presence of, or connection with lions, and point to the fact that they were at one time common. They had their lairs in the forests which have vanished with them (Jer_5:6; Jer_12:8; Amo_3:4), in the tangled brushwood (Jer_4:7; Jer_25:38; Job_38:40), and in the caves of the mountains (Son_4:8 Eze_19:9; Nah_2:12). The canebrake on the banks of the Jordan, the 'pride' of the river, was their favorite haunt (Jer_49:19; Jeremiah 1, 44; Zec_11:3), and in this reedy covert (Lam_3:10) they were to be found at a comparatively recent period, as we learn from a passage of Johannes Phocas, who traveled in Palestine towards the end of the 12th century (Reland, Pal. 1:274). They abounded in the jungles which skirt the rivers of Mesopotamia (Ammian. Marc. 18:7, 5), and in the time of Xenophon (De Venat. 11) were found in Nysa."
"Naturalists are disposed to consider the lion as a genus, consisting of some three or four species. Two of these are found in Asia, the one called, from the scantiness of its mane, the maneless lion (Leo Goozeratensis), found only in Western India, and the other furnished with that appendage in its ordinary profusion (L. A siaticus), which is spread over Bengal, Persia, the Euphratean Valley, and some parts of Arabia. This is smaller, and more slightly built than the African lions, with a fur of a lighter yellow. It is doubtful, however, whether it is really more than variety."
"The lion of Palestine was in all probability the Asiatic variety, described by Aristotle (II. A. 9:44) and Pliny (8:18) as distinguished by its short curly mane, and by being shorter and rounder in shape, like the sculptured lion found at Arban (Layard Nineveh and Babbylon, page 278). It was less daring than the longermaned species, but when driven by hunger it not only ventured to attack the flocks in the desert in presence of the shepherd (Isa_31:4; 1Sa_17:34), but laid waste towns and villages (2Ki_17:25-26; Pro_22:13; Pro_26:13), and devoured men (1Ki_13:24; 1Ki_20:36; 2Ki_17:25; Eze_19:3; Eze_19:6). The shepherds sometimes ventured to encounter the lion single-handed (1Sa_17:34), and the vivid figure employed by Amos (Amo_3:12), the herdsman of Tekoa, was but the transcript o a scene which he must have often witnessed. At other times they pursued the animal in large bands, raising loud shouts to intimidate him (Isa_31:4) and drive him into the net or pit they had prepared to catch him (Eze_19:4; Eze_19:8). This method of capturing wild beasts is described by Xenophon (De Ven. 11:4) and by Shaw, who says, 'The Arabs dig a pit where they are observed to enter, and, covering it over lightly with reeds or small branches of trees, they frequently decoy and catch them' (Travels, 2d ed. page 172). Benaiah, one of David's heroic bodyguard, had distinguished himself by slaying a lion in his den (2Sa_23:20).
The kings of Persia had a menagerie of lions (גֹּב, gob, Dan_6:7, etc.). When captured alive they were put in a cage (Eze_19:9), but it does not appear that they were tamed. In the hunting scenes at Beni-Hassan tame lions are represented as used in hunting (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 3:17). On the bas-reliefs at Kouyunjik a lion led by a chain is among the presents brought by the conquered to their victors (Layard, Nineveh and Babylon, page 138)." Wilkinson says: "The worship of the lion was particularly regarded in the city of Leontopolis, and other cities adored this animal as the emblem of more than one deity." It was the symbol of strength, and therefore typical of the Egyptian Hercules (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 5:169). In Babylon it appears to have been the custom to throw offenders to be devoured by lions kept in dens for that purpose (Dan_6:7-28). This is thought to be confirmed by the evidence of several ancient monuments, brought to light by the researches of recent travelers, on the sites of Babylon and Susa, which represent lions destroying and preying upon human beings. SEE DEN. The Assyrian monuments abound in illustrations of lionhunting, which appears to have been a favorite pastime, especially with royalty (Layard, Nineveh, 1:120). SEE HUNTING.
"The terrible roar of the lion is expressed in Hebrew by four different words, between which the following distinction appears to be maintained: שָׁאִג, shâag' (Jdg_14:5; Psa_22:13; Psa_104:21; Amo_3:4), also used of the thunder (Job_37:4), denotes the roar of the lion while seeking his prey; נָהִם, nâham' (Isa_5:29), expresses the cry which he utters when he seizes his victim; הָגָּה, hâgâh,' (Isa_31:4), the growl with which he defies any attempt to snatch the prey from his teeth; while נָעִר, nâ'ar' (Jer_51:38), which in Syriac is applied to the braying of the ass and camel, is descriptive of the cry of the young lions. If this distinction be correct, the meaning attached to nâham will give force to Pro_19:12. The terms which describe the movements of the animal are equally distinct: רָבִוֹ, râbats' (Gen_49:9; Eze_19:2), is applied to the crouching of the lion, as well as of any wild beast, in his lair; שָׁחָה, shâchâh', יָשִׁב, yâshab' (Job_38:40), and אָרִב, arab' (Psa_10:9), to his lying in wait in his den, the two former denoting the position of the animal, and the latter the secrecy of the act; רָמִשׂ, râmas' (Psa_104:20), is used of the stealthy creeping of the lion after his prey; and זַנֵּק zinnêk' (Deu_33:22), of the leap with which he hurls himself upon it" (Smith). "The Scriptures present many striking pictures of lions, touched with wonderful force and fidelity; even where the animal is a direct instrument of the Almighty, while true to his mission, he still remains so to his nature.
Thus nothing can be more graphic than the record of the man of God (1Ki_13:28), disobedient to his charge, struck down from his ass, and lying dead, while the lion stands by him, without touching the lifeless body or attacking the living animal, usually a favorite prey. (See also Gen_49:9; Job_4:10-11; Nah_2:11-12.) Samson's adventure also with the young lion (Jdg_14:5-6), and the picture of the young lion coming up from the underwood cover on the banks of the Jordan, all attest a perfect knowledge of the animal and its habits. Finally, the lions in the den with Daniel, miraculously leaving him unmolested, still retain, in all other respects, the real characteristics of their nature."
"The strength (Jdg_14:18, Pro_30:30; 2Sa_1:23), courage (2Sa_17:10; Pro_28:1; Isa_31:4; Nah_2:11), and ferocity (Gen_49:9; Num_24:9) of the lion were proverbial. The 'lion-faced' warriors of Gad were among David's most valiant troops (1Ch_12:8) and the hero Judas Maccabaeus is described as 'like a lion, and like a lion's whelp roaring for his prey' (1Ma_3:4)." Hence the lion, as an emblem of power, was symbolical of the tribe of Judah (Gen_49:9). Grotius thinks the passage in Eze_19:2-3, alludes to this fact that Judaea was among the nations like a lioness among the beasts of the forest; she had strength and sovereignty. The same type of sovereignty recurs in the prophetical visions, and the figure of this animal was among the few which the Hebrews admitted in sculpture or in cast metal, as exemplified in the throne of Solomon (1Ki_10:19-20) and the brazen sea (1Ki_7:29; 1Ki_7:36). The heathen assumed the lion as an emblem of the sun, of the god of war, of Ares, Ariel, Arioth, Re, the Indian Siva, of dominion in general, of valor, etc.; and it occurs in the names and standards of many nations. This illustrated Dan_7:4, "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings." The Chaldaean or Babylonian empire is here represented (see Jer_4:7). Its progress to what was then deemed universal empire was rapid, and therefore it has the wings of an eagle (see Jer_48:40, and Eze_17:3). It is said by Megasthenes and Strabo that this power advanced as far as Spain. When its wings were plucked or torn out, that is, when it was checked in its progress by frequent defeats, it became more peaceable and humane, agreeably to that idea of Psa_9:20. A remarkable coincidence between the symbolical figure of Daniel's vision and the creations of ancient Assyrian art has lately been brought to light by the researches of Lavard and Botta on the sites of Babylon and Nineveh. SEE CHERUB.
In Isa_29:1, "Woe to the lion of God, the city where David dwelt," Jerusalem is denoted, and the terms used appear to signify the strength of the place, by which it was enabled to resist and overcome all its enemies. SEE ARIEL.
The apostle Paul says (2Ti_4:17), "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." The general opinion is that Nero is here meant, or, rather, his prefect AElius Cesarianus, to whom Nero committed the government of the city of Rome during his absence, with power to put to death whomsoever he pleased. SEE PAUL.
So, when Tiberius died, Marsyas said to Agrippa, "The lion is dead." So likewise speaks Esther of Artaxerxes, in the apocryphal chapters of that book (ch. 14:13), "Put a word into my mouth before the lion." There are some commentators who regard the apostle's expression as a proverbial one for a deliverance from any great or imminent danger, but others conclude that he had been actually delivered from a lion let loose against him in the amphitheater. That the same symbol should sometimes be applied to opposite characters is not at all surprising or inconsistent, since different qualities may reside in the symbol, of which the good may be referred to the one, the bad to another. Thus in the lion reside courage and victory over antagonists. In these respects it may be and is employed as a symbol of Christ, called the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev_5:5), as being the illustrious descendant of that tribe, whose emblem was the lion. In the lion also reside fierceness and rapacity. In this point of view it is used as a fit emblem of Satan: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1Pe_5:8). On the subject generally, see Bochart, Hieroz. 2:1 sq.; Rosenmüller, Alterlft. IV, 2:111 sq.; Wemyss, Clavis Symbolica, s.v.; Penny Cyclopaedia, s.v.; Wood, Bible Animals, page 18 sq.; Tristram, Natural History of the Bible, page 115 sq.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
BUSCADAVERDADE
Visite o nosso canal youtube.com/buscadaverdade e se INSCREVA agora mesmo! Lá temos uma diversidade de temas interessantes sobre: Saúde, Receitas Saudáveis, Benefícios dos Alimentos, Benefícios das Vitaminas e Sais Minerais... Dê uma olhadinha, você vai gostar! E não se esqueça, dê o seu like e se INSCREVA! Clique abaixo e vá direto ao canal!
Saiba Mais
-
Nutrição
Vegetarianismo e a Vitamina B12 -
Receita
Como preparar a Proteína Vegetal Texturizada -
Arqueologia
Livro de Enoque é um livro profético?
Tags