In the Bible, bears are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing strength, danger, and divine judgment. The bear is a formidable creature, and its presence in Scripture serves as a powerful metaphor for both physical and spiritual realities.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Kings 2:23-24: One of the most notable mentions of bears in the Bible is the account of the prophet Elisha. As Elisha was traveling to Bethel, a group of youths mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" In response, Elisha called down a curse in the name of the LORD, and two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. This incident underscores the seriousness of respecting God's prophets and the potential consequences of irreverence.

2. 1 Samuel 17:34-37: Bears are also mentioned in the context of David's early life as a shepherd. When David was preparing to face Goliath, he recounted to King Saul how he had defended his flock from both lions and bears. David said, "When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the lamb from its mouth." This passage highlights David's courage and faith in God's deliverance, as he equated his past victories over wild animals with his confidence in defeating the Philistine giant.

3. Proverbs 28:15: Bears are used metaphorically in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs 28:15 states, "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people." Here, the bear symbolizes the oppressive and destructive nature of a tyrannical leader, emphasizing the need for righteous governance.

4. Isaiah 11:7: In prophetic literature, bears are part of the imagery used to describe the peace and harmony of the Messianic age. Isaiah 11:7 envisions a time when "the cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox." This imagery portrays a future where natural enmities are reconciled under the reign of the Messiah, symbolizing the restoration of creation.

5. Daniel 7:5: In apocalyptic literature, bears are used symbolically to represent empires and kingdoms. In Daniel's vision of the four beasts, the second beast is described as resembling a bear. It is raised up on one side and has three ribs in its mouth, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire and its conquests. This imagery conveys the power and ferocity of the empire in its historical context.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Strength and Ferocity: Bears are often associated with strength and ferocity, serving as a metaphor for powerful forces, whether they be divine, natural, or political.

· Divine Judgment: The incident with Elisha and the bears illustrates the theme of divine judgment and the protection of God's anointed.

· Protection and Deliverance: David's encounters with bears highlight God's provision and protection, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance for those who trust in Him.

· Peace and Restoration: In prophetic visions, bears are part of the imagery that depicts the peace and restoration of creation under God's future kingdom.

In summary, bears in the Bible serve as powerful symbols that convey messages of strength, judgment, protection, and future peace. Their presence in Scripture provides rich imagery that enhances the understanding of God's character and His plans for humanity.

Salvation: Grace: Faith
... And from these, as the shepherd drags the kid from the claws of the lion or the
bear's hug, the salvation of the Gospel wrenches and rescues men. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm

The Hope of the Contrite.
... Fear not that thy prayers and cries,. Even thine, He will despise. His no bear's
or lion's heart,. Only thirsting after blood; His compassions swiftly start,. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the hope of the contrite.htm

Why Art Thou Cast Down?
... That thou shalt overcome at last? Like David, thou may'st comfort draw,. Saved
from the bear's and lion's paw; Goliath's rage I may defy,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 40 why art thou.htm

Matt. Ix. 9
... fashion well the form of this soul, thou wilt not see the countenance of the body
looking unseemly, nor lips stained, nor a mouth like a bear's mouth dyed with ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxx matt ix 9.htm

Second Sunday Before Lent
... 19 For ye bear with the foolish gladly, being wise yourselves.20 For ye bear with
a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday before lent.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Is it not better that we bear those tokens and marks in our flesh that bespeak us
to belong to Christ, than those that declare us to be none of his? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Bear's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bear's (1 Occurrence). Revelation 13:2 and the
beast that I saw was like to a leopard, and its feet as ...
/b/bear's.htm - 6k

Trick (11 Occurrences)
... trade. 2. (n.) A sly, dexterous, or ingenious procedure fitted to puzzle
or amuse; as, a bear's tricks; a juggler's tricks. 3. (a ...
/t/trick.htm - 10k

Bears (62 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV). John 8:18 I am one who bear witness concerning myself, and the Father
who has sent me bears witness concerning me. (DBY RSV). ...
/b/bears.htm - 24k

Beast (243 Occurrences)
... Revelation 13:2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were
like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. ...
/b/beast.htm - 50k

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