Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, bees are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing industriousness, community, and at times, danger. The presence of bees and honey in the biblical narrative underscores their significance in the ancient Near Eastern culture and economy.Biblical References: 1. Judges 14:8-9: One of the most notable references to bees is found in the account of Samson. After killing a lion, Samson later discovers a swarm of bees and honey in the carcass. "When he returned later to take her, he turned aside to look at the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey. So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along." This incident not only highlights the industrious nature of bees but also serves as a riddle that Samson poses to the Philistines, illustrating the unexpected sweetness found in strength. 2. Deuteronomy 1:44: Bees are used metaphorically to describe the fierce and relentless attack of the Amorites against the Israelites. "Then the Amorites who lived in the hills came out against you and chased you like a swarm of bees, beating you down from Seir as far as Hormah." This imagery conveys the intensity and persistence of the Amorite assault. 3. Psalm 118:12: The psalmist uses bees to describe the numerous enemies surrounding him. "They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off." Here, bees symbolize overwhelming numbers and potential danger, yet the psalmist finds deliverance through divine intervention. Cultural and Symbolic Significance: In ancient Israel, bees were valued for their production of honey, a primary sweetener and a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The Promised Land is often described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating fertility and divine blessing. Honey was not only a food source but also used in offerings and as a metaphor for the richness of God's word (Psalm 19:10). Bees also exemplify community and cooperation, working together to produce honey. This aspect of their nature can be seen as a model for human society, emphasizing diligence, unity, and productivity. Theological Implications: The biblical references to bees often carry deeper theological meanings. The industriousness of bees can be seen as a reflection of God's creation, where each creature has a purpose and role. The metaphorical use of bees to describe enemies or challenges serves as a reminder of the trials believers may face, yet also of the deliverance and protection offered by God. In summary, bees in the Bible are multifaceted symbols, representing both the sweetness of God's provision and the potential threats of life's challenges. Their presence in Scripture invites reflection on the balance of work, community, and reliance on divine strength. Greek 3193. melissios -- made by bees. ... 3192, 3193. melissios. 3194 . made by bees. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: melissios Phonetic Spelling: (mel-is'-see ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3193.htm - 6k 1234. diagogguzo -- to murmur among themselves Strong's Hebrew 1682. deborah -- a bee... 1681, 1682. deborah. 1683 . a bee. Transliteration: deborah Phonetic Spelling: (deb-o-raw') Short Definition: bees. Word Origin ... /hebrew/1682.htm - 6k Library Perhaps Also the So-Called Wars among the Bees Convey Instruction ... After Celsus Has Finished Speaking of the Bees, in Order to ... Fun and Mischief. His Little Cousin and the "Gnats. " the Aurora ... Our Noble Opponent, However, not Observing How Many Philosophers ... He Shows by Proofs Drawn from Nature Itself, that the Law which ... A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ... A Description of Contemplation, and of the First Difference that ... Taking the Passage Concerning the Honeycomb in the Song of Songs.. ... Psalm CXVIII. How Holy Love Returning into the Soul, Brings Back to Life all the ... Thesaurus Bees (5 Occurrences)...Bees (5 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 14:25 And there was honey on the face of the field, and all the people came to the honey, the bees having gone from it; (BBE). ... /b/bees.htm - 7k Bee (1 Occurrence) Swarm (26 Occurrences) Hiss (13 Occurrences) Honey (62 Occurrences) Wax (32 Occurrences) Beeshterah (1 Occurrence) Beer-sheba (33 Occurrences) Queen (59 Occurrences) Quenched (22 Occurrences) Resources How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Israel called the land of milk and honey? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the hornet? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bees (5 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 1:44 Judges 14:8 1 Samuel 14:25 Psalms 118:12 Isaiah 7:18 Subtopics Related Terms |