In the context of the Bible, the term "licked" appears in various passages, often illustrating acts of submission, cleansing, or judgment. The imagery of licking is used both literally and metaphorically, providing insight into the cultural and spiritual narratives of the biblical text.

1. Literal Usage:
· Dogs Licking Wounds: One of the most vivid instances of licking in the Bible is found in the account of Lazarus and the rich man. In Luke 16:21 , it is described how Lazarus, a poor man covered with sores, longed to eat what fell from the rich man's table, and "even the dogs came and licked his sores." This act of licking by the dogs can be seen as a form of compassion and care, contrasting the neglect shown by the rich man. It highlights the theme of divine justice and the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife.

2. Metaphorical Usage:
· Licking Dust: The phrase "lick the dust" is used metaphorically to denote subjugation and defeat. In Psalm 72:9 , it is written, "May the nomads bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust." This imagery conveys the idea of total submission to the reigning king, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy pointing to the ultimate reign of Christ. The act of licking dust symbolizes the humbling of adversaries and the establishment of divine order.

3. Judgment and Consequences:
· Licking Blood: In 1 Kings 21:19 , the prophet Elijah delivers a message of judgment to King Ahab, saying, "In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!" This prophecy is fulfilled in 1 Kings 22:38, where it is recorded that dogs licked Ahab's blood after his death. The act of dogs licking blood serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of sin and the certainty of divine retribution.

4. Cultural Context:
· In ancient Near Eastern cultures, dogs were often seen as unclean animals, and their actions could symbolize degradation or impurity. However, in the biblical narrative, the act of licking can also convey unexpected compassion or serve as a tool for divine messages. The dual nature of this imagery reflects the complexity of biblical symbolism, where acts considered lowly or base can carry profound spiritual significance.

The use of "licked" in the Bible, therefore, spans a range of meanings from literal acts of care to metaphorical expressions of defeat and judgment. Each instance provides a deeper understanding of the biblical worldview, emphasizing themes of justice, humility, and the ultimate sovereignty of God.(imp. & p. p.) of Lick.3952. laqaq -- to lap, lick
... lapped. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to lap, lick NASB Word Usage
lapped (2), laps (2), lick (1), licked (2). lap, lick. A ...
/hebrew/3952.htm - 5k

3897. lachak -- to lick
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to lick NASB Word Usage lick (4), licked (1),
licks (1). lick up. A primitive root; to lick -- lick (up). 3896, 3897. ...
/hebrew/3897.htm - 5k

Dives and Lazarus
... And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22. And ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/dives and lazarus.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... silencing the true one, not all his disguise could avail to protect him; he was
slain in the battle; and when his chariot was washed, the dogs licked his blood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

Self-Destruction
... And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood
there," according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke by the mouth of ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon viii self-destruction.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which
fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... futurities than Micaiah [42] for he foretold that the dogs should lick his blood
in the city of Jezreel, in the field of Naboth, as they licked the blood of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

Repentance unto Life
... Thus saith the Lord, in the place where the dogs licked the blood of Naboth
shall the dogs lick thy blood, even thine. Behold, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/repentance unto life.htm

The Trial by Fire
... Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood,
and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.39 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the trial by fire.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus
... despicable wretch! Only "the dogs came and licked his sores:" All the comfort
which this world afforded him! 3. But see the change! "The ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 112 the rich man.htm

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... And as in the infancy of the first world, the tongue had licked up the venom of
the old serpent, so neither could the Deluge wash it off in the second. ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

Further Examples from the Old Testament in Favour of Fasting.
... In the place where dogs had licked up the blood of Naboth, thine also shall they
lick up,""he "abandoned himself, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted ...
/.../chapter vii further examples from the.htm

Licked (4 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Lick. Multi-Version Concordance Licked (4 Occurrences). ... Yes, even
the dogs came and licked his sores. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV). ...
/l/licked.htm - 7k

Lick (8 Occurrences)
... Lick (8 Occurrences). Luke 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell
from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...
/l/lick.htm - 10k

Dogs (30 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich
man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...
/d/dogs.htm - 15k

Swine (15 Occurrences)
... and as a savage boar in the plain." In 1 Kings 21:19 Septuagint 20:19), where English
Versions of the Bible has "in the place where dogs licked the blood of ...
/s/swine.htm - 15k

Naboth's (5 Occurrences)
... and thou shalt speak unto him, saying: Thus saith the LORD: In the place where dogs
licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.' (See NIV ...
/n/naboth's.htm - 7k

Licketh (1 Occurrence)

/l/licketh.htm - 6k

Fed (62 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's
table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV). ...
/f/fed.htm - 25k

Trench (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 18:38 Then the fire of Yahweh fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and
the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in ...
/t/trench.htm - 10k

Religion (23 Occurrences)
... Among inferior spiritual existences were the Arlezk'h, who licked the wounds
of those slain in battle and restored them to life. ...
/r/religion.htm - 101k

Desiring (108 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV BBE RSV). Luke 16:21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell
from the rich man's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...
/d/desiring.htm - 36k

Who was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is a consuming fire? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal? | GotQuestions.org

Licked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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