Topical Bible: Lion: Symbolical: Margin)

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In the Bible, the lion is a powerful symbol that appears frequently throughout the scriptures, representing various attributes such as strength, courage, and majesty. The lion's symbolic significance is often used to convey messages about God's power, the nature of Christ, and the characteristics of certain individuals or nations.

1. Symbol of Strength and Courage: The lion is often depicted as a symbol of strength and courage. In Proverbs 28:1 , it is written, "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse highlights the lion's association with boldness and fearlessness, qualities that are esteemed in the righteous.

2. Representation of God and His Power: The lion is used to symbolize God's might and authority. In Hosea 11:10 , it states, "They will walk after the LORD; He will roar like a lion. When He roars, His children will come trembling from the west." Here, the lion's roar is a metaphor for God's powerful call and the awe it inspires in His people.

3. Christ as the Lion of Judah: One of the most significant symbolic uses of the lion is in reference to Jesus Christ as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah." In Revelation 5:5 , it is proclaimed, "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.'" This title emphasizes Christ's kingly authority, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His victory over sin and death.

4. Symbol of Judgment and Destruction: The lion is also a symbol of judgment and destruction, often used to describe the fate of the wicked or the enemies of God. In Jeremiah 4:7 , it is written, "A lion has gone up from his thicket, and a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins without inhabitants." This imagery conveys the impending judgment and devastation that comes upon those who oppose God.

5. Metaphor for Satan: The lion is used metaphorically to describe Satan's predatory nature. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are warned, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This depiction serves as a caution to Christians to remain vigilant against spiritual attacks.

6. Symbol of Royalty and Kingship: The lion is often associated with royalty and kingship, reflecting its status as the "king of beasts." This symbolism is evident in the blessings given to the tribe of Judah, from which the line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ descends. In Genesis 49:9 , Jacob blesses Judah, saying, "Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?"

The lion, as a symbol, is rich with meaning and depth, reflecting various aspects of divine and human nature as portrayed in the biblical narrative. Its use in scripture serves to communicate profound truths about God's character, the mission of Christ, and the spiritual realities faced by believers.

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Ezekiel 1:10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
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Ezekiel 10:14
And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
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Daniel 7:4
The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand on the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.
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Revelation 4:7
And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
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Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders said to me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
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Revelation 9:8,17
And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
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Revelation 13:2
And the beast which I saw was like to a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
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Library

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... of gold] The common interpretation is that the Elders are symbolical of the ... for its
subject "The Throne and the Book; the Lion and the ... put it in the margin. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

Matt. I. 17
... For the lion, as soon as ever he is satisfied, is ... of the names (forty) is given a
symbolical significance.--R.]. ... to sit at the threshold." [The RV margin is, "I ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... it is "over." Margin concerning. ... believe, is the "sun of righteousness rising over
Europe." The cry like a lion is, we ... Some are half symbolical and half literal ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... simply as a great teacher, and reserved a larger margin for reason ... collections of
doctrine (Corpora Doctrin??), which were clothed with symbolical authority in ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 45 the form of.htm

Mosaic Cosmogony.
... creative design which destined the tiger and lion for flesh ... its face no trace of
mystical or symbolical meaning. ... but that I find rendered in the margin great sea ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/mosaic cosmogony.htm