Topical Bible: Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities

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In the biblical narrative, the imagery of beasts inhabiting deserted cities serves as a powerful symbol of desolation and divine judgment. Throughout the Scriptures, the presence of wild animals in once-thriving urban centers is depicted as a consequence of human sin and the subsequent abandonment by God.

Old Testament References

The prophetic books of the Old Testament frequently employ the motif of beasts dwelling in deserted cities to illustrate the aftermath of divine retribution. In Isaiah 13:21-22, the prophet describes the fate of Babylon: "But desert creatures will lie there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses, and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Her time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged." This passage vividly portrays the transformation of a once-glorious city into a haunt for wild animals, emphasizing the totality of its destruction.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 50:39, the desolation of Babylon is reiterated: "So the desert creatures and hyenas will live there, and the ostriches will dwell there. It will never again be inhabited or settled from generation to generation." The presence of these creatures underscores the irreversible nature of Babylon's downfall, serving as a testament to God's judgment.

The book of Zephaniah also echoes this theme in its prophecy against Nineveh: "Herds will lie down in her midst, all kinds of beasts. Both the pelican and the hedgehog will lodge in the tops of her pillars. Birds will sing in the windows; desolation will be on the threshold, for He has laid bare the cedar work" (Zephaniah 2:14). The imagery of animals occupying the ruins of Nineveh highlights the city's complete abandonment and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The depiction of beasts inhabiting deserted cities carries profound theological implications. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable judgment that follows. The transformation of bustling cities into wildernesses populated by wild animals symbolizes the reversal of human achievements and the futility of relying on worldly power and wealth.

Moreover, the presence of these creatures in desolate places reflects the restoration of the natural order in the absence of human interference. It suggests a return to a primordial state where nature reclaims what was once dominated by human civilization. This imagery can be seen as a call to humility, urging humanity to recognize its dependence on God and the transient nature of earthly accomplishments.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention beasts inhabiting deserted cities, the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of sin continue to resonate. The book of Revelation, for instance, uses vivid imagery to describe the fall of Babylon the Great, a symbol of worldly corruption and opposition to God. Revelation 18:2 declares, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a hideout for every unclean bird, and a cage for every unclean and detestable beast."

This passage, while not directly referencing deserted cities, echoes the Old Testament theme of desolation and the presence of unclean creatures as a sign of divine judgment. It reinforces the message that rebellion against God leads to ruin and that His justice will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion

The biblical motif of beasts inhabiting deserted cities serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of human sin. Through vivid imagery and prophetic declarations, the Scriptures convey the message that turning away from God leads to desolation and ruin. This theme, woven throughout the biblical narrative, calls believers to humility, repentance, and a recognition of their dependence on the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 13:21,22
But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 2:15
This is the rejoicing city that dwelled carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passes by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book ii.
... from those that bring them to their new habitations. ... of the wildest sort of brute
beasts, which, because ... of other nations, while this Apion deserted his own ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

Preface to the Benedictine Edition.
... by fire; some given to wild beasts; and not ... all was to be plundered; the habitations
consumed, together ... same time all the Greek philosophers deserted the city ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/preface to the benedictine edition.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... the lower story consisted of a great deserted hall like a ... rather live with all these
dreadful beasts than with ... I saw the spring with human habitations round it ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... access, which are still used as habitations by the ... it to the first rank among the
Phoenician cities. ... Bit-Dakkuri had invaded the almost deserted territory, and ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The First Theban Empire
... But the ancient royal cities of Kheops and his children ... Delta braved the perils of
wild beasts and of ... Nubian deities, as well as numerous habitations, now in ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... elephants still roamed,** and wild beasts, including lions ... Cities in other parts
of the world, it ... divinities,* elevated above the crowd of private habitations. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Memphite Empire
... its course can escape it: men and beasts, before there ... Two hundred habitations can
still be made out here ... of the foe, the workmen immediately deserted the mine ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... the Philistines to the fouls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the ... lost his way,
sought direction from a wretched lad keeping hogs"deserted, forlorn, his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm