Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "beasts" often symbolizes various forms of evil and opposition to God's divine order. These creatures are frequently depicted as instruments of chaos, rebellion, and judgment, serving as metaphors for wickedness and the forces that stand against God's people.Old Testament References The concept of wicked beasts is introduced early in the Scriptures. In the prophetic literature, beasts often symbolize nations or rulers that oppose Israel and God's purposes. For instance, in the Book of Daniel, a series of visions describe four great beasts rising from the sea, each representing a kingdom that will dominate and oppress God's people (Daniel 7:3-7). These beasts are characterized by their ferocity and destructive power, embodying the wickedness of the empires they represent. Ezekiel also uses the imagery of beasts to convey judgment and desolation. In Ezekiel 34:5, the prophet laments the scattering of Israel as sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable to "all the wild beasts." Here, the beasts symbolize the nations and forces that prey upon God's people due to the failure of their leaders. New Testament References The New Testament continues the theme of wicked beasts, particularly in the apocalyptic literature. The Book of Revelation is replete with beast imagery, most notably the beast rising from the sea in Revelation 13:1-10. This beast, described as having ten horns and seven heads, is empowered by the dragon (Satan) and wages war against the saints. It represents a culmination of earthly powers in rebellion against God, embodying ultimate wickedness and blasphemy. Revelation 17 further elaborates on the imagery of the beast, associating it with the harlot Babylon, a symbol of corrupt and idolatrous systems opposed to God. The beast and the harlot together represent the alliance of political and religious powers that persecute the faithful. Symbolism and Interpretation In biblical symbolism, beasts often represent chaos and disorder, contrasting with the order and peace of God's creation. They are frequently depicted as agents of divine judgment, used by God to discipline His people or to bring about the fulfillment of His prophetic plans. The imagery of beasts serves to remind believers of the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of evil in the world. The wickedness of these beasts is not inherent in their nature but is a reflection of the spiritual rebellion they symbolize. They are often depicted as being under the influence or control of Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and His people. This is evident in Revelation, where the dragon gives power to the beast, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conflict. Theological Implications The portrayal of wicked beasts in the Bible underscores the reality of evil and the ongoing struggle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. It serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and faithful, trusting in God's ultimate victory over evil. The imagery also reassures the faithful that despite the apparent power and ferocity of these beasts, they are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will and will be defeated in the end. The use of beast imagery in Scripture invites believers to discern the spiritual realities behind earthly events and to recognize the true nature of the opposition they face. It calls for a steadfast faith in God's promises and a commitment to living in accordance with His will, even in the face of persecution and trial. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 49:20Man that is in honor, and understands not, is like the beasts that perish. Torrey's Topical Textbook Titus 1:12 Strong's Hebrew 1121. ben -- son... 1), arrows (1), Assyrians* (3), baby (1), Babylonians* (3), beasts (1), being ... 1), unfortunate* (1), valiant* (3), warriors (1), whelps (1), wicked* (3), young ... /hebrew/1121.htm - 8k Library Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ... The Wicked Husbandmen. The Distinction to be Made Between the Righteous and the Wicked ... Manes Said: not all Receive the Word of God... Whether any Demons are Naturally Wicked? Whether it is Lawful to Kill Sinners? Rule for Interpreting those Sayings and Actions which are Ascribed ... Of the Liberty Proper to Man's Nature, and the Servitude ... Of the Wicked Life and Death of Hercules. How Ahab when He had Taken Jezebel to Wife Became More Wicked than ... Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
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