Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the leopard is considered an unclean animal, as outlined in the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The leopard is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing swiftness, cunning, and ferocity. It is important to understand the cultural and religious significance of the leopard within the biblical narrative.Biblical References: 1. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14: While the leopard is not explicitly named in the lists of unclean animals, it falls under the category of predators and carnivorous beasts, which are generally considered unclean. The dietary laws in these chapters specify that animals which do not chew the cud and do not have a split hoof are unclean. Predatory animals, such as the leopard, are implicitly included in this category due to their nature and diet. 2. Jeremiah 5:6 : "Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf of the desert will ravage them, a leopard will watch over their cities. Everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces, because their transgressions are many, their apostasies are numerous." In this passage, the leopard is used metaphorically to describe the impending judgment and destruction due to the people's sins. The leopard's characteristics of stealth and power are emphasized as it watches over the cities, ready to strike. 3. Hosea 13:7 : "So I will be like a lion to them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path." Here, God uses the imagery of a leopard to convey His judgment and the inevitability of His actions against Israel's unfaithfulness. The leopard's ability to ambush and its predatory nature serve as a warning of divine retribution. 4. Daniel 7:6 : "Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule." In Daniel's vision, the leopard represents one of the four great empires. The leopard's speed and agility, enhanced by the wings, symbolize the rapid expansion and power of this empire. The four heads indicate a division of authority or governance. 5. Revelation 13:2 : "The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority." In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, the leopard-like beast is part of a composite creature symbolizing a powerful and oppressive regime. The leopard's attributes contribute to the overall depiction of a formidable and fearsome entity. Symbolism and Cultural Context: The leopard, as an unclean animal, represents more than just a dietary restriction. Its symbolic use in Scripture often conveys themes of judgment, swiftness, and the inevitability of divine justice. The leopard's characteristics are employed to illustrate the nature of God's actions and the consequences of human sinfulness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the leopard was known for its strength and stealth, making it an apt metaphor for both divine and earthly powers. In summary, the leopard in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of uncleanliness, judgment, and authority. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the themes of divine retribution and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 4:8Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What Crouches at the Door On the Animals Addition to Acts of Philip. The Fourth vision "On Earth" Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness The Shepherd of Pella Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Greatness of the Soul, Resources What are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the image of the beast? | GotQuestions.org Who is the beast of Revelation? | 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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