Topical Bible: Reptiles: Scorpion

◄ Reptiles: Scorpion ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, the scorpion is a creature that appears in various contexts, often symbolizing danger, judgment, and the challenges faced by the people of God. The scorpion is a member of the arachnid family, known for its venomous sting, which can cause significant pain and, in some cases, be life-threatening. The presence of scorpions in the biblical narrative serves as a metaphor for the trials and adversities encountered by believers.

Biblical References:

1. Deuteronomy 8:15 · In this passage, the scorpion is mentioned as part of the harsh conditions of the wilderness that the Israelites endured during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The verse highlights God's provision and protection in the midst of a "vast and dreadful wilderness, with its venomous snakes and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water."

2. 1 Kings 12:11, 14 · The scorpion is used metaphorically by Rehoboam, Solomon's son, when he addresses the people of Israel. He threatens to increase their burdens, saying, "My father scourged you with whips, but I will scourge you with scorpions." This imagery emphasizes the severity and harshness of his intended rule.

3. Ezekiel 2:6 · God warns the prophet Ezekiel about the rebellious nature of the people to whom he is being sent. He tells Ezekiel, "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions." Here, scorpions symbolize the hostility and opposition Ezekiel would face.

4. Luke 10:19 · In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the authority He has given them over evil. He assures them, "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." The scorpion represents spiritual adversaries and challenges that believers can overcome through divine empowerment.

5. Revelation 9:3-10 · In this apocalyptic vision, scorpions are part of the imagery used to describe the torment unleashed during the end times. Locusts with the power of scorpions are released to afflict those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The torment is described as being like "the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man."

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, scorpions often symbolize danger, suffering, and divine judgment. They are creatures that evoke fear due to their painful sting, and their presence in the wilderness underscores the harshness of the environment faced by the Israelites. Metaphorically, scorpions represent the trials and opposition encountered by God's people, whether in the form of oppressive rulers, rebellious communities, or spiritual adversaries.

The biblical narrative also emphasizes God's protection and deliverance from such dangers. In the wilderness, God provided for the Israelites despite the presence of scorpions. In the New Testament, Jesus' assurance to His disciples highlights the authority and protection granted to believers over spiritual threats.

Overall, the scorpion serves as a powerful symbol of the challenges faced by the faithful, as well as the divine protection and authority available to them through their relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:15
Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Legendary History of Egypt
... and produced something strange and baleful"a serpent, a scorpion, a plant ... alleviate
them; he taught to all comers potent formulas against reptiles and beasts ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Creation of Terrestrial Animals.
... in a fish, what their fancy wishes, who change the nature of reptiles and of ... at the
mouse, who is feared by the elephant, or at the scorpion's delicate sting ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ix the creation of.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... The cattle of the fields, the wild beasts of the fields, the reptiles of the fields,
they fashioned them and made of them creatures of life."** According to ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... of the Reptiles- Supplement to the Description de AEgypte. ... The uraeus is rarely found
except in the desert or in the fields; the scorpion crawls everywhere, in ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm