Topical Bible: Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Wild Beasts

◄ Rivers: Banks of Frequented by Wild Beasts ►

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In the biblical narrative, rivers and their banks are often depicted as places of both life and danger. The lush vegetation and abundant water supply make riverbanks attractive habitats for a variety of wildlife, including wild beasts. These areas are frequently mentioned in Scripture as settings where humans encounter the untamed aspects of God's creation.

One of the most vivid depictions of wild beasts along riverbanks is found in the book of Job. In Job 40:23, the Behemoth is described as being untroubled by the turbulent waters of the Jordan River: "Though the river rages, it is unafraid; it is secure, though the Jordan should surge against its mouth." This imagery highlights the strength and majesty of the Behemoth, a creature that thrives in the riverine environment, undisturbed by the forces that might threaten lesser beings.

The prophet Jeremiah also alludes to the presence of wild beasts along riverbanks. In Jeremiah 49:19, the Lord speaks of bringing an enemy against Edom, comparing the approach to a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan: "Behold, one will come up like a lion from the thickets of the Jordan to a perennially watered pasture." This metaphor underscores the ferocity and suddenness of the attack, drawing on the image of a lion emerging from the dense vegetation that lines the river.

The riverbanks of the Jordan, in particular, are noted for their dense growth and the presence of dangerous animals. In the biblical context, the Jordan River serves as a significant geographical and spiritual boundary, and its banks are often depicted as wild and untamed. The thickets along the Jordan are home to lions and other predators, as suggested in the aforementioned passages.

In the New Testament, while the focus shifts more towards the spiritual symbolism of water and rivers, the natural setting remains an important backdrop. John the Baptist's ministry at the Jordan River (Matthew 3:1-6) takes place in a wilderness area, which would have been familiar to the people of the time as a place where wild animals roamed.

The presence of wild beasts along riverbanks in the Bible serves as a reminder of the untamed and powerful aspects of God's creation. These settings are often used to illustrate spiritual truths, emphasizing the need for faith and reliance on God in the face of danger and uncertainty. The imagery of wild beasts at the river's edge evokes both the beauty and the peril of the natural world, reflecting the complexity of the relationship between humanity and creation as ordained by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:19
Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the Amanos, along the banks of rivers, near springs ... villas and gardens, along the
river-banks furnished in ... of Damascus, in the districts frequented by Bedouin ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... the right a tribute from the rivers which furrow ... they were scarcely settled upon
the banks of the ... the possession of which birds and wild beasts disputed with ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... no trees are to be seen, except a few on the banks of rivers or ponds, but ... The fauna
include, besides wild beasts of the more formidable kinds, such as lions ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... on its right and left banks, as if ... The mountains, rivers, towns, and fortresses in
Palestine and ... undoubtedly followed the routes already frequented by caravans ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... in honour of the river Dareja, on the banks of which he ... to guard it from the attacks
of beasts of prey ... Croesus, having sown his wild oats, was anxious to regain ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... travels with less fanciful notions concerning the nature of the regions frequented
by them ... hands, and their burial-place was still shown near the banks of the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm