Topical Bible: The Bear: Particularly Fierce when Deprived of Its Young

◄ The Bear: Particularly Fierce when Deprived of Its Young ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the bear is often depicted as a symbol of ferocity and strength, particularly when it is deprived of its young. This imagery is used to convey the intensity of anger and the potential for violence when provoked. The bear's behavior serves as a powerful metaphor in various scriptural passages, illustrating the dangers of provoking wrath and the protective instincts inherent in creation.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 17:8 : "You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors and as fierce as a bear robbed of her cubs in the field." In this passage, Hushai the Arkite warns Absalom about the potential danger of attacking King David and his men. The comparison to a bear robbed of her cubs underscores the ferocity and unpredictability of David's warriors, suggesting that they would fight with the same intensity and desperation as a mother bear protecting her young.

2. Proverbs 17:12 : "It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly." This proverb highlights the extreme danger posed by a fool acting in his folly, suggesting that encountering such a person is even more perilous than facing an enraged bear. The imagery of the bear emphasizes the severity and potential harm that can arise from foolishness.

3. Hosea 13:8 : "Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them open. I will devour them like a lion, and the wild beasts will rip them apart." Here, the prophet Hosea conveys God's impending judgment on Israel due to their unfaithfulness. The comparison to a bear robbed of her cubs illustrates the intensity and inevitability of divine retribution, portraying God as a powerful force that cannot be resisted when provoked by sin.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The bear, particularly when deprived of its young, serves as a vivid symbol of protective aggression and the natural instinct to defend one's offspring. In the biblical narrative, this imagery is employed to communicate the seriousness of certain situations, whether it be the potential wrath of a warrior, the danger of folly, or the certainty of divine judgment.

From a theological perspective, the bear's behavior can be seen as a reflection of God's own protective nature over His people. Just as a bear fiercely defends her cubs, God is portrayed as a defender of His covenant and a protector of His faithful. However, when provoked by disobedience or sin, His response can be as fierce and unyielding as that of a bear deprived of her young.

The use of the bear in these contexts serves as a reminder of the natural order established by God, where strength and protection are inherent qualities. It also underscores the importance of wisdom, obedience, and reverence in maintaining harmony with God's will, as the consequences of folly and rebellion can be as dire as facing an enraged bear.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 17:8
For, said Hushai, you know your father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the people on whom it was brought to bear. ... and among whom the ancient historians
particularly make mention ... A fierce rivalry existed between those of his sons ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Papal Tombs.
... at His coming; but, not being particularly successful in the ... about forty years old,
of a fierce and cruel ... proposed by Michelangelo; in fact, they bear a strong ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... a wild beast when irritated and very fierce and savage ... 15:33 ), at all times indeed,
but particularly in calamities ... If then we bear [losses] thankfully, we shall ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx hebrews x 26.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... Fierce, indeed, are our trials. ... When we marched next day I was compelled to bear
a gun and ... 6th."Last evening EWH saw IN particularly on my behalf, I suppose. ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... They bear the dates of the 26th, 27th, 28th, 30th, and 36th years ... raided, the priests
heavily fined, and the oracle of Buto deprived of its possessions as a ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... three thousand of its defenders:"some of its garrison were condemned to the stake,
some had their hands, noses, or ears cut off, others were deprived of sight ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... heretical, excited afresh the rage of the fierce Geiserich. ... their doctrine, but would
seek to bear it down ... died for us." The Arians tried particularly to shake ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

St. Augustine (Ad 354-430)
... as he could do so without being particularly noticed, he ... James 3:17), this religion
was fierce and savage ... terrible sufferings which others have to bear in the ...
/.../chapter xxi st augustine ad.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... thousands of men among them, all able to bear arms, they ... Manasseh, now deprived of
a chief, and given up to ... further enfeebled, and an easy prey to its rivals. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... the males of an age to bear arms, and ... and there fought a battle, "fierce, various,
obstinate ... that these locust-warriors were particularly commissioned against ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm