Topical Bible: The Devil: Compared to a Fowler

◄ The Devil: Compared to a Fowler ►

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In biblical literature, the Devil is often depicted using various metaphors and symbols to convey his nature and methods. One such metaphor is that of a fowler, a hunter of birds, which illustrates the cunning and deceptive tactics employed by the Devil to ensnare the unwary.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The imagery of a fowler is vividly portrayed in the Psalms, where the psalmist seeks deliverance from the snares set by such a hunter. Psalm 91:3 states, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." Here, the fowler's snare symbolizes the traps and temptations laid by the Devil to capture and destroy the souls of the faithful.

The fowler's methods are subtle and calculated, much like the Devil's. Just as a fowler uses bait and camouflage to deceive birds, the Devil employs lies, half-truths, and appealing temptations to lead individuals away from righteousness. This comparison underscores the need for vigilance and spiritual discernment among believers.

The Devil's Deceptive Tactics

The New Testament further elaborates on the Devil's deceptive nature. In 2 Corinthians 11:14 , Paul warns, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." This passage highlights the Devil's ability to disguise his true intentions, much like a fowler who conceals his traps. The Devil's allure can appear attractive and harmless, yet it ultimately leads to spiritual peril.

The Apostle Peter also cautions believers to remain alert, describing the Devil as a prowling adversary. In 1 Peter 5:8 , he writes, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." While the imagery here is of a lion, the underlying message aligns with the fowler metaphor: the Devil is constantly on the hunt, seeking to ensnare those who are not watchful.

Protection and Deliverance

The Bible assures believers of God's protection against the Devil's schemes. In Ephesians 6:11 , Paul instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God, which serve as defenses against the snares of the fowler.

Moreover, the promise of deliverance from the fowler's snare is a recurring theme in Scripture. Psalm 124:7 declares, "We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away." This verse emphasizes God's power to break the Devil's traps and grant freedom to those who trust in Him.

Conclusion

The comparison of the Devil to a fowler serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual dangers that believers face. It calls for constant vigilance, reliance on God's protection, and the application of spiritual wisdom to avoid falling prey to the Devil's cunning devices.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 91:3
Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Snare of the Fowler
... The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman: he does not ... Satan is always a fowler. ...
Men are here compared to silly, weak birds, that have not skill enough ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Of the Union of Our Will with God's in the Inspirations which are ...
... feet, remembering that our Saviour had compared himself to ... says the glorious S. Bernard,
the devil deludes us ... If the fowler go straight to the partridge's nest ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi of the union 2.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... it proves that you are under
the power of the devil. ... bird out of the snare of the fowler: that fowler ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... must be another hidden will which is compared to " a ... most useful consideration is,
that God arms the devil, as well ... thee from the snare of the fowler, and from ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Secret Sins
... day when a crowd shall be assembled, compared with which ... That way of cheating the
devil is a thing which ... Yon bird, taken in the fowler's net, and labouring to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/secret sins.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... how befilthying a thing it is, it is compared to a ... A man may be wonderfully moralised,
yet but a tame devil. ... The fowler holds the bird fast enough by a wing or ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... snare and bliss, And how it may this fowler's net escape ... All which my ways the devil
imitates To catch men ... Few, or none, may with thee compared be, A beggar made ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... but the very witchcraft, and enchantments of the devil. ... holiness and righteousness
that Mr. Fowler hath been ... best estate; but earthly, when compared with Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

An Address to the Regenerate, Founded on the Preceding Discourses.
... want, which is by any means to be compared with these ... and difficult to break through;
and as the devil and his ... them back into the snare of the fowler; let me ...
/.../doddridge/practical discourses on regeneration/discourse x an address to.htm

Saved by Grace;
... True, sick-bed temptations are ofttimes the most violent, because then the devil
plays his ... of which is set forth by several things"1. It is compared to "the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm