Topical Bible: The Devil: Compared to a Wolf

◄ The Devil: Compared to a Wolf ►

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In the Bible, the devil is often depicted as a cunning and dangerous adversary, and one of the metaphors used to describe his nature is that of a wolf. This comparison highlights the devil's predatory instincts, his deceptive nature, and his relentless pursuit of the vulnerable.

Predatory Nature

Wolves are known for their predatory behavior, often stalking and attacking their prey with precision and ferocity. Similarly, the devil is portrayed as a predator seeking to devour those who are unsuspecting or weak in faith. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are warned, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." While this verse uses the imagery of a lion, the concept of a predatory threat is consistent with the wolf metaphor, emphasizing the devil's relentless pursuit of souls.

Deceptive Tactics

Wolves are also known for their cunning and ability to deceive. They often work in packs, using strategy and teamwork to isolate and overpower their prey. The devil employs similar tactics, using deception and lies to lead people astray. In John 8:44 , Jesus describes the devil as "a liar and the father of lies," highlighting his use of deceit to achieve his ends. This aligns with the image of a wolf in sheep's clothing, as mentioned in Matthew 7:15 : "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Here, the devil's ability to disguise himself and his intentions is underscored, warning believers to be vigilant against false teachings and appearances.

Relentless Pursuit

Wolves are persistent hunters, often tracking their prey over long distances. This relentless pursuit mirrors the devil's determination to lead believers away from God. In Ephesians 6:11-12 , Paul urges Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The devil's schemes are ongoing and require constant vigilance and spiritual preparedness from believers.

Vulnerability of the Flock

The metaphor of the devil as a wolf also underscores the vulnerability of the flock, or the community of believers. Just as wolves target isolated or weak members of a herd, the devil seeks to exploit those who are spiritually isolated or weak in faith. In Acts 20:29-30 , Paul warns the Ephesian elders, "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them." This passage highlights the internal and external threats posed by the devil, urging the community to remain united and steadfast in truth.

Protection and Resistance

While the devil is likened to a wolf, believers are not left defenseless. Scripture provides guidance on how to resist the devil's attacks. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." By submitting to God and standing firm in faith, believers can overcome the devil's predatory advances. Additionally, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is portrayed as the protector of the flock, as seen in John 10:11 : "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Through Christ's sacrifice and guidance, believers find safety and assurance against the devil's schemes.

In summary, the comparison of the devil to a wolf in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of his predatory, deceptive, and relentless nature. Believers are called to remain vigilant, united, and steadfast in their faith, relying on the protection and guidance of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:12
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Before conversion the sinner is compared to a wolf for his ... There is a story of one
who gave his soul to the devil, who was saved through the prayers of ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... from truth they swerved to become followers of the devil. ... wolf, Zebee, a victim,
namely of the wolf; for he ... they rule but as servants, and compared with the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
... of the forests made their lairs; and, again, he compared her to ... heaven.6 For the
priests have put the devil into the ... he came down upon them like a wolf on the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v gregory the patriarch.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb and the leopard shall lie ... The devil was the
first peace-breaker ... How many in our days may be compared to Samson's foxtails ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.htm

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... The graces of the Spirit are compared to water (Isaiah 44:3 ... The devil can silver
over false comforts and make them ... Guilt is a wolf which feeds in the breast of ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/11 the comforts belonging to.htm

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
... support it, restrain and oppose him as a wolf and tyrant ... work, and much like playing
toss with a devil in hell. ... by them; but they are as nothing compared to the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/ii of the matters to.htm

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth
... and now He thrusts Himself into the wolf's den. ... among them, was in league with the
devil, rather than ... Him?' The character and work of Christ, compared with the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the master rejected the servants.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... who are not present), he comes like a wolf upon a ... be afraid of the demons, nor of
the devil; for mightier ... present time art not worthy to be compared with the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

Narrative of Events at Alexandria in the Time of Lucius the Arian ...
... why recount woes which seem small when compared with greater ... the bad character and
conduct of a wolf. ... to superstition, [749] where flourish the devil's ways of ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xix narrative of events at.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... dwelling on the cause, [743]291; compared to childbirth ... Devil, the, tempts to curiosity
in Divine mysteries, [745 ... the mysteries, [750]167; called a wolf, a lion ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm