Topical Encyclopedia In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, dogs were generally viewed with disdain and considered unclean animals. This perception is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible, where dogs are often associated with negative imagery and symbolism.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Unclean Animals: In the Jewish dietary laws, dogs were considered unclean animals. They were not included among the animals that could be eaten or used for sacrificial purposes. This classification contributed to their low status in Jewish society. 2. Symbol of Contempt: Dogs are frequently used in the Bible as symbols of contempt and derogation. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:43, Goliath, the Philistine giant, expresses his disdain for David by asking, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" This rhetorical question underscores the low regard in which dogs were held. 3. Association with Wickedness: Dogs are often associated with wickedness and evil behavior. In Philippians 3:2, Paul warns the believers to "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, "dogs" is a metaphor for false teachers and those who lead others astray. 4. Scavengers and Outcasts: In ancient times, dogs were typically not domesticated pets but rather scavengers that roamed the streets. This is evident in passages like 1 Kings 14:11, where it is prophesied that "Dogs will eat those belonging to Jeroboam who die in the city." Such imagery highlights their role as unclean scavengers. 5. Proverbial Use: The Book of Proverbs uses dogs in proverbial expressions to convey moral lessons. Proverbs 26:11 states, "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." This vivid imagery serves to illustrate the foolishness of repeating one's mistakes. 6. Gentiles and Outsiders: In the New Testament, dogs are sometimes used metaphorically to refer to Gentiles or those outside the covenant community of Israel. In Matthew 15:26, Jesus uses the term in a conversation with a Canaanite woman, saying, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." This reflects the prevailing Jewish view of Gentiles as outsiders. 7. End Times Imagery: In the apocalyptic literature of Revelation, dogs are listed among those who are excluded from the holy city. Revelation 22:15 states, "Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This reinforces their symbolic association with impurity and exclusion from the divine presence. Cultural Context The negative perception of dogs in biblical times can be attributed to their role as scavengers and their association with uncleanliness. Unlike in modern Western societies, where dogs are often cherished as pets, in ancient Israel, they were largely seen as nuisances and threats to cleanliness and order. This cultural backdrop is essential for understanding the biblical references to dogs and their symbolic use in Scripture. Conclusion The depiction of dogs in the Bible reflects the broader cultural and religious attitudes of ancient Israel. As symbols of impurity, wickedness, and exclusion, dogs serve as powerful metaphors in biblical literature, illustrating moral and spiritual truths. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 3:8Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do show kindness this day to the house of Saul your father, to his brothers, and to his friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of David, that you charge me to day with a fault concerning this woman? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Barriers Broken Down On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ... Three Names High on the Muster-Roll The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70 Epistle cxxvii. From S. Columbanus to Pope Gregory . Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted. Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ... The Greatest Trial on Record Paracelsus {13} Resources What did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Calebite? | GotQuestions.org Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org Dog: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dog (Sodomite?): Dumb and Sleeping Dog (Sodomite?): Epithet of Contempt Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Lapping of Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Blood Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Licking Sores Dog (Sodomite?): Habits of Returns to Eat his own Vomit Dog (Sodomite?): Price of, not to be Brought Into the Sanctuary Dog (Sodomite?): Shepherd Dogs The Dog: (Dumb) of Unfaithful Ministers The Dog: Dangerous and Destructive The Dog: Infested Cities by Night The Dog: Manner of, in Drinking Alluded To The Dog: Nothing Holy to be Given To The Dog: Price of, not to be Consecrated The Dog: Sacrificing of, an Abomination The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To The Dog: when Domesticated: Employed in Watching Flocks The Dog: when Domesticated: Fed With the Crumbs Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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