Topical Bible: The Dog: Fond of Blood

◄ The Dog: Fond of Blood ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, dogs were often viewed with disdain and associated with uncleanliness and savagery. The term "dog" is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize impurity, aggression, and a lack of spiritual discernment. This negative connotation is evident in various passages where dogs are depicted as creatures fond of blood and violence.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, dogs are often portrayed as scavengers, feeding on the remains of the dead. This imagery is vividly illustrated in the account of Jezebel's death. After her demise, it was prophesied that "the dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel" (2 Kings 9:10). This prophecy was fulfilled when dogs consumed her flesh, leaving only her skull, feet, and hands (2 Kings 9:35-36). The gruesome fate of Jezebel underscores the association of dogs with death and bloodshed.

Another instance is found in the account of Naboth's vineyard. After King Ahab and Queen Jezebel conspired to have Naboth killed, Elijah prophesied that "dogs will lick up your blood" (1 Kings 21:19). This prophecy was realized when Ahab's blood was indeed licked by dogs after his death in battle (1 Kings 22:38).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "dog" continues to carry a derogatory connotation. In Philippians 3:2, Paul warns believers to "watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil," using the term metaphorically to describe false teachers and those who pervert the gospel. Here, the imagery of dogs as bloodthirsty and dangerous is applied to those who threaten the spiritual well-being of the church.

Additionally, in Revelation 22:15, dogs are listed among those who are excluded from the holy city: "Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood" . This passage reinforces the idea of dogs as symbols of impurity and moral corruption.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In the ancient Near East, dogs were not typically domesticated as they are today. They roamed in packs and were often seen as nuisances or threats. This cultural context helps explain the biblical portrayal of dogs as creatures associated with blood and violence. Their scavenging behavior and tendency to feed on carrion made them apt symbols for death and destruction.

The biblical depiction of dogs as fond of blood serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual and moral decay. It highlights the dangers of impurity and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of dogs serves as a warning against the perils of sin and the importance of maintaining spiritual vigilance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 21:19
And you shall speak to him, saying, Thus said the LORD, Have you killed, and also taken possession? And you shall speak to him, saying, Thus said the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your blood, even yours.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:38
And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armor; according to the word of the LORD which he spoke.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Creaturely Man.
... be foolish on that ground to call the dog half human ... the days of his childhood, when
one is fond of tales ... record the history of our own flesh and blood, of our ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/vii the creaturely man.htm

The Burning of Hus.
... He would be as useful as a dumb dog, who cannot bark, to a flock of ... Fond
women"sentimental, as usual"dipped their handkerchiefs in the blood of the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ii the burning of.htm

Looking unto Jesus
... they be, they can find a kind and fond solution here ... your repentance that saves you;
it is just the blood of Christ ... When that great black dog of hell is after you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/looking unto jesus.htm

Home-Discipline.
... their faults by drawing them to Him in fond embrace, in ... It reminds one of the laws
of Draco, written in blood. ... The urchin was, nevertheless, an audacious dog. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

Eutyches and Philip in Profundis
... of whom the exiled John was so fond, who were ... had gleamed so brightly, had become
red as blood, and had ... And you, you young dog of a prisoner!' shouted the judge ...
/.../chapter lvi eutyches and philip.htm

The Security of the Church
... The bull of Bashan and the dog of Belial, the mighty ... Now these dear brethren are
very fond of man's responsibility ... preach a sermon that sent my blood through my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

The Labours of John Cennick, 1739-1755.
... Abbey an ingenious shepherd dressed up his dog as a ... He was far too fond, like most
of the Brethren, of ... there must have been an unhealthy taint in his blood. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xi the labours of.htm

The Careless Sinner Awakened.
... you think not of the circulation of the blood, or of ... take a little kind notice of
a dog, and feed ... return home, will try, by a thousand fond, transported motions ...
/.../chapter ii the careless sinner.htm

Enduring to the End
... knew how to reap the harvest which had been sown in blood? ... that the dog, though it
did vomit, always was a dog. ... that word rest"some of us are very fond of it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
... It is better," he said, "to tie a dog to a ... care, and is said to have been particularly
fond of a ... the watch-fires' glare, and prayed till the blood was dripping ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v gregory the patriarch.htm