Topical Bible: The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To

◄ The Dog: Things Torn by Beasts Given To ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, dogs were often viewed with disdain and were not typically kept as household pets as they are in many cultures today. Instead, they were considered unclean animals, often associated with scavenging and wild behavior. This perception is reflected in various scriptural references where dogs are mentioned in contexts that highlight their role as consumers of refuse or carrion.

One notable instance where dogs are mentioned in relation to consuming things torn by beasts is found in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 22:31, the Israelites are instructed, "You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs." . This directive underscores the separation between the holy and the profane, as well as the dietary laws that set the Israelites apart from other nations. The meat of an animal that had been torn by beasts was considered unclean and unsuitable for consumption by God's people, thus it was to be discarded to the dogs, which were seen as fitting recipients of such refuse.

The role of dogs in consuming what is unfit for human consumption is further illustrated in the narrative of Jezebel's demise. In 2 Kings 9:36, it is recounted that after Jezebel's death, her body was devoured by dogs, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by Elijah. This event not only signifies the ignominious end of a wicked queen but also reinforces the cultural view of dogs as creatures that dispose of what is defiled or cursed.

In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of dogs continues, often symbolizing those who are outside the covenant community or who exhibit behavior contrary to the teachings of Christ. In Philippians 3:2, Paul warns the believers, "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" . Here, "dogs" is used metaphorically to describe false teachers and those who would lead the faithful astray, emphasizing the need for vigilance and discernment within the Christian community.

The biblical portrayal of dogs, particularly in the context of consuming things torn by beasts, serves as a vivid illustration of the distinction between the sacred and the profane. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the call for God's people to maintain purity in their practices and associations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:31
And you shall be holy men to me: neither shall you eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; you shall cast it to the dogs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter viii. To Demophilus, Therapeutes. About Minding Ones Own ...
... to me a calf, (is) as he who slays a dog," and to ... to the knowledge of God, so that
the things disputed by ... the house in which he stood, first torn asunder, and ...
/.../letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter viii to demophilus therapeutes.htm

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
... but the Scripture frequently illustrates great things by contrasting them ... you would
see his heart torn to pieces ... willingly change conditions with a dog; and be ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxv opposition to messiah.htm

The Best Strengthening Medicine
... tunic of Hercules, which could not be torn away, but ... As a dog, which is chased away
from the house ... Above all things, dread the intoxicating cup in all its forms ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the best strengthening medicine.htm

part viii.
... it ought to be avoided as a dog's vomit or ... the masters of vessels, to publish these
things everywhere, and ... was seized, and barely escaped being torn to pieces ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Matt. viii. 23, 24
... Nor indeed is it possible for a soul, torn away from ... let his face be made up of a
dog and of ... yet fashioned him worthily; for together with these things we must ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxviii matt viii 23.htm

Christ Teaching by Parables
... It makes me like school; and even disagreeable things are pleasant ... They expected
to see the poor slave torn to pieces ... began to fondle him, as a pet dog would do ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by parables.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... that any stick will do to beat a dog with, so ... They are sure that they shall be torn
in pieces, though ... all is sluggishness itself, aversion to the things of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

The Fifth Theological Oration.
... And what about the Dog, now terrestrial, now aquatic, now ... is no distinction in time,
nor are they torn away from ... as there is in the Sun and the things that are ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the fifth theological oration.htm

Documents Connected with the Council of Tyre.
... the members of God have been heretofore torn asunder, and ... can be arrived at, than
that these things were done ... scouted by them all, like a dog [730] , although ...
/.../chapter vi documents connected with the.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... and pay shameless worship to a boy torn in pieces ... is fabled and invented; and those
things which are ... Leucopolites a wolf, the Cynopolites a dog, the Memphites ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm