Topical Bible: The Dog of Persecutors

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In biblical literature, the term "dog" often carries a negative connotation, symbolizing impurity, uncleanliness, and sometimes, persecution. The imagery of dogs is used metaphorically to describe those who oppose or persecute the righteous, often in a derogatory sense. This entry explores the symbolic use of "dogs" in the context of persecution, drawing from various scriptural references.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, dogs are frequently associated with uncleanness and are often depicted as scavengers. In 1 Kings 21:23, the prophet Elijah prophesies that dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel, symbolizing divine judgment upon her wickedness. This imagery underscores the idea of dogs as instruments of divine retribution against the unrighteous.

Psalm 22, a messianic psalm, vividly portrays the suffering of the righteous one surrounded by enemies. Verse 16 states, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet." Here, "dogs" metaphorically represent the persecutors who encircle and afflict the psalmist, foreshadowing the suffering of Christ on the cross.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the term "dog" continues to carry a pejorative sense. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus warns, "Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces." This admonition suggests that those who are hostile to the gospel, likened to dogs, will not appreciate or respect the sacred truths of the faith.

Philippians 3:2 further illustrates this metaphorical use: "Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!" Here, the Apostle Paul warns the Philippian church against false teachers who pervert the gospel, equating them with "dogs" to emphasize their corrupt and dangerous nature.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The use of "dogs" as a symbol for persecutors in the Bible reflects the cultural and religious context of the ancient Near East, where dogs were often seen as unclean animals. This symbolism serves to highlight the contempt and hostility faced by the faithful from those who oppose God's truth.

In a broader theological sense, the "dog of persecutors" represents the spiritual and moral opposition that believers encounter in a fallen world. The imagery serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations that accompany the path of righteousness, as well as the ultimate vindication and justice that God promises to His people.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of dogs as persecutors underscores the reality of opposition faced by the faithful throughout history. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the assurance of God's ultimate victory over all forms of persecution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 22:16,20
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Danger of Death
... and his tutor, who should have been his comrades, were his persecutors; two years
in ... him for a little while, Stanislaus saw an enormous black dog with glaring ...
/.../chapter viii in danger of.htm

Still Another Triplet
... Hence, this second injunction, of blessing the persecutors, comes as a kind of play
upon ... is rare, but hostility of ill-will more or less may well dog our steps ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet.htm

Psalm XXII.
... "I was poured out like water," when My persecutors fell: and through fear, the stays
of My body, that is ... "And My only One from the hand of the dog" (ver.20). ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxii.htm

Fire! Fire! Fire!
... The Lord's Church has never been destroyed yet by her persecutors and her trials. ...
Give a dog a bad name and you hang him, give a Christian a bad name and you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/fire fire fire.htm

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
... a devil, and after His death was called a deceiver by His persecutors, when one ... says,
It is happened unto them according to the true proverb; The dog is turned ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlv to theoctista patrician.htm

Against vigilantius.
... of his Lord and the first Christian martyr, entreats pardon for his persecutors;
and when ... Shall Vigilantius the live dog be better than Paul the dead lion? ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against vigilantius.htm

Turn or Burn
... him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors."
Forsooth, because ... yet if thou return, as Scripture has it, "like the dog to its ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

Jesus About his Father's Business
... never defend himself who had not a spark of resentment towards his persecutors,
but "when he ... him turn aside from his course than the baying of the dog can make ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/jesus about his fathers business.htm

Acts x. 44, 46
... entering in, and plying the lash vigorously, as one does to a barking dog, will
not ... But if ye do not believe me, ask the heathen, the persecutors, at what time ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiv acts x 44.htm

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... plucked one limb from another; thou hadst better have been made a dog, a toad ... It
is very probable that his persecutors knew the heroic spirit of this young woman ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr john bunyans dying sayings.htm