Topical Encyclopedia
The term "prowl" is often associated with stealthy or secretive movement, typically with the intent to hunt or seek something. In the context of the Bible, the concept of prowling is frequently linked to the actions of adversaries, both human and spiritual, who seek to cause harm or lead believers astray.
Biblical References:1.
1 Peter 5:8 · "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
This verse vividly illustrates the devil's relentless pursuit of believers, likening him to a lion on the hunt. The imagery of prowling emphasizes the danger and cunning nature of the devil, urging Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.
2.
Job 1:7 · "The LORD said to Satan, 'From where have you come?' Satan answered the LORD, 'From roaming through the earth and walking back and forth on it.'"
While the term "prowl" is not explicitly used here, the description of Satan's movement across the earth conveys a similar sense of restlessness and intent to observe or influence human affairs. This passage underscores the adversarial role of Satan as he seeks opportunities to challenge the faithfulness of God's people.
3.
Psalm 10:9 · "He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the oppressed when he draws them into his net."
Although the word "prowl" is not directly mentioned, the imagery of lurking and lying in wait parallels the concept. This verse describes the wicked as predators, preying on the vulnerable and oppressed, highlighting the need for divine justice and protection.
Theological Implications:The notion of prowling in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual warfare that believers face. It reflects the constant vigilance required to resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy. The devil's prowling is a reminder of the spiritual reality that Christians must navigate, emphasizing the importance of prayer, discernment, and reliance on God's strength.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to be "sober-minded and alert" (
1 Peter 5:8), recognizing the subtle and persistent nature of spiritual threats. This involves cultivating a strong relationship with God through prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. By doing so, Christians can stand firm against the prowling adversary and remain faithful to their calling in Christ.
Related Concepts:·
Spiritual Warfare: The ongoing battle between good and evil, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God (
Ephesians 6:10-18) to withstand the devil's schemes.
·
Vigilance: The practice of being watchful and alert to spiritual dangers, as exemplified by Jesus' admonition to "watch and pray" (
Matthew 26:41).
·
Protection: The assurance of God's protection for His people, as seen in promises like
Psalm 91:4, where God is described as a refuge and fortress.
In summary, the concept of prowling in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual vigilance required to navigate the challenges of faith, underscoring the need for reliance on God's strength and wisdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To rove over, through, or about in a stealthy manner; esp., to search in, as for prey or booty.
2. (v. t.) To collect by plunder; as, to prowl money.
3. (v. i.) To rove or wander stealthily, esp. for prey, as a wild beast; hence, to prey; to plunder.
4. (n.) The act of prowling.
Strong's Hebrew
1980. halak -- to go, come, walk... forth (1), parades (1), passes (1), passing (1), patrol (2), patrolled (2), pressed
heavier (1), proceed (2), proceed* (1), proceeded (4),
prowl (1), prowled (1
...7430. ramas -- to creep, move lightly, move about
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to creep, move lightly, move about NASB Word
Usage creep (1), creeps (7), moved (1), moves (6),prowl about (1), swarm (1)....
Library
Stichera for the Second Week of the Great Fast.
... Christian! dost thou see them. On the holy ground,. How the troops of Midian.Prowl
andprowl around? Christian! up and smite them,. Counting gain but loss:...
Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the...
... "Like gaunt wolves rushing from their den,. Whom lawless hunger's sullen growl.
Drives forth into the night toprowl." [983]. But these...
Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... So a lion from the jungle shall smite them, 6 A wolf of the waste destroy, The leopard
shallprowl round their towns, All faring forth shall be torn....
The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... A lion from the jungle shall smite, A wolf from the wastes undo them, The leopard
shallprowl round their towns, All faring forth shall be torn....
Matt. x. 16
... upon our enemies. For so long as we are sheep, we conquer: though ten thousand
wolvesprowl around, we overcome and prevail. But if...
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... forth, some of them to beg their bread, some of them to serve under the banners
of Don Carlos in Spain, and many, as I have been informed, toprowl about as...
There was True Justice under Saturnus, but it was Banished by...
... the whole world? "He gave to the black serpents their noxious poison,. And
ordered wolves toprowl;" [969]. that is, he introduced...
Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... How the troops of Midian.Prowl andprowl around? So wrote Neale. Barrett found
the reference to Midian, and (we may suspect) the wordprowl', rather grotesque....
The Children and the Dogs
... He might have used an epithet suitable for those fierce creatures whichprowl through
Eastern streets at night without any master, living upon refuse, a peril...
2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... Death would only the more certainly overtake thee, when there were none to prepare
bread or till the earth for thee; wild beasts wouldprowl around, and the...
Thesaurus
Prowl (6 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) To collect by plunder; as, to
prowl money. 3. (vi) To rove or wander
stealthily, esp.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Prowl (6 Occurrences).
...Prowling (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofProwl. 2. (a.) Accustomed toprowl, or engaged in roving
stealthily, as for prey. Multi-Version Concordance Prowling (3 Occurrences)....
Owl (11 Occurrences)
... habits. 2. (n.) A variety of the domestic pigeon. 3. (vi) To pry about;
toprowl. 4. (vi) To carry wool or sheep out of England....
Prowled (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofProwl. Multi-Version Concordance
Prowled (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 19:6 He went up and down...
Prow (2 Occurrences)
Snarling (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Psalms 59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs, andprowl around the
city. (See NIV). Psalms 59:7 Behold, they spew with their mouth....
Abuse (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Psalms 55:10 Day and night theyprowl around
on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. (WEB NIV)....
Dogs (30 Occurrences)
... of the dog. (See NIV). Psalms 59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs,
andprowl around the city. (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 59:14...
Malice (24 Occurrences)
... Psalms 41:5 My enemies speak evil against me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
(See RSV NIV). Psalms 55:10 Day and night theyprowl around on its walls....
Dog (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 59:6 They return
at evening, howling like dogs, andprowl around the city....
Resources
What is Lectio Divina? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgProwl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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