Topical Encyclopedia
The term "she-lion" refers to the female lion, often used in biblical literature to symbolize strength, ferocity, and the protective nature of a mother. In the Bible, lions are frequently mentioned as symbols of power and majesty, and the she-lion, by extension, embodies these attributes with a focus on nurturing and protection.
Biblical References:While the specific term "she-lion" is not directly used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is present in various passages where lions are mentioned, and the context implies the presence of female lions. The imagery of lions, including she-lions, is used to convey messages of divine strength, judgment, and the natural order established by God.
1.
Symbol of Strength and Majesty: Lions, including she-lions, are often depicted as symbols of strength and majesty. In the book of Job, God uses the imagery of lions to illustrate His power and the order of creation.
Job 38:39-40 states, "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness or satisfy the hunger of the young lions when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?" This passage highlights the natural instincts and strength of the lioness as a provider and protector.
2.
Judgment and Destruction: The ferocity of lions, including she-lions, is sometimes used to symbolize divine judgment and destruction. In
Hosea 13:7-8 , God declares, "So I will pounce on them like a lion; like a leopard on the path I will lurk. Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast would tear them apart." Here, the imagery of a protective and fierce she-lion is invoked to describe the intensity of God's judgment against Israel's unfaithfulness.
3.
Protection and Nurturing: The protective nature of the she-lion is also a metaphor for God's care and protection over His people. While not explicitly mentioned as a she-lion, the nurturing aspect is evident in the broader biblical narrative where God is often compared to a protective parent. The she-lion, as a mother, embodies this protective instinct, ensuring the safety and well-being of her cubs.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, lions were prevalent and feared predators, often associated with royalty and divine power. The she-lion, as part of this imagery, would have been understood as a powerful and protective figure. The biblical authors used this common understanding to convey messages about God's nature and His relationship with His people.
Theological Significance:The she-lion serves as a powerful symbol in biblical theology, representing both the nurturing and fierce aspects of God's character. The imagery of the she-lion underscores the balance of God's love and justice, His protection and His power. Through the metaphor of the she-lion, believers are reminded of God's unwavering strength and His commitment to care for and protect His creation.
Concordance
She-lion (8 Occurrences)Numbers 23:24
See, Israel comes up like ashe-lion, lifting himself up like a lion: he will take no rest till he has made a meal of those he has overcome, drinking the blood of those he has put to death.
(BBE)
Numbers 24:9
He took his sleep stretched out like a lion, and like ashe-lion: by whom will his rest be broken? May a blessing be on everyone who gives you blessing, and a curse on everyone by whom you are cursed.
(BBE)
Deuteronomy 33:20
Of Gad he said, A blessing be on him who makes wide the limits of Gad: he takes his rest like ashe-lion, taking for himself the arm and the crown of the head.
(BBE)
Job 4:11
The old lion comes to his end for need of food, and the young of theshe-lion go wandering in all directions.
(BBE)
Job 38:39
Do you go after food for theshe-lion, or get meat so that the young lions may have enough,
(BBE)
Isaiah 30:6
The word about the Beasts of the South. Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on the backs of young asses, and their stores on camels, to a people in whom is no profit.
(BBE)
Ezekiel 19:2
What was your mother? Like ashe-lion among lions, stretched out among the young lions she gave food to her little ones.
(BBE)
Nahum 2:11
Where is the lions' hole, the place where the young lions got their food, where the lion and theshe-lion were walking with their young, without cause for fear?
(BBE)
Thesaurus
She-lion (8 Occurrences)She-
lion. Shelf,
She-
lion. She-lions . Multi-Version Concordance
She-
lion (8 Occurrences). Numbers 23:24 See, Israel
...Shelf (5 Occurrences)
Envoys (16 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
Darting (4 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
Adders (4 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
She-lions (2 Occurrences)
She-lions.She-lion, She-lions. Shelishiyah . Multi-Version Concordance
She-lions (2 Occurrences).... (BBE).She-lion, She-lions. Shelishiyah . Reference
Snakes (25 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
Limits (69 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 33:20 Of Gad he said, A blessing be on him who makes wide the limits
of Gad: he takes his rest like ashe-lion, taking for himself the arm and the...
Backs (46 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
Snake (43 Occurrences)
... Through the land of trouble and grief, the land of theshe-lion and the voice of
the lion, of the snake and the burning winged snake, they take their wealth on...
Resources
What are the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Christian themes in Prince Caspian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Christian themes in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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