This Month's Subject: Animals Used Symbolically

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  30 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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The subject worked out for this month is-
Animals used Symbolically.
It would appear from the papers furnished this month that very few animals indeed can be said to be used in a constantly symbolic sense in Scripture. In many instances certain natural characteristics are taken up to illustrate certain points in the history of a person or nation, but this does not of course justify us in considering the animal itself as symbolic of the person or nation, and this is the more evident from the fact that in many cases the different characteristics of the same animal are used in illustration of different nations. Some animals however come before us prominently both as symbolic and illustrative, and amongst these we may single out the Lamb and the Serpent. In arranging the subject we have included illustrative as well as symbolic uses.
The Lamb.
The Lamb is so pre-eminently typical of our Lord that we have ventured a little more into detail, and print below one of the papers which we have received on the subject, merely remarking in addition that the character of the animal is also used in Scripture as typical of certain graces which were prominent in the Lord's ways on earth.
The Passover lamb Ex. 12 it was to be
1. Without blemish
2. Set apart on the 10th day of the first month, answering to the day described John 12:12-3612On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. 16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 17The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 20And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. 27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12:12‑36).
3. Killed on the 14th day, answering to the day of the Lord's death.
4. The blood ensured the perfect safety of the houses upon which it was put.
5. The flesh was food for the delivered people of God.
6. It was to be eaten with unleavened bread, 1 Cor. 5:7, 87Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (1 Corinthians 5:7‑8).
7. With bitter herbs, repentance and humiliation.
8. It was roasted with fire. Fire, the constant figure of the wrath of God. Isa. 53:1010Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53:10).
9. The eating of the lamb the signal of departure from Egypt, (the world).
10. Not a bone of it to be broken.
11. A stranger not to eat it. 2 Cor. 6:14,14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)
12. A bondsman not to eat it. Gal. 5:1, 21Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. (Galatians 5:1‑2).
A daily sacrifice, Ex. 29:3838Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. (Exodus 29:38). This was of two lambs, one morning, one evening. Thus a perpetual sacrifice was offered, answering to the perpetual value of the one offering of Christ. Other offerings on the following occasions:-
1. For a peace offering. Lev. 2.
2. Sin offering. Lev. 4:32,32And if he bring a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring it a female without blemish. (Leviticus 4:32) (This for one of the common people.) Lev. 5:66And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. (Leviticus 5:6).
3. At the consecration of the priests, on the 8th day. Lev. 9.3
4. At the cleansing of the leper, three lambs. Lev. 14:1010And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil. (Leviticus 14:10).
5. At the waving of the sheaf of the first-fruits. Lev. 23:1212And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:12).
6. At the offering of the first-fruits of bread. Lev. 23:18,1218And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the Lord, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savor unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:18)
12And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:12).
7. At the defilement of the Nazarite. Num. 6:1212And he shall consecrate unto the Lord the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled. (Numbers 6:12).
8. At the expiration of the Nazarite's vow, Num. 6:1414And he shall offer his offering unto the Lord, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, (Numbers 6:14).
9. Two lambs every Sabbath, Num. 28:9, 109And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: 10This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering. (Numbers 28:9‑10). (besides the usual daily offering.)
10. At: the beginning of the months. Num. 28:1111And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot; (Numbers 28:11).
11. At the feast of unleavened bread, Num. 28:1919But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish: (Numbers 28:19). (seven lambs on each of the seven days).
12. At the feast of trumpets. Num. 29:22And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor unto the Lord; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: (Numbers 29:2).
13. On the day of atonement. Num. 29:88But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord for a sweet savor; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish: (Numbers 29:8).
14. At the feast of tabernacles, 14 lambs each of the seven days and 7 lambs on the 8th day (15 times 7). Num. 29:12-3812And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: 13And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, 15And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: 16And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 17And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 19And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings. 20And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish; 21And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 22And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 23And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 25And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 26And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 28And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 29And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 31And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 32And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 35On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: 36But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 38And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. (Numbers 29:12‑38).
In the New Testament, The Lord Jesus, John 1:29, 3629The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! (John 1:36); 1 Peter 1:1919But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:19); Rev. 5:6, 8, 12; 6:166And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6)
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5:8)
12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:12)
16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: (Revelation 6:16) &c. This is the prevailing name given to the Lord Jesus in the Revelation, and in many new connections. Thus we have not only the " Lamb slain," but described as with 7 horns, and 7 eyes, (the power and discernment of the Spirit). We have the Lamb as the object of worship to the 4 living creatures, the elders, the angels, and every creature in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea.
The wrath of the Lamb, 6:16.
Robes washed in the blood of the Lamb, 7:14.
The Lamb as the One who feeds and leads to the living fountains of waters, 7:17.
The blood of the Lamb the victory over the devil, 12:11.
The Lamb as the avenger, 14:10.
The Song of the Lamb, 15:3.
The Lamb as the conqueror of the Beast, and the 10 Kings, 17:14.
The marriage of the Lamb, 19:7.
The Bride the Lamb's wife, 21:9.
The 12 apostles of the Lamb, 21:14.
The Lamb the temple of the City, 21:22.
The Lamb the light of the City, 21:23.
The book of life of the Lamb, 13:8; 21:27.
The throne of the Lamb, 22:1.
We thus have in Scripture the history of the Lord Jesus from the cross to the throne, as the Lamb of God.
 
Animal
Characteristic
Symbolic of
Reference
 
Ass
Generally
Man in need of redemption
Ever firstling of an ass shalt thou redeem, Ex. 13:13
 
 
 
Natural man as stubborn
A bridle for the ass, Prov. 26:3
 
 
 
Ridden on - typical of humility
Lowly and riding on an ass, Zech. 9:9; John 12:14
 
 
White
Place of authority
Speak ye that ride on white asses, Judges 5:10
 
 
Strong
The tribe of Issachar as submitting to bondage
Issachar is a strong ass, couching down between two burdens, Gen. 49:15
 
 
Wild
Natural man as refusing God's authority
For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt, Job. 11:12; 39:5
 
 
 
The Assyrian power
Assyria a wild ass alone by himself, Hos. 8:9
 
 
 
The ungodly generally
As wild asses they go forth, Job. 24:5
 
 
 
Ishmaelites
He will be a wild (Heb. ass) man, Gen. 16:12
 
 
 
Israel as turning away from God
A wild ass used to the wilderness, Jer. 2:24
 
Bear
Lying in wait
Divine judgments
He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, Lam. 3:10
 
 
She-bear
Divine judgments
As a bear robbed of her whelps, Hos. 13:8
 
 
 
Fierceness
As a bear robbed of her whelps, 2 Sam. 17:8; Prov. 7:12
 
 
Ranging
Cruelty
A ranging bear…so is a wicked ruler, Prov. 28:15
 
 
Generally
Kingdom of the Medes
And behold, another beast…like to a bear, Dan. 7:5
 
Calf
Generally
Playfulness
To skip like a calf, Psa. 29:5
 
 
Blood of
Christ as the sin-offering
Neither the blood of goats and calves, &c., Heb. 9:12
 
 
 
As food, symbolic of the best thing that the heart of the giver (God or man) can provide
Bring hither the fatted calf, Luke 15:23; Gen. 18:7; 1 Sam. 28:24; Amos 6:4
 
 
Stalled
Prosperity
Ye shall grow up as the calves of the stall, Mal. 4:2
 
Dog
Generally
That which is unclean
Thou shalt not bring the price of a dog into the house of the Lord, Deut. 23:18; Matt. 7:6
 
 
 
Persecutors
For dogs have compassed me, Psa. 22:16; 59:6, 14
 
 
 
The Gentiles
Is not meet to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs, Matt. 15:27
 
 
 
Backsliders
But it is happened unto them according the true proverb; the dog, &c., 2 Pet. 2:22
 
 
 
False teachers
Beware of dogs, Phil. 3:2
 
 
 
Fools
As a dog returneth to its vomit, Prov. 26:11
 
 
Dog generally, or dead dog
That which is contemptible, insignificant, or vile
Am I a dog that thou comest, &c., 1 Sam. 17:43. After a dead dog, after a flea, 1 Sam. 24:14; 2 Sam. 3:8; 16:9
 
 
Dumb
Unfaithful ministers as to their testimony
His watchmen are blind…they are all dumb dogs, Isa. 56:10
 
 
Greedy
Covetous ministers making a gain of their flock
They all look to their own way, Isa. 56:11
 
Dove
In death
Christ
His offering of turtle doves, Lev. 1:14
 
 
Generally
Beauty and purity especially applied to the bride of Christ
Many passages in the Song of Solomon
 
 
 
Holy Ghost
The Spirit of God descending like a dove, Matt. 3:16
 
 
 
Mourning
I did mourn as a dove, Isa. 38:14; 59:11; Ezek. 7:6
 
 
 
Simplicity as befitting Christ's messengers
Be ye harmless (simple as doves) Matt. 10:16
 
 
Silly
Ephraim
Ephraim also is like a silly dove, Hos. 7:11
 
 
Trial
God's people in affliction
O deliver not the soul of thy turtle dove, Psa. 74:19
 
Eagle
Generally
God's care for His people
I bare you on eagle's wings, Ex. 19:4. As an eagle…fluttereth over her young, so the Lord alone did lead them, Deut. 32:11
 
 
 
Swiftness of divine judgments
The Lord shall bring a nation against them…as the eagle flieth, Deut. 28:49; Hos. 8:1; Hab. 1:8
 
 
 
Swiftness generally
Swifter than the eagles of heaven, Lam. 4:19; Job 9:26
 
 
 
Pride of Edom
The pride of thine heart…though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, Jer. 49:16
 
 
 
Kings of Babylon and Egypt
Ezek. 17:3, 7
 
Fox
Generally
The destruction that shall overtake the enemies of God
They shall be a portion for the foxes, Psa. 63:10
 
 
 
Anything which destroys the communion of the people of God
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines, Song of Sol. 2:15
 
 
 
The desolation that overtook Israel
The mountain of Zion which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it, Lam. 5:18
 
 
 
Deceit
They prophets are like foxes of the desert, Ezek. 13:4
 
 
 
Cunning
Go ye and tell that fox, Luke 8:32
 
Goat
In death
Christ as our passover
Ye shall take it…from the goats, Ex. 12:5; 1 Cor. 5:7
 
 
 
Christ as typified by the various offerings
If his offering be…of the goats, Lev. 1:10
 
 
The two scape goats
Christ in the double aspect of the work of redemption - God-ward, making atonement, man-ward, bearing away sin
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin-offering…and bring his blood within the vail…and he shall make an atonement. And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel…and shall send him away, Lev. 16:15-21
 
 
Rough
King of Greece
Now the rough goat is the king of Grecia, Dan. 8:21
 
 
He-goat
Those who oppress the weak of God's flock
Behold I judge between the rams and the great he-goats, &c., Ezek. 34:18
 
 
Generally
the nations who reject Christ's messengers before the millennium
He shall set…the goats on the left. Then shall He say also to them on the left, Matt. 25:31-46
 
Hart
Generally
Christ
Song of Sol. 2:9, 17, &c.
 
 
 
Earnest desire
As the hart…so panteth my soul after thee, O God, Psa. 42:1
 
 
 
Lightness and joy of heart
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, Isa. 35:6
 
 
 
Time of distress
Her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, Lam. 1:6
 
 
Hinds
Sure footedness
He maketh my feet like hind's feet, Psa. 18:33
 
 
 
A good wife
Let her be as loving as the hind, Prov. 5:19; Hab. 3:18
 
Heifer
In death
Christ as the basis of an abiding covenant
Take me an heifer, Gen. 15:9
 
 
Red
Christ whose blood alone can cleanse guilty Israel from their sin in killing Him
Deut. 21:1-9; see Matt. 27:24, 25
 
 
 
Christ on the ground of whose work the believer is cleansed from defilement contracted during his wilderness journey
A red heifer, without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke, Num. 19
 
 
Fair
Egypt
Egypt is like a very fair heifer, Jer. 46:20
 
 
Generally
Babylon in its pride
Ye are grown fat as heifers at grass, Jer. 50:11
 
 
Backsliding
Ephraim (Israel)
Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, Hos. 10:11
 
 
 
Israel
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer, Hos. 4:16
 
 
Three years old
Moab in affliction
Moab…an heifer of three years old, Isa. 15:5; Jer. 48:34
 
Horse
Generally
Strength and swiftness in which man trusts (but vainly) instead of trusting in God
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength, Psa. 33;17; 20:7; 147:10; Prov. 21:31; Isa. 31:1
 
 
 
Impatience of control and needing firm guidance
Be ye not as the horse and the mule which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, Psa. 32:9; Prov. 26:3; James 3:3
 
 
 
Swiftness of destroying power
His horses are swifter than eagles, Jer. 4:3; 8:36
 
 
 
Blindness of Jerusalem rushing to destruction
As the horse rusheth into the battle, Jer. 8:6
 
 
Goodly
House of Judah
His goodly horse in the battle, Zech. 10:3
 
 
White
Victory
He that sat on him had a bow, Rev. 6:2; 19:11, 14
 
 
Red
Bloodshed
There was given unto him a great sword, Rev. 6:4
 
 
Black
Famine
He that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand, Rev. 6:5
 
 
Pale
Death and hell
His name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him, Rev. 6:7
 
Leopard
Generally
Permanent characteristic of evil
Or the leopard his spots? Jer. 13:23
 
 
 
Fierceness of God's wrath against Israel
A leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out shall be torn in pieces, Jer. 5:6; Hos. 13:7
 
 
 
Antichrist
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, Rev. 13:2
 
Lion
Lion's whelp
Symbolic generally of power, strength, and energy, and of that which is thoroughly able to provide for its own wants
Numerous Scriptures in the Old Testament, e.g., What is stronger than a lion, Jud. 14:18
 
 
Roaring lion
Terrible, cruel, powerful, and unsparing
They gaped upon me with their mouths as a ravening and roaring lion, Psa. 22:13
 
 
 
Satan
As a roaring lion…so is a wicked ruler, Prov. 38:15. Your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, 1 Pet. 5:8
 
 
Generally
Judah
Judah is a lion's whelp: he couched as a lion, Gen. 49:9
 
 
 
Christ
The lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev. 5:5
 
 
 
A difficulty that appears insurmountable
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, Prov. 26:13
 
 
 
The character of the judgments which God will execute against Judah and Israel
The young lions roared upon him, and they made his land waste, Jer. 2:15; Isa. 5:29; Jer. 4:7; 5:6; Lam. 3:10; Hos. 5:14; Amos 3:4; Joel 1:6
 
 
 
The nations
Jer. 25:30-38
 
 
 
Moab
Isa. 15:9
 
 
 
Edom
Jer. 49:19
 
 
 
Babylon
Jer. 50:44
 
 
 
The Lord in defense of Mt. Zion
Like as a lion…so shall the Lord of Hosts come down to fight for Mount Zion, Isa. 31:4
 
 
 
Israel in rebellion against the Lord
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest, Jer. 12:8
 
 
 
Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin
Ezek. 19:1-9
 
 
 
The remnant of Jacob among the Gentiles
As a lion among the beasts of the forest, Micah 5:8
 
 
 
Nineveh in the day of its power
Nahum 2:11, 12
 
Ox
In death
Christ as offered to God
For if the blood of bulls and goats…how much more shall the blood of Christ, Heb. 9:13, 14; Lev. 1:2-9
 
 
 
Devotedness to the service of God
For each prince an ox, Num. 7:3
 
 
Generally
Ephraim in rebellion
Jer. 31:18; see also Deut. 33:17
 
 
Strong bulls of Bashan
Fierce and brutal enemies
Psa. 22:12
 
 
Wild bull
Israel, during the tribulation, exhausted by her ineffectual efforts to escape from her enemies
As a wild bull in a net, Isa. 51:20
 
 
Generally
The nations under the judgment of God
Isa. 34:7, 8; Jer. 46:17, 22
 
 
 
Patient labor
Deut. 25:4; 1 Cor. 9:9, 10; 1 Tim. 5:17, 18
 
 
 
Unsuspecting confidence
An ox that is brought to the slaughter: and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, Jer. 11:19; Prov. 7:22
 
 
 
Blessings provided in the gospel
My oxen are…killed, Matt. 22:4
 
Roe
Generally
Swiftness
The Gadites…were swift as the roes upon the mountains, 1 Chron. 12:8; 2 Sam. 2:18; Prov. 6:5
 
 
 
The beauty of Christ in the eyes of His bride
Sol. 2:9; 17
 
 
 
A good wife
Let her be…as the pleasant roe, Prov. 5:19
 
Sheep
Generally
The people of God, both Jewish and Christian
The sheep of thy pasture, Psa. 74:1; Ezek. 34. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, John 10:11. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold, John 10:16. Feed my sheep; John 21:16.
 
 
Lost sheep
Israel as departed from God
The lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matt. 10:6; 15:24
 
 
 
The sinner
I have found my sheep which was lost, Luke 15:6
 
 
 
Those who depart from God
I have gone astray like a lost sheep, Psa. 119:176; 1 Pet. 2:25
 
 
Generally
The nations who receive the Jewish preachers sent by Christ
Then shall he set the sheep on his right hand, &c., Matt. 25:31-46
 
 
 
Prosperity
That our sheep may bring forth thousands, Psa. 144:13
 
 
 
Those who are persecuted
We are counted as sheep for the slaughter, Psa. 44:22
 
 
 
People without a leader
That the congregations of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd, Num. 27:17
 
 
 
Those who do not trust in their own strength
As sheep in the midst of wolves, Matt. 10:16
 
 
Sheep's clothing
An outward appearance of humility
False prophets…in sheep's clothing, Matt. 7:15
 
Serpent
Generally
Satan
That old serpent, called the Devil and Satan which deceiveth the whole world, Rev. 12:9; 20:2; Gen. 3:1; Isa. 27:1
 
 
 
Tribe of Dan
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, Gen. 49:17
 
 
 
Sin in its poisonous hurtful aspect
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent, Psa. 58:4; 140:3
 
 
 
The unfailing certainty of God's judgments
I will command the serpent, and he shall bite them, Amos 9:3
 
 
 
Abject fear
The shall lick the dust like a serpent, Micah 7:17
 
 
 
Satan in his beguiling character
So your minds should be corrupted, &c., 2 Cor. 11:3; Gen. 3:1-6
 
 
 
Satan in his persecuting character
He persecuted the woman, Rev. 12:13-17
 
 
Fiery
Sin as bringing in death
And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, Num. 21:6
 
 
Brazen
Christ as made sin for us
So must the Son of man be lifted up, John 3:13
 
 
Deaf
The wicked obstinately refusing to listen to God
The deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, Psa. 58:4
New Queries, Nos. 196-217.
A. (1) Refer to B. S. vol. i, p. 115, Q. 377. If more is wanted write again. (2) The time will come when all Israelites on earth will own their Messiah, their hearts being turned to Him according to Zech. 12:1010And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10). The word. " Israel " seems purposely to include not only those we know as " Jews," but also the lost ten tribes who will then be restored to their own land. Previously, however, to this glorious time numbers of Jews who have been deceived by Antichrist, and received the mark of the beast will have perished.
A. Isa. 4:66And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isaiah 4:6) speaks of the " day-time " implying a "night-time," and lx. 11 speaks of day and night, Isa. 66:2323And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 66:23) does not mean there will be no day nor night, and Zech. 14:66And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: (Zechariah 14:6) speaks only of that special and glorious day when Christ will descend to the Mount of Olives. There will be day and night on earth during the millennium, but not in the heavenly Jerusalem.
A. The death of Christ is here presented in a peculiar aspect. He suffered on the cross, (thus accomplishing the will of God,) sooner than yield to sin in any way. By dying being tried to the uttermost, He had done forever with sin which constantly assailed Him from without. Now, we are to arm ourselves with the same steadfast purpose to accomplish God's will. But remark that the word " flesh " in the end of the verse does not mean the perfect human nature or life which is called flesh in the beginning of the text. Our temptations are not always from without, but often from within. Hence our old nature (called the flesh) suffers; that is, it is not indulged or gratified if we do not yield to it, and we thus cease from sin. When we do not suffer in the flesh we commit sin, for its desires are ever evil. This verse is only another way of rendering Rom. 6:11, 12,11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Romans 6:11‑12) with the addition of the example of Christ as a model.
Q. 199. What passages prove that there will be a temple on earth during Christ's reign on earth? Will the sacrifices be offered according to the former Levitical dispensation? M. B. H.
A. Ezek. 40 to the end is taken up with a full detailed description of the millennial temple and sacrifices. Passover and Tabernacles will both be re-established (xlv. 21, 25). Pentecost, however, being "fully come" in Acts 2:1,1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1) in the formation of the church, will not be revived. The sacrifices will have a retrospective aspect with regard to the cross, to which previously to the coming they of Christ looked forward. Many scriptures speak of the temple in the earthly Jerusalem, Zech. 14:20,20In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. (Zechariah 14:20) &c. &c. In the heavenly Jerusalem there will be no temple.
Q. 200. Is there any scriptural ground for the statement that doctrinal evil is worse in God's sight than moral evil? C. H. C.
A. There is just the difference between sin of practice and principle. In 1 Cor. 5 evil, wicked, immoral practice had crept into the Church of God, and apostle unsparingly pointed out the evil. But the sin was a plain offense against the laws of God, and could clearly be exposed and judged as such. In Galatians however there was not a question of immoral actions, but of a subtle principle of legality or fleshly religion creeping in, undermining, and supplanting the gospel. This struck at the very principle of the truth, and the tone and language of the apostle is much more severe here than to the Corinthians, and he has evidently more difficulty in exposing and getting them to judge the sin.
Q. 201. What is the connection between Job 38-41 and the rest of the book? Job's sin was justifying himself rather than God, and these chapters are occupied with God's power and not His righteousness, and power is not in itself a proof of justice or goodness. T.
A. Elihu's argument in the preceding chapters fully justifies and explains God's actions with regard to Job. What Job now needed was to understand that it really was GOD whom he had to do with. Job had spoken of God, and Elihu had spoken of Him, but now he was brought face to face with Him (proved to be God by His wonders in creation,) for the first time, (compare Rom. 1:2020For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)) and thus Job really understood his own utter insignificance and nothingness. We quite agree that these chapters are not enough alone, but neither are the others; for right thoughts of God's power are as necessary as of His righteousness. We too often forget that God is God, and that we are but men.
Q. 202. Is it in accordance with Scripture for us to draw inferences concerning the times and seasons of this dispensation from the symbolism apparently existing in the great Pyramid? To say for instance that the 1882 inches of the long passage typify the 1882 years of the Christian era? T.
A. We fear the deductions drawn from most of these measurements are but the result of the ingenuity of the human mind, and certainly we do not exalt the great pyramid to the level of a divine revelation. There is no hint in Scripture that we are to look for any such a supplement to the Bible, and we fear that excessive occupation with such a subject only tends to make one forsake the fountain of living water for cisterns of our own hewing that hold no water. What will be the result moreover, if the Christian era should last 1883 years, if as you say there are but 1882 inches? It is easy to find coincidences agreeing with past events. God alone can foretell the future.
A. Refer to B. S. vol. i., page 88, Q. 319.
A. Does not this refer rather to the bringing back the Jews to their land out of the earth (Gentile world) where they are scattered; ver. 1 describing the Jewish remnant who will be delivered through their trouble (under Antichrist) if their names are written in the book (see Rev. 7), verse 2 more especially referring to the lost 10 tribes of Israel, who will be brought back as life from the dead (see Luke 15:3232It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:32); Rom. 11:11I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1).5, similar expressions) to their land. See Ezek. 36;37
Q. 205. Does the term heretic apply not only to the one who forms a party round himself, but also to those who are gathered round him? C. H. C.
A. We presume you refer to Titus 3:1010A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (Titus 3:10). There is nothing said here as to forming a party. The R. V. reads " a man-that is heretical (or factious) after a first and second admonition refuse (or avoid). The word does not apparently imply excommunication, but rather absence of friendship and intercourse. Of course his errors may lead him absolutely astray, and possibly as you say to form a party. About this however the Scripture says nothing. The term used would, apply equally to every man who held heretical views or followed heretical ways Q. 206. Will you please explain the genealogies in Matt. and Luke? Is the one of Joseph and the other of Mary? R. S. S. (U. S. A.)
A. Refer to B. S. vol. i, page 89, Q. 324, also to B. S., vol. ii, p. 81, Q. 63.
A. (1) No. What we said refers to the fact that if Nahash be not the name of David's mother, it is another name for Jesse (the name of his wife being unknown). It is a universal tradition among the Jews that Nahash and Jesse are identical, and in Ruth 4:22And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. (Ruth 4:2)2 They read, " and Obed begat Ishai (Jesse) whose name is Nachash." (2) We cannot give any better rendering than the text.
Q. 208. (1) "They drank of that spiritual rock that followed them," (1 Cor. 10:44And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4).) Did the water flow on as they journeyed? (2) Can you tell me where to find the sentence " Thy favor which is better than life?" E. B.
A. (1) We do not see the slightest indication from the historical narrative that the children of Israel were followed by a continuous stream of water. Water is still found naturally in many parts of the Peninsula, and is believed to have been much more abundant formerly. We rather think the passage means that it was Christ, He who "carried them all the days of old," who followed them in all their wanderings. There is still evidence, as testified to by careful travelers, that there was formerly a far greater abundance both of vegetation and water in the wilderness than now, so that it was only on exceptional occasions that it was miraculously provided. (2) The nearest are the following, "Thy loving kindness is better than life," (Psa. 63:33Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (Psalm 63:3)); "Favor is better than silver and gold," (Prov. 22:11A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1). margin).
A. The unity of the Spirit mainly refers to that unity that the Spirit forms the one body (1 Cor. 12), and it was to be kept practically in peace by Jew and Gentile, lately hating each other, but now made one in Christ. This exhortation was peculiarly needed at Ephesus. The way to fulfill it is by walking in the spirit of ver. 2. It is only as we realize the intense antagonism that existed naturally between Jew and Gentile in every detail of religious and social life, that we understand the peculiar force of such an exhortation at that time to those who had so recently been made one in Christ.
A. Certainly. Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26) says "For ye are all the sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus," and then proceeds, " For as many of you," etc., evidently applying to the same company.
A. (1) Fastening cushions to the armholes, or rather for the arms to rest on, signified in the symbol which the false prophet uses, that the people might rest in security, for no enemy would disturb them; while "kerchiefs on the head of (people of) every stature" were badges of liberty or triumph, signifying that they should overcome the Chaldeans; thus the people were deluted. (2) We think, Israel that is reproached in Isa. 42:19,19Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant? (Isaiah 42:19) for being blind and deaf, but should be glad of further light on this difficult passage. (3) Refer to B. S. vol. i. page 134, Q. 409.
Q. 212. Will you please tell me if we are to eat and drink in heaven? If not, why did Jesus say that He would not hence-. forth drink... till He drank... in His Father's kingdom? A. C.
A. We believe that our Lord here used wine as a symbol of joy connected with the earth. The meaning of the passage is not therefore literal drinking from a cup, but rather entering with His disciples on the scene of earthly joys in the millennial morning. Till then, like the Nazarite of old, he gets no joy from this earth as such. We know no Scripture showing that we shall eat or drink in heaven.
A. Jerusalem properly speaking was in Benjamin, the boundary line between it and Judah (Josh, 15:7, 8; 18:16, 17) running along the valley of Hinnom.
Q. 214. Please explain the following expressions (1) " went out to the south" (Josh. 15:33And it went out to the south side to Maaleh-acrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadesh-barnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa: (Joshua 15:3)), (2) "fetched a compass," (3) " south side of the river," what river? (ver. 7), (4) " unto the south side of the Jebusite " (ver. 8), (5) "and the border was drawn " (ver. 9), (6) " They met together" (ch. 17:10), (7) "the mountain that hath before" (18:16). H. S.
A. (1)" towards the south side," (2) " made a detour," (3) " south side of the " torrent " a rocky gorge that runs into the Jordan near Jericho," (4) the city of Jebusites was on the north side of the valley of Hinnon, and forms part of Jerusalem, the part known in modern times as Sion, (5) " marked out," (6) It appears to mean that the boundary of Manasseh and Ephraim taken together was Asher in the north and Issachar in the east," (7) probably Mount Sion, or if not, the mountain to the south side of the valley of Hinnon.
A. Refer to B. S. Jan. 1882, p. 18, Q. 32. Heb. 6:4-64For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4‑6) describes the whole circle of christian privileges in contrast with the Jewish elements spoken of in verses 1 and 2, and proceeds to show that if a Hebrew, after tasting and being connected with all that Christ had brought in, returned to Judaism, and. gave all up, there was nothing further for him; he openly joined the crucifiers of Christ (ver. 6), and put Him to an open shame. Observe these people never went beyond more profession; there is not a hint of their being " safe in Christ " or of having believed on Him. They were enlightened, they had tasted of the heavenly gift (the revelation of the grace of God)-of the good word of God, of which they saw the preciousness, although not quickened by it, (see Matt. 13:2020But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (Matthew 13:20)), and the powers of the world to come (miracles which they had seen); but only to reject all; they were also outward participators (the force of the word used) of the Holy Ghost, not as life, but as a new power known and felt among all professing christians. Thus no christian privilege was wanting, but the enjoyment of them all does not imply life; the simplest trust in Christ does. This is seen in ver. 18, God thus conclusively shewing in the same Chapter that the greatest privileges and professions do not give life, but that the weakest faith does. Moreover, although the apostle thus warns any Hebrew apostates, he expressly (ver. 9) excludes the christians whom he was addressing, however ignorant, because (ver. 10) their faith had shown itself in fruit.
Q. 217. By whom will the gospel be preached after the church is translated? E. S. M.
A. The present gospel will no longer be preached, the door of grace being then shut, but the everlasting gospel will be proclaimed to every heathen nation as we learn in Rev. 14:7,7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:7) probably by Jewish messengers whose treatment by these nations will form the ground of the judgment of these according to Matt. 25.
Q. 218. Had our Savior sinless infirmity? E. B.
A. Scripture nowhere says so. On the contrary, it carefully contrasts human high priests " compassed with infirmity" (Heb. 5:22Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (Hebrews 5:2)), having infirmity (Heb. 7:2828For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. (Hebrews 7:28)) with Christ. The only place where we can find weakness or infirmity associated with the Lord is on the cross. " Crucified through weakness (infirmity)" 2 Cor. 13:4,4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. (2 Corinthians 13:4) where the meaning is obvious. We cannot say that we fully understand your question.
Q. 219. Referring to Q. 135, p. 118, does not Matt. v. 3436 refer to ordinary conversation only? If so, would 1 Peter 2:13,1413Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (1 Peter 2:13‑14) be a sufficient warrant for a christian to take the customary oath in courts of justice, and also to make affidavits? H. N.
A. Matt. 5 is evidently referring to conversation. With regard to the other point refer to B. S. vol. 2, p. 90, Q. 118.
Q. 220. What is the meaning of Jer. 17:13,13O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. (Jeremiah 17:13) " They that depart from me shall be written in the earth"? When the Lord stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground (John 8:66This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (John 8:6)), did He wish to show the Pharisees that he would write their names in the earth, because they would not receive Him? H. N.
A. Jer. 17:1313O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. (Jeremiah 17:13) means that the names of the wicked should be blotted out like an inscription on the sand. We do not know what the Lord wrote on the ground. All explanations must he hypothetical, and yours is probably as good as any other.
(Several Queries are left over for want of space).