Animal Symbolism in the Bible- Part 2

Yesterday we began a study of various animals in Scripture, what they symbolize, and how it applies to our lives. Today we continue that study.

Eagle

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:5 (KJV)

We are to be like eagles, which are strong, courageous, and soaring. They have good eyesight to see where they are going. We are to have vision to see, both spiritually and naturally. We are to soar above problems and storms. Our youth is renewed like the eagle. As we walk with God, He renews our strength, so we can run and finish our race.

Wolf

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10:10-12 (KJV)

Wolves are never portrayed positively in Scripture. Wolves run in packs and gang up on their prey. They are vicious, dangerous, and murderous. They are out to steal, kill, and destroy. Some walk amongst the body of Christ as wolves in sheep’s clothing to devour by deception. The devil is portrayed as a wolf. We are to overcome evil with good. We are to beware of people and know them by their fruit. If someone’s fruit is bad, steer clear of them so as not to be preyed upon. False prophets and other spiritual leaders can be portrayed as wolves.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV)

Fox

The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Luke 13:31-32 (KJV)

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15 (KJV)

Foxes are sly and sneaky. They come in and spoil seemingly small things, but those small things accumulate. They come in and work slowly and methodically to come against us. Like eating little grapes one at a time, they work until they have stripped people bare. Beware of those who say they are telling the truth but are lying to you to undermine relationships and other things. Jesus referred to Herod as a fox, meaning he was cunning and destructive in a sly way. We must be careful who we allow to speak into our lives and who we choose to submit ourselves to.

Dog

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. Philippians 3:2 (KJV)

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Matthew 7:6 (KJV)

In Scripture dogs represent unbelievers, that which is unclean and full of evil works. Jesus compared dogs to swine, meaning both were unclean. Dogs are unbelievers, evil people who have not accepted Christ, and may even ridicule those who do. Be wise about sharing Christ, knowing that some will reject Jesus. Don’t allow “dogs” to keep you from witnessing, but know that some will resist you and quite possibly try to sabotage your efforts..

Tomorrow, we will wrap up our study on animal symbolism in the Bible.