Lions

The most powerful of all carnivorous animals. Although not now found in Palestine, they must have been in ancient times very numerous there. They had their lairs in the forests (Jer 5:6; 12:8; Amos 3:4), in the caves of the mountains (Song 4:8; Nah 2:12), and in the canebrakes on the banks of the Jordan (Jer 49:19; 50:44; Zech 11:3).

No fewer than at least six different words are used in the Old Testament for the lion.

Gor (i.e., a “suckling”), the lion’s whelp (Gen 49:9; Jer 51:38, etc.).

Kephir (i.e., “shaggy”), the young lion (Judg 14:5; Job 4:10; Ps 91:13; 104:21), a term which is also used figuratively of cruel enemies (Ps 34:10; 35:17; 58:6; Jer 2:15).

’Ari (i.e., the “puller” in pieces), denoting the lion in general, without reference to age or sex (Num 23:24; 2 Sam 17:10, etc.).

Shahal (the “roarer”), the mature lion (Job 4:10; Ps 91:13; Prov 26:13; Hos 5:14).

Laish, so called from its strength and bravery (Job 4:11; Prov 30:30; Isa 30:6). The capital of Northern Dan received its name from this word.

Labi, from a root meaning “to roar,” a grown lion or lioness (Gen 49:9; Num 23:24; 24:9; Ezek 19:2; Nah 2:11).

The lion of Palestine was properly of the Asiatic variety, distinguished from the African variety, which is larger. Yet it not only attacked flocks in the presence of the shepherd, but also laid waste towns and villages (2 Kgs 17:25, 26) and devoured men (1 Kgs 13:24, 25). Shepherds sometimes, single-handed, encountered lions and slew them (1 Sam 17:34, 35; Amos 3:12). Samson seized a young lion with his hands and “rent him as he would have rent a kid” (Judg 14:5, 6). The strength (Judg 14:18), courage (2 Sam 17:10), and ferocity (Gen 49:9) of the lion were proverbial.