(4) Numerous. In ancient times, when the de vastations of Egyptian, Persian, Grcek, and Ro man armies passed over Palestine, there can be little doubt that these destroyers made their ap pearance in great numbers. Thc fact, indeed, is attested by the impression which their increase made upon the mixed heathen population of Sa maria, when Israel was carried away into captiv ity (2 Kings xvii :25, 26).
(5) Scriptural Illustrations. The Scriptures present many striking pictures of lions, touched with wonderful force and fidelity : even where the animal is a direct instrument of the Almighty, while true to his mission. he still remains so to his nature. Thus nothing can be more graphic than the record of the man of God (t Kings xiii : 28), disobedient to his charge, struck down from his ass, and lying dead, while the lion stands by him, without touching the lifeless body, or at tacking the living animal, usually a favorite prey. See also Gen. xlix :9 ; Job iv:to, ; Nahum ii : 11, 12. Samson's adventure also with the young lion ( Judg. xiv :5, 6) and the picture of the young lion coming up from the underwood cover on the banks of the Jordan, al! attest a perfect knowledge of the animal and its habits. Finally, the lions in the den with Daniel, miraculously !caving him unmolested, still retain. in all other respects, the real characteristics of their nature. C. H. S. FiguratiVe. 0) God is compared to "a lion" in his threatenings, judgments, and chastise ments (Hos. v :14; Amos 1:2; III:8). (2) Christ is "the lion of the tribe of Judah," descend ing from Judah in respect of his manhood; he is the almighty Awakener and Conqueror of souls ( Rev. v :5). (3) The church is likened to a "Hon" strengthened of God; she overcomes, and is terrible to all that oppose hcr (Mk. v:8) ; her ministers, especially in the primitive ages, were like "lions," bold, courageous. and active in their work, and conquered multitudes for Christ (Rec. iv :7). (4) The saints are represented as "lions," because of their boldness and activity in the cause of God (Prov. xxviii :I). (5) The tribe of Ju
dah is likened to "a /ion." to denote its cour age, activity, bravery, and conquests • the tribe of Judah had kings courageous an'd terrible, who attacked and subdued their enemies. (6) By Samson, the Danites as "lions," mightily mauled their enemies the Philistines (Gcn. xlix: 9 ; Deut. xxxiii :22). (7) The devil is a "roar lug lion"; he furiously goes about to terrify be lievers and destroy mankind (t Pet. v:8). (8) Tyrants, oppressors, such as the Assyrian, Chal dean, and Persian conquerors, and the last four kings of Judah are called "lions" (Is. xxi :8; Jet% iv:7; v:6; Ezek. xix ; Amos iii :8; Nah. .12). (9) Alen full of wickedness, persecution, oppres sion, are compared to "lions." as they terrify, tear and murder others around (Is. xi :7; Ezek. xxii :25 ).
LIP (11P), (Heb. 71q, savi-favf, with the idea of termination).
FiguratiVe. (1) To have the "mouth" or "lips covered," imports shame and grief (Lev. xiii :45; Ezek. xxiv :17, 22; MiC. 11117). (2) To "refrain the lips," is to speak little and season ably; as "the talk of the lips," vain and idle speech, and empty boasting without practice, tends only to poverty (Prov. 3c.:19 ; xiv :23). (3) To "open the mouth or lips wide," is to talk rashly, boastingly, reproachfully (Ps. xxxv :21 ; Prov. xiii : 3) ;orto listen with the utmost attention, earnestly desiring instruction ( Job xxix :23) ; or earnestly to desire satisfaction and blessings to our soul (Ps. lxxxi :to). (4) "Uncircumcised of lips" (Exod. vi :12), e., not of ready speech, is the same as "slow of speech" (iv:to). (5) The "fruit of the lip" (Heb. xiii:13) is a metaphor for praise. (6) By a bolder hgure we have "the calves of the lips" (Hos. xiv :2) for a thank of fering. (7) To "shoot out the lip" (Ps. xxii: 7) has always been an expression of the utmost scorn and defiance. (8) Unclean lips are such as are polluted with sinful words (Is. vi :5). (9) Burning lips denote fine language, ardent protesta tions, or words apparently full of love (Prov. xxvi :23).