The Lion's Mouth Shut in the Book of Revelation
The phrase "the lion's mouth shut" is a metaphorical expression rooted in biblical imagery, particularly in the context of deliverance from danger or enemies. In the Book of Revelation, the figure of the Lion is significant, as it is used to describe Jesus Christ, "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" [2, 3]. This title emphasizes Christ's power and authority, derived from his lineage and his triumph over evil.
The concept of the lion's mouth is associated with danger and the threat of being consumed or destroyed. In the biblical context, lions are often used as symbols of ferocious enemies or life-threatening situations. For instance, in Psalms 22:21, the psalmist pleads for deliverance "from the lion's mouth" [6]. Similarly, in Daniel 6:22, Daniel attributes his deliverance from the lions' den to God's intervention, saying that God "shut the lions' mouths" [4].
In Revelation, the Lion of Judah is contrasted with the Lamb, as Jesus is also described as "the Lamb who was slain" [1]. This dual imagery highlights the paradox of Christ's power and sacrifice. The Lamb's ability to open the seven seals is a demonstration of his authority and power, previously attributed to the Lion [2, 3].
The image of shutting the lion's mouth is also used in a spiritual sense to describe God's protection of his servants from the devil, who is described as a "roaring lion" in 1 Peter 5:8. John Gill interprets the binding and sealing of Satan in Revelation 20:3 as a means of restraining his ability to "rove about in the air, nor go to and fro in the earth, nor walk about like a roaring lion, seeking to affright, disturb, or devour" [5]. This interpretation underscores the idea that God's power can shut the mouth of the lion, symbolizing protection from evil.
The early Christian fathers also grappled with the imagery of the Lion and the Lamb in Revelation. According to Lactantius, the book sealed with seven seals represents the Old Testament given to Christ, who received judgment from the Father [9]. This patristic interpretation adds another layer of understanding to the symbolism of the Lion and the Lamb, emphasizing Christ's role in fulfilling and interpreting the Old Testament.
The silence in heaven after the Lamb opens the seventh seal [1, 7] can be seen as a moment of anticipation or expectation, much like the stillness before a storm. This silence may symbolize the reverence or awe in the face of the events that are about to unfold, much like the reverence that comes from recognizing the power of the Lion of Judah.
The figure of the Lion in Revelation, therefore, represents Christ's power and authority, while the image of the lion's mouth being shut symbolizes deliverance from danger and evil. These images are part of a broader biblical narrative that emphasizes God's protection and the triumph of Christ over evil forces.
The historical and theological context of the Book of Revelation suggests that these images were used to comfort and encourage early Christians facing persecution. By understanding the Lion and the Lamb as symbols of Christ's power and sacrifice, believers can find assurance in their faith, knowing that they are protected from the "roaring lion" [5].
The use of lion imagery in various biblical contexts, including Revelation, highlights the richness and complexity of biblical symbolism. It demonstrates how different biblical authors and traditions used common imagery to convey distinct theological themes and ideas.
The interpretation of the Lion and the Lamb in Revelation has evolved over time, with different Christian traditions offering their insights. For example, John Gill's Baptist/Reformed perspective emphasizes the binding of Satan and the protection of believers [5], while Adam Clarke's Methodist/Wesleyan commentary highlights the significance of Christ's role in opening the sealed book [8].
The image of the lion's mouth being shut remains a powerful symbol of God's deliverance and protection in Christian theology, reflecting a deep-seated confidence in God's ability to save his people from harm.
Sources
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 8:1 (BSB) — When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.”
- Revelation “One of the elders said to me, “Don’t weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals.” -- Revelation 5:5”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 5:5 (KJV) — And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 6:22: his angel--the instrument, not the author, of his deliverance (Psa 91:11; Psa 34:7). shut . . . lions' mouths-- (Heb 11:33). So spiritually, God will shut the roaring lion's mouth (Pe1 5:8) for His servants. forasmuch as before him innocency--not absolutely (in Dan 9:7, Dan 9:18 he disclaims such a plea), but relatively to this case. God has attested the justice of my cause in standing up for His worship, by delivering me. Therefore, the "forasmuch" does not justify Rome's doctrine of works meriting salvation. before thee--Obedience to God is in ”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 20:3: And cast him into the bottomless pit,.... Or deep, into which the devils desired they might not be sent, and which they dreaded as a torment, it may be, because a place of confinement, Luk 8:31 for this is called a prison, Rev 20:7 and is distinguished from the lake of fire, into which the devil is afterwards cast, Rev 20:10. And shut him up; that so he might not rove about in the air, nor go to and fro in the earth, nor walk about like a roaring lion, seeking to affright, disturb, or devour: and set a seal upon him; or upon the door of the pit, for further se”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 22:21: Deliverance pleaded in view of former help, when in the most imminent danger, from the most powerful enemy, represented by the unicorn or wild buffalo. the lion's mouth--(Compare Psa 22:13). The lion often used as a figure representing violent enemies; the connecting of the mouth intimates their rapacity.”
- Revelation (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Revelation 8:1: And when he had opened the seventh seal,.... That is, when the Lamb had opened the seventh and last seal of the scaled book: there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour; not in the third heaven, the seat of the divine Being, of angels and glorified saints, where are hallelujahs without intermission; but in the church, which is oftentimes signified by heaven in this book, and where now the throne of God was placed, in that form as described in Rev 4:4, or rather in the Roman empire: nor is this silence the sum of this seal, or the only thing in it;”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 5 (introduction): The book sealed with seven seals, which no being in heaven or earth could open, Rev 5:1-3. Is at last opened by the Lion of the tribe of Judah, Rev 5:4-8. He receives the praises of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders, Rev 5:9, Rev 5:10. And afterwards of an innumerable multitude, who acknowledge that they were redeemed to God by his blood, Rev 5:11, Rev 5:12. And then, of the whole creation, who ascribe blessing, honor, glory, and power to God and the Lamb for ever, Rev 5:13, Rev 5:14.”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 7: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius — FROM THE FIFTH CHAPTER. (part 1): 1. "And I saw in the right hand of Him that sate upon the throne, a book written within and without, sealed with seven seals."] This book signifies the Old Testament, which has been given into the hands of our Lord Jesus Christ, who received from the Father judgment. 2, 3. "And I saw an angel full of strength proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no one was found worthy, neither in the earth nor under the earth, to open the book."] N”