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Judah the Mighty LionTANAKH
Judah the Mighty Lion
TANAKH
At the end of his life, Jacob tells each of his sons something of their character and something of their destiny. Jacob describes his son Judah as a lion cub, representing Judah and his offsprings' strength, leadership, and eventual rise to power.
The Peaceful LionTANAKH
The Peaceful Lion
TANAKH
The lion's unusual restraint in this scene contrasts with its typical depiction as a fierce hunter. In the Book of Kings, a lion stands peacefully beside a corpse and a donkey, highlighting an unexpected moment of non-violence.
The Lion with Eagle's WingsTANAKH
The Lion with Eagle's Wings
TANAKH
A lion with eagle's wings makes an appearance in a vision of Daniel, which is studied for its eschatological symbolism.
The Dual Nature of the RighteousKABBALAH
The Dual Nature of the Righteous
KABBALAH
Hebrew has several different words that refer to lions. The Zohar, a central text of Jewish mysticism, distinguishes subtleties among the different terms to explore the balance of confidence and fear in the righteous patriarchs.
The Confidence of the RighteousMIDRASH
The Confidence of the Righteous
MIDRASH
The book of Proverbs uses the imagery of a lion in contrasting the confidence of the righteous to the insecurity of the wicked. The early medieval midrash, Bereshit Rabbah, connects that analogy to the example of Esau and Jacob.
Divine Protection in the Lions' DenSECOND TEMPLE
Divine Protection in the Lions' Den
SECOND TEMPLE
The story of Daniel in the lions' den is a powerful testament to divine intervention and faith. In his first-century historical work, Josephus recounts how it was God's providence, not natural causes, that protected Daniel from the lions.
The Lion's Strength and PowerCOMMENTARY
The Lion's Strength and Power
COMMENTARY
The prophet Micah uses the behavior of lions to illustrate violent strength and power. Rashi, the renowned 11th-century French biblical commentator, explains the specific behaviors of a lion that Micah names.
Rise with PurposeHALAKHAH
Rise with Purpose
HALAKHAH
Starting your day with purpose and vigor can positively influence your entire day. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, in his contemporary work, emphasizes the importance of rising in the morning with determination, drawing on traditional Jewish teachings.
Mighty Like the LionCOMMENTARY
Mighty Like the Lion
COMMENTARY
Being 'mighty like the lion' is essential for strengthening one's commitment to God's commandments. Rabbeinu Yonah Gerondi, a 13th-century Spanish rabbi, explains an analogy from Pirkei Avot that uses the lion as a symbol of strength and dedication in fulfilling God's commandments.