Scorpion in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What is a Scorpion?
SCOR'PION
, a venomous creature allied to the spider, but resembling the lobster so much that the latter is called the sea-scorpion by the Arabs. Its shape and general appearance are seen in the cut. Its usual length is 1 or 2 inches, but in tropical climates it is sometimes found 6 or 8 inches in length, and its sting is attended with excruciating pain, Rev 9:3-6, terminating often in violent convulsions and death. The malignity of the venom is according to the size and complexion of the different species. Scorpions are found in all warm climates, and are abundant in Palestine, where eight species are known, and are especially common about Mount Sinai. Deut 8:15. They remain dormant during the cold season, but through the rest of the year swarm under stones and in all the crannies and crevices of walls and houses. Their food consists of beetles, locusts, and other insects. The sting is a curved claw at the end of the tail, and Scorpion this latter the animal, in running, carries over its back in a threatening attitude. Luke 11:12 seems to mean merely the bestowal of a dangerous and unwelcome gift rather than a good one, and may refer to the Greek proverb: "A scorpion instead of a perch." An instrument resembling a whip, but so formed with knots or small stones as that each blow should inflict a sharp stinging pain, is perhaps alluded to in 1 Kgs 12:11. See Scourge. "Maaleh-akrabbim," Josh 15:3; Jud 1:36, is literally "the ascent of scorpions," and derives its name from the multitude of scorpions which infest it.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'scorpion' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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