Scorpions and Prophets

Under normal conditions in the wild, a scorpion appears in various shades of brown and black. But under ultraviolet light, for reasons yet to be discovered, a scorpion turns fluorescent—making it easier for scientists to study them at night. As a venomous creature with a tough exterior and pointy stinger, a scorpion’s appearance can be rather threatening.

It’s also robust, capable of surviving being frozen; it will simply thaw later and walk away unharmed. It can also live on very little food for extended periods of time, but as a carnivorous insect able to survive in many environments, it can eat just about anything it wants.

In the Old Testament, God uses the image of a scorpion to illustrate a point to the prophet Ezekiel, who had been called to prophesy to Israel. In the face of an angry, rebellious nation, Ezekiel must have faced a great deal of fear, but God reassured him. “Do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpion. … Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.”

Israel’s response to God’s words through His prophet was likely very threatening, so the image of a poisonous scorpion was indeed accurate! But God assured Ezekiel not to be afraid. When God calls us to a task, He will always walk beside us.

Key Bible Texts

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 2:6 KJV)