The Evening Wolves

In Habakkuk 1:8 a reference is made to fierce evening wolves.

Wild wolves are mentioned in the Scriptures as being predators of domesticated flocks and herds. They appear to target hoofed animals, particularly sheep. They are very cunning in their methods of attack and focus on the sick or weak. As they often hunt in packs, humans can also be at risk.

So what’s the significance of the evening wolves? Why is the evening wolf fiercer? Surely, it’s because they have hunted all day and have not had anything to eat. By evening they are even more ravenous and fierce. With nightfall they become more dangerous and harder to detect.

Wolves were a major concern to shepherds; their animals had to be guarded at night.

Acts 20:29, “for I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” 

The apostle Paul was counselling the elders of the church at Ephesus. He warned them that after he had passed off this scene unscrupulous men would infiltrate their gatherings and cause havoc among the believers. They are classed as “grievous wolves”.

These wolves in sheep’s clothing would bring in false doctrine and error, seeking only their own gain, “not sparing the flock”.

Jude 1:11-13, “(11) Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. (12) These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about  by the winds, late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; (13) raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”

When you listen to a sermon, or an address; be prepared to examine what is being said, in the light of the Scriptures.

Acts 17:10, 11, “(10) Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (11) These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

We are not helpless in these matters. The Holy Spirit dwelling in the believer “will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13). Sometimes when we are listening, or reading a book, we sense that something is not right. Even though it may sound OK, it does not seem quite right.

Check the matter out! Be like the Berean Christians and search the Scriptures to find out whether these things are correct, or not.

Don’t fall prey to the fierce evening wolves.

Jon Peasey 

Biblical Perspectives blog

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version]

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