Dragonslayer Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Dragonslayer" by Michael Card is a song that intricately weaves the narrative of Christ’s victory over sin and Satan, using the metaphor of a dragon slayer. This allegorical approach, rich in biblical imagery, presents the gospel story in a manner that resonates deeply with the themes of conflict, redemption, and victory found throughout the Bible.
### Verse 1: The Birth of the Dragonslayer
The song begins by drawing a parallel between the birth of Jesus and the arrival of a mythical hero destined to battle a great serpent or dragon. This imagery harks back to prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6, which speaks of a child born to us, a son given, who will shoulder the government and be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This child, understood by Christians to be Jesus, is the Dragonslayer sent to defeat the serpent, a symbol of Satan and sin. The reference to the serpent's lies ceasing and a never-ending peace alludes to Genesis 3:15, where God promises enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring, foretelling the ultimate defeat of Satan by Jesus.
### Chorus: The Victory of the Dragonslayer
The chorus celebrates the victory of Jesus over Satan, highlighting his role in silencing the serpent's accusations and ending the reign of sin and death. This imagery is reminiscent of Colossians 2:15, where Paul writes about Jesus disarming the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross. The stanza "He died to set us free" echoes Romans 6:22-23, emphasizing the liberation from sin through Christ's sacrifice and the gift of eternal life.
### Verse 2: The Battle and Triumph
The song proceeds to depict a cosmic battle, drawing imagery from Revelation 12, where a woman clothed with the sun is pursued by a dragon, seeking to devour her child. This child, destined to rule all nations with an iron scepter, is protected by God, illustrating Jesus' divine protection and mission. The battle between the dragon and the heavens symbolizes the spiritual warfare culminating in Satan's defeat and the establishment of God's kingdom. The phrase "at last was doomed to die" reflects the ultimate fate of Satan, as prophesied in Revelation 20:10, where the devil is thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, marking his eternal defeat.
### Conclusion: The Enduring Message
"Dragonslayer" by Michael Card encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel through the allegory of a hero vanquishing a great evil. It serves as a reminder of the hope and victory found in Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to cling to the promise of redemption and the final defeat of sin and death. The song masterfully interweaves biblical references to craft a narrative that is both theologically rich and artistically compelling, offering a fresh perspective on the age-old story of salvation.
