frequently mentioned both in the Old and New Testaments. Dogs were used by the Hebrews as a watch for their houses (Isa. 56:10), and for guarding their flocks (Job 30:1). There were also then as now troops of semi-wild dogs that wandered about devouring dead bodies and the offal of the streets (1-Kings 14:11;16:4;21:19, 21: 23;22:38; Psa 59:6, Psa 59: 14).
As the dog was an unclean animal, the terms "dog," "dog's head," "dead dog," were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation (1-Sam 24:14; 2-Sam 3:8;9:8;16:9). Paul calls false apostles "dogs" (Phil. 3:2). Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also so designated (Rev. 22:15). Persecutors are called "dogs" (Psa 22:16). Hazael's words, "Thy servant which is but a dog" (2-Kings 8:13), are spoken in mock humility=impossible that one so contemptible as he should attain to such power.