Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, birds are frequently mentioned and serve as symbols, messengers, and participants in various narratives. They are part of God's creation and are often used to illustrate spiritual truths and divine care.Creation and Diversity Birds were created by God on the fifth day of creation, as recorded in Genesis 1:20-23. The passage highlights the diversity and abundance of bird life: "And God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.'" This indicates the intentional design and purpose behind their existence. Symbolism and Significance Birds often symbolize freedom, provision, and divine care. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus uses birds to teach about God's provision: "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage emphasizes God's care for His creation and reassures believers of His provision. Sacrificial Use In the Old Testament, certain birds were used in sacrificial rituals. Leviticus 1:14-17 describes the offering of birds, specifically turtledoves or young pigeons, as a burnt offering. This provision allowed those who could not afford larger animals to participate in sacrificial worship, demonstrating God's inclusivity and grace. Clean and Unclean Birds The distinction between clean and unclean birds is outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. Clean birds, which could be eaten, included species like doves and quails, while unclean birds, such as eagles and vultures, were prohibited. These dietary laws were part of the broader Mosaic Law, guiding the Israelites in maintaining ritual purity. Birds in Prophecy and Judgment Birds are also depicted in prophetic and judgment contexts. In Isaiah 34:11, birds of prey symbolize desolation and judgment: "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and raven will dwell in it." Such imagery conveys the severity of God's judgment and the desolation that follows disobedience. Messengers and Providers Ravens are notable for their role in the account of Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:4-6, God commands ravens to provide food for Elijah during a drought: "You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." This miraculous provision underscores God's sovereignty and care for His prophets. Spiritual Lessons Birds are used to teach spiritual lessons, as seen in Proverbs 27:8: "Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home." This proverb warns against the dangers of leaving one's place of safety and responsibility, using the imagery of a bird to convey the message. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, birds serve as powerful symbols and tools for teaching. They remind believers of God's provision, the importance of obedience, and the beauty of His creation. Greek 4420. pterux -- a wing ... wing, pinion. Word Origin from pteron (feather, bird's wing); from petomai Definition a wing NASB Word Usage wings (5). wing. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4420.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6833. tsippor -- a birdtsippor or tsippor. 6832, 6833. tsippor or tsippor. 6834 . a bird. Transliteration: tsippor or tsippor Phonetic Spelling: (tsip-pore') Short Definition: bird ... /hebrew/6833.htm - 6k Library A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible Introduction Preface to the Series Chart of the Sixty-Six Books of the Bible The Kingdom in Captivity The Kingdom's True King Preface to the Book And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Thesaurus Bird's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Bird's (2 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:52 And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and ... /b/bird's.htm - 7k Nest (22 Occurrences) Chance (78 Occurrences) Fowler (3 Occurrences) Tread (60 Occurrences) Eggs (7 Occurrences) Dam (5 Occurrences) Marking (11 Occurrences) Pinion (4 Occurrences) Brood (19 Occurrences) Resources What is a mantra? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some biblical examples of dream interpretation? | GotQuestions.org Is the phoenix mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bird's (2 Occurrences)Leviticus 14:52 Deuteronomy 22:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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