Jackals

In the Bible, jackals are often associated with desolation and ruin. These animals are typically depicted as scavengers that inhabit deserted and desolate places, symbolizing the aftermath of divine judgment or the abandonment of a once-thriving area. The Hebrew word often translated as "jackal" is "tannim," which can also refer to other creatures like dragons or sea monsters, depending on the context.

One notable reference to jackals is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet describes the desolation of Babylon: "But desert creatures will lie there, and their houses will be full of owls; ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will leap about. Hyenas will howl in her fortresses, and jackals in her luxurious palaces. Babylon’s time is at hand, and her days will not be prolonged" (Isaiah 13:21-22). Here, jackals are part of the imagery used to convey the complete and utter destruction that will befall Babylon as a result of God's judgment.

In Jeremiah, the prophet laments the fate of Jerusalem, saying, "Because of the LORD’s anger, the land will become a desolation, and the cities will be reduced to ruins, where no one lives. Therefore, the land will mourn, and the heavens above will grow dark. I have spoken; I have purposed; I will not relent, nor will I turn back from it" (Jeremiah 4:26-27). The presence of jackals in these desolate places underscores the severity of the judgment and the complete abandonment of the land.

Owls

Owls in the Bible are similarly associated with desolation and uninhabited places. The Hebrew word "yanshuph" is often translated as "owl," though it can refer to various types of owls or other nocturnal birds. Owls are typically depicted as creatures of the night, inhabiting ruins and deserted areas, symbolizing loneliness and abandonment.

In Isaiah, the prophet uses the imagery of owls to describe the desolation of Edom: "The desert owl and screech owl will possess it; the great owl and the raven will dwell in it. The LORD will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of destruction" (Isaiah 34:11). This passage highlights the complete devastation that will come upon Edom, with owls serving as a symbol of the land's desolation.

The book of Zephaniah also uses the imagery of owls to describe the judgment on Nineveh: "Flocks and herds will lie down in her midst, creatures of every kind. The desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns. Their calls will echo through the windows; rubble will be in the doorways, and the beams of cedar will be exposed" (Zephaniah 2:14). Here, the presence of owls in the ruins of Nineveh serves as a testament to the city's downfall and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

In summary, both jackals and owls in the Bible are emblematic of desolation and divine judgment. They are often depicted as inhabitants of ruined and abandoned places, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable fulfillment of His prophetic word.