In the context of biblical literature, vultures are often mentioned as unclean birds, symbolizing desolation, judgment, and the aftermath of divine retribution. The Hebrew word often translated as "vulture" is "da'ah" or "dayyah," which can also refer to other birds of prey. These birds are typically associated with death and decay, as they are scavengers that feed on carrion.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 11:13-14 : "Additionally, you are to detest the following birds, and they must not be eaten because they are detestable: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, any kind of black kite." In this passage, vultures are listed among the birds that are considered unclean and not to be consumed by the Israelites. This prohibition underscores the symbolic association of vultures with impurity and death.

2. Deuteronomy 14:12-13 : "But these you may not eat: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, the red kite, the falcon, any kind of kite." Similar to the passage in Leviticus, this reiteration in Deuteronomy reinforces the status of vultures as unclean animals, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity in the dietary laws given to the Israelites.

3. Job 28:7 : "No bird of prey knows that path; no falcon’s eye has seen it." While not directly mentioning vultures, this verse highlights the keen eyesight of birds of prey, including vultures, which are known for their ability to spot carrion from great distances. This metaphorical use underscores the hidden and inaccessible nature of divine wisdom.

4. Isaiah 34:15 : "There the owl will make her nest, lay her eggs, hatch them, and care for her young. There too the vultures will gather, each with its mate." In this prophetic vision of desolation, vultures are depicted as inhabitants of a land laid waste by divine judgment. Their presence signifies the complete abandonment and ruin of the area.

5. Matthew 24:28 : "Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather." In this eschatological context, Jesus uses the imagery of vultures gathering around a carcass to illustrate the inevitability and visibility of His return. The presence of vultures serves as a sign of the times, indicating the certainty of the events that will unfold.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical symbolism, vultures often represent the aftermath of divine judgment. Their role as scavengers that consume the dead makes them fitting symbols of desolation and the consequences of sin. The presence of vultures in prophetic literature often signifies a land or people that have been judged and left in ruin.

From a theological perspective, the mention of vultures in Scripture serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's laws and the ultimate triumph of divine justice. The imagery of vultures gathering around a carcass is a powerful visual of the certainty and inescapability of God's judgment, as well as the hope of restoration and renewal that follows divine intervention.Vultur's (1 Occurrence)

Job 28:7
There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vultur's eye hath not seen:
(WBS)

Vultur's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vultur's (1 Occurrence). Job 28:7 There is a path which
no fowl knoweth, and which the vultur's eye hath not seen: (WBS). ...
/v/vultur's.htm - 6k

Vulture's (1 Occurrence)

/v/vulture's.htm - 6k

Wade (2 Occurrences)

/w/wade.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus