Lexical Summary dayyah: Vulture, Kite Original Word: דַּיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance vulture Intensive from da'ah; a falcon (from its rapid flight) -- vulture. see HEBREW da'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom daah Definition perhaps a kite (a bird of prey) NASB Translation hawks (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [דַּיָּה] noun feminine id. — frequenting ruins, compare Di l.c.; דַּיּוֺת Isaiah 34:15 (on הַדַּיָּה Deuteronomy 14:13 compare foregoing). Topical Lexicon Identification and Natural Description Dayyah refers to a medium-sized bird of prey, probably the kite. It is characterized by keen eyesight, soaring flight, and a diet that includes carrion as well as live prey. In the land of Israel kites are frequently seen circling farmland and wadis, cleaning the landscape of refuse and small carcasses. Their presence in Scripture draws on these habits to teach lessons about purity, judgment, and divine provision. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Deuteronomy 14:13 lists the dayyah among the creatures Israel was forbidden to eat: “the red kite, the black kite, any kind of falcon”. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern peoples observed birds of prey with both fear and admiration. Their scavenging habits made them symbols of impurity, yet their aerial grace evoked awe. In Israel, where the covenant community was called to ritual and moral cleanliness, a bird that fed on carcasses naturally came to illustrate contamination. This cultural perception lies behind its classification as unclean in the Torah. At the same time kites controlled vermin and removed dead matter, silently serving the common good—an aspect reflected in Job 39:26 where God asks, “Does the hawk take flight by your understanding?” highlighting the Creator’s sovereignty over even the scavengers. Theological Themes Purity and Separation By prohibiting the dayyah from Israel’s diet, the Law reinforced a visible distinction between the holy nation and surrounding peoples (Leviticus 11:13-15; Deuteronomy 14:13). The bird’s diet of carrion embodied corruption; abstaining from it preached a continual sermon on moral vigilance (1 Peter 1:15-16). Judgment and Desolation Isaiah employs the dayyah to portray the aftermath of divine wrath. Once Edom is overthrown, only creatures comfortable amid ruin remain (Isaiah 34:11-15). The image underscores that persistent rebellion ends in a habitat fit only for scavengers—an implicit call to repentance (Hebrews 10:31). Providence in Creation Despite its negative ritual status, the kite’s efficient role in God’s ecosystem illustrates common grace. Psalm 104 celebrates predators as part of the balance of creation (Psalm 104:21). Jesus likewise pointed to unclean birds to reassure disciples of the Father’s care (Matthew 6:26). Thus, the dayyah showcases both the seriousness of sin and the benevolence of God who provides for all creatures. Connections with Other Biblical Imagery • Like the raven of Genesis 8:7, the dayyah thrives on what is dead, contrasting with the dove that returns to Noah with an olive leaf. Ministry and Devotional Application Personal Holiness Believers are reminded that continual exposure to spiritual corruption dulls sensitivity. Just as Israel refused to ingest the dayyah, Christians are urged to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Warning Against Complacency Isaiah’s wasteland, occupied by kites, calls the church to proclaim both grace and judgment. Neglecting either weakens the gospel’s impact. Confidence in God’s Order Observing a kite ride the thermals can prompt worship. Its effortless flight testifies that the same God who governs predators keeps His covenant people (Psalm 91:4). Missional Insight The dayyah’s scavenging ministry—clearing what is dead—parallels the church’s call to confront spiritual decay while extending the hope of new life in Christ (Ephesians 5:11-14). Conclusion Dayyah, though mentioned only twice, richly contributes to the biblical tapestry. It marks the boundary between clean and unclean, illustrates the devastation of judgment, and yet silently glorifies the Creator who sustains all. A thoughtful reading encourages reverence, moral clarity, and renewed trust in God’s wise governance. Forms and Transliterations דַיּ֖וֹת דיות וְהַדַּיָּ֖ה והדיה daiYot ḏay·yō·wṯ ḏayyōwṯ vehaddaiYah wə·had·day·yāh wəhaddayyāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 14:13 HEB: וְאֶת־ הָ֣אַיָּ֔ה וְהַדַּיָּ֖ה לְמִינָֽהּ׃ KJV: and the kite, and the vulture after his kind, INT: and the glede the falcon and the vulture their kinds Isaiah 34:15 2 Occurrences |
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