In biblical times, the role of a bird-catcher, or fowler, was a common occupation, particularly in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The bird-catcher is often mentioned in the Bible, both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing various spiritual truths and moral lessons.

Literal Role:
The bird-catcher was responsible for trapping birds, which were used for food, sacrifices, and trade. Techniques included nets, snares, and other trapping devices. Birds such as doves and pigeons were particularly significant, as they were used in sacrificial offerings (Leviticus 1:14; 5:7). The skill of the bird-catcher was essential for providing these birds for both sustenance and religious purposes.

Metaphorical Significance:
In Scripture, the bird-catcher often symbolizes danger, temptation, and the snares of sin. The imagery of a bird being caught in a trap is used to illustrate the cunning and deceitful nature of evil forces seeking to ensnare the righteous. For example, Psalm 91:3 states, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." Here, the fowler represents any threat or evil that seeks to capture the believer, while God is portrayed as the deliverer who rescues from such dangers.

Proverbs 6:5 advises, "Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." This verse encourages vigilance and wisdom to avoid falling into traps set by the wicked. The bird-catcher's snare is a metaphor for the subtle and often hidden temptations that can lead one away from righteousness.

Spiritual Warfare:
The concept of the bird-catcher is also relevant in the context of spiritual warfare. Believers are warned to be alert and discerning, recognizing that the enemy seeks to ensnare them through various means. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." The bird-catcher's traps are akin to the devil's schemes, requiring spiritual armor and reliance on God's strength for protection.

Divine Protection:
The assurance of divine protection is a recurring theme in relation to the bird-catcher. Psalm 124:7 declares, "We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away." This verse celebrates God's intervention and deliverance, emphasizing that, despite the presence of traps, the faithful can trust in God's power to set them free.

In summary, the bird-catcher in the Bible serves as a vivid illustration of the perils that believers face and the need for divine protection and wisdom. Through the imagery of the fowler and his snares, Scripture communicates the reality of spiritual threats and the assurance of God's deliverance for those who trust in Him.BIRD-CATCHER

burd'-kach-er

See FOWLER.

3352. yaqosh -- a fowler, trapper
... Word Origin from yaqosh Definition a fowler, trapper NASB Word Usage bird catcher
(1). a snarer. From yaqosh; properly, entangling; hence, a snarer: ...
/hebrew/3352.htm - 6k

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... Jochai, had been for thirteen years in hiding from his persecutors in a cave, where
he was miraculously fed, he observed that, when the bird-catcher laid his ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvii second visit to.htm

Final Perseverance
... Oh! what grace is that which holds thy arm, and will not let thee drink it?
There thou art, at this hour, like the bird-catcher of St. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/final perseverance.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... Anu. He makes Babylon to feel his wrath first: "The children of Babel, they
were as birds, and the bird-catcher, thou wert he! thou ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Birdcatcher
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One whose employment it is to catch birds; a fowler.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BIRD-CATCHER. burd'-kach-er See FOWLER. ...
/b/birdcatcher.htm - 6k

Bird-catcher
Bird-catcher. Birdcatcher, Bird-catcher. Bird-like . Int. ...BIRD-CATCHER.
burd'-kach-er See FOWLER. Birdcatcher, Bird-catcher. Bird-like . Reference
/b/bird-catcher.htm - 6k

Fowler (3 Occurrences)
... (n.) A sportsman who pursues wild fowl, or takes or kills for food. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. FOWLER. foul'-er (yoqesh): A professional birdcatcher. ...
/f/fowler.htm - 11k

Bird-like (2 Occurrences)
Bird-like. Bird-catcher, Bird-like. Bird-net . Multi-Version Concordance
Bird-like (2 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Bird-catcher, Bird-like. Bird-net . Reference ...
/b/bird-like.htm - 7k

Bird (65 Occurrences)

/b/bird.htm - 28k

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