Topical Encyclopedia Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing strength, swiftness, and sometimes divine judgment. These birds are characterized by keen eyesight, powerful talons, and hooked beaks, making them effective hunters. In the biblical context, they are often associated with desolation and destruction, serving as instruments of God's will or as metaphors for nations and individuals.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Eagles: The eagle is one of the most frequently mentioned birds of prey in the Bible. It is often used as a symbol of strength and renewal. In Isaiah 40:31 , it is written, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." Here, the eagle represents the strength and endurance granted by God to those who trust in Him. 2. Vultures: Vultures are often associated with death and desolation. In Matthew 24:28 , Jesus says, "Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather." This imagery is used to describe the inevitability of judgment and the gathering of nations at the end times. 3. Hawks and Falcons: These birds are mentioned in the context of their natural instincts and abilities. In Job 39:26 , God questions Job, "Does the hawk take flight by your understanding and spread his wings toward the south?" This rhetorical question highlights God's sovereignty and the natural order He has established. 4. Owls: While not always classified strictly as birds of prey, owls are often included due to their predatory nature. They are typically associated with desolation and ruin. In Isaiah 34:11 , it is said, "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." Dietary Laws and Cleanliness In the Mosaic Law, birds of prey are considered unclean and are forbidden for consumption. Leviticus 11:13-19 lists various unclean birds, including the eagle, vulture, and hawk. These dietary laws underscore the distinction between clean and unclean animals, reflecting the broader theme of holiness and separation in the life of the Israelites. Prophetic Imagery Birds of prey are often used in prophetic literature to symbolize invading armies and impending doom. In Jeremiah 49:22 , the imagery of an eagle is used to describe the swiftness of Babylon's conquest: "Look! An eagle will soar and swoop down, spreading its wings over Bozrah. On that day the hearts of Edom’s mighty men will be like the heart of a woman in labor." Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, birds of prey were both feared and revered. Their presence in the skies was a reminder of the natural order and the power of the Creator. The biblical authors used these birds to convey messages of warning, hope, and divine intervention, drawing on the cultural understanding of their characteristics and behaviors. Overall, birds of prey in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of God's majesty, judgment, and the natural world He governs. Their presence in Scripture invites reflection on the themes of strength, vigilance, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over creation. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Birds of PreyBIRDS OF PREY pra: They were undoubtedly the first birds noticed by the compilers of Biblical records. They were camp followers, swarmed over villages and perched on the walls of cities. They were offensive in manner and odor, and of a boldness unknown to us in birds. They flocked in untold numbers, there was small defense against them, and the largest and strongest not only carried away meat prepared for food and sacrifice, but also preyed upon the much-prized house pigeons, newly born of the smaller animals, and even at times attacked young children. See Genesis 15:11, "And the birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away." Because they were attracted from above the clouds by anything suitable for food, people recognized that these were birds of unusual vision. When Job wanted to tell how perfectly the path to the gold mine was concealed, he wrote, "That path no bird of prey knoweth" (Job 28:7). The inference is, that, if it were so perfectly concealed that it escaped the piercing eyes of these birds, it was not probable that man would find it. These birds were so strong, fierce and impudent that everyone feared them, and when the prophets gave warning that people would be left for birds of prey to ravage, they fully understood what was meant, and they were afraid (Isaiah 18:6). In His complaint against His heritage, Yahweh questions, "Is my heritage unto me as a speckled bird of prey? are the birds of prey against her round about?" (Jeremiah 12:9). And when he prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, Jeremiah painted a dreadful picture, but one no doubt often seen in that land of pillage and warfare: "Their dead bodies will I give to be food for the birds of the heavens, and for the beasts of the earth" (Jeremiah 19:7). Strong's Hebrew 5861. ayit -- a bird of prey... Word Origin from it Definition a bird of prey NASB Word Usage bird of prey (3), birds of prey (4), predatory (1). bird, fowl, ravenous bird. ... /hebrew/5861.htm - 6k Library Of the Fifth Day. How Abram Fought with the Assyrians, and Overcame Them, and Saved ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... The Birth of Cyrus. Chapter xv Of the Renewed World. Kate Lee's Secret The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. The Book of Enoch The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration Resources Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can Christian parents deal with empty-nest syndrome? | GotQuestions.org What made some animals clean and others unclean (Genesis 7)? | GotQuestions.org Birds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Birds are Hostile to Strange Kinds Birds of Cruel and Rapacious Kings Birds of People of Different Countries Birds of the Devil and his Spirits Birds: (Snaring) Designs of the Wicked Birds: Called: Birds of the Air Birds: Called: Fowls of Heaven Birds: Called: Fowls of the Air Birds: Clean: Offered in Sacrifice Birds: Confinement of, in Cages Alluded To Birds: Created for the Glory of God Birds: Creation of, on the Fifth Creative Day Birds: Differ in Flesh from Beasts and Fishes Birds: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Clean Birds: Have Each Their Peculiar Note or Song Birds: Herb of the Field Given As Food To Birds: Inhabit: Deserted Cities Birds: Instinct of, Inferior to Man's Reason Birds: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Birds: Make Their Nests in Clefts of Rocks Birds: Make Their Nests in Deserted Cities Birds: Make Their Nests in Trees Birds: Make Their Nests: On the Ground Birds: Make Their Nests: Under the Roofs of Houses Birds: Make, and Dwell in Nests Birds: Many Kinds of, Carnivorous Birds: Many Kinds of, Graniverous Birds: Many Kinds of, Migratory Birds: Moses' Law Protected the Mother from Being Taken With the Young Birds: Names Given To, by Adam Birds: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Birds: Not to be Eaten With Their Young Birds: Often Remove from Places Suffering Calamities Birds: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Birds: Often Worshipped by Idolaters Birds: Power Over Given to Man Birds: Rapid Flight of, Alluded To Birds: Solomon Wrote the History of Birds: Songs of, at the Break of Day Birds: Taken in Snares or Nets Birds: The Blood of, not to be Eaten Birds: Unclean: Not to be Eaten Birds: What Species Were Unclean Related Terms |
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