In the Bible, the imagery of chicks is used metaphorically to convey themes of protection, care, and divine shelter. The metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a poignant illustration of God's nurturing and protective nature.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 23:37 : "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" In this passage, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing His deep desire to protect and care for the people, much like a hen would for her chicks. This verse highlights the tender and compassionate heart of Christ, who longs to offer refuge and safety to His people, despite their resistance.

2. Luke 13:34 : "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" This parallel passage in Luke reiterates the same sentiment found in Matthew, emphasizing the persistent and loving nature of Jesus' call to His people. The repetition of this metaphor underscores its significance in illustrating God's desire to protect and nurture His followers.

Theological Significance:

The imagery of chicks under the wings of a hen serves as a powerful symbol of divine protection and care. It reflects the biblical theme of God as a refuge and fortress for His people. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as a loving and protective parent, eager to shield His children from harm and guide them in the paths of righteousness.

This metaphor also underscores the importance of willingness and receptivity to God's protection. In both Matthew and Luke, the lament over Jerusalem highlights the tragedy of rejecting divine care and the consequences of such resistance. The imagery calls believers to seek refuge in God's presence and to trust in His providential care.

Cultural Context:

In the agrarian society of biblical times, the image of a hen gathering her chicks would have been a familiar and relatable scene. It conveyed a sense of warmth, safety, and familial bond, resonating deeply with the audience's understanding of parental care and protection. This cultural context enriches the metaphor, making it a vivid and accessible illustration of God's relationship with His people.

Application for Believers:

For contemporary believers, the metaphor of chicks under a hen's wings serves as a reminder of God's unwavering love and protection. It encourages Christians to seek refuge in God, trusting in His care and guidance amidst life's challenges. The imagery also calls believers to respond to God's invitation with openness and willingness, embracing the safety and security found in His presence.

In summary, the biblical use of chicks as a metaphor highlights the nurturing and protective nature of God, inviting believers to find solace and security under His wings.3556a. nossion -- a young bird
... a young bird. Transliteration: nossion Short Definition: chicks. Word Origin dim.
of nossos Definition a young bird NASB Word Usage chicks (1). 3556, 3556a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3556a.htm - 5k

On the Animals
... [Ps.67(68):14(13)]. The nest is the church, the high peace of the blessed; in the
psalm: and the turtledove is in its nest where it places its chicks. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm

Of Some Other Means by which Holy Love Wounds the Heart.
... Now when this happens, the pelican, as an excellent physician, with the point of
her beak wounds these poor chicks all over, to cause the poison which the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiv of some other.htm

January the Thirty-First under his Wings
... I do not wonder that this sheltering psalmist begins to sing! "I will sing and give
praise!" I have often listened to the sheltering chicks, hiding behind the ...
/.../january the thirty-first under his.htm

The Solution to Present Spiritual Enigmas to be Awaited in the ...
... in the Gospel, he reproveth the unrighteous city: "How often," he saith, "would
I have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks, and you ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiv the solution to.htm

Under his Shadow.
... pining children, and the troubles of a needy household, and the temptations of Satan,
how comforting it is to run to our God,"like the little chicks run to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under his shadow.htm

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
... now fears the kite. 2. But chicks from rotten eggs do not proceed, Nor is a
hypocrite a saint indeed. The rotten egg, though underneath ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a book for boys and.htm

Chicks (2 Occurrences)
...Chicks (2 Occurrences). ... How often I would have gathered your children together, even
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! ...
/c/chicks.htm - 7k

Kill (310 Occurrences)
... her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a
hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! ...
/k/kill.htm - 36k

Kills (38 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers
her chicks under her wings, and you would not! (WEB DBY NAS). ...
/k/kills.htm - 17k

Unwilling (30 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers
her chicks under her wings, and you would not! (See NAS). ...
/u/unwilling.htm - 14k

Often (74 Occurrences)
... her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a
hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! ...
/o/often.htm - 29k

Longed (24 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers
her chicks under her wings, and you would not! (See NIV). ...
/l/longed.htm - 13k

Gathered (384 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her
chicks under her wings, and you would not! (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS RSV). ...
/g/gathered.htm - 35k

Gathers (27 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her
chicks under her wings, and you would not! (WEB WEY DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/gathers.htm - 14k

Wanted (73 Occurrences)
... How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers
her chicks under her wings, and you would not! (See NAS). ...
/w/wanted.htm - 26k

Wings (81 Occurrences)
... her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a
hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! ...
/w/wings.htm - 34k

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