Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, hunting is an activity that is mentioned in various contexts, often reflecting the skills and characteristics of individuals involved in this pursuit. The practice of hunting is primarily associated with providing food and demonstrating prowess, and it is mentioned both directly and indirectly throughout the Scriptures.Nimrod: The Mighty Hunter One of the earliest and most notable references to a hunter in the Bible is Nimrod. Genesis 10:9 describes him as "a mighty hunter before the LORD." Nimrod is a descendant of Noah through Ham and is credited with establishing some of the first cities after the Flood, including Babel, Erech, and Accad in the land of Shinar. His reputation as a hunter is significant, as it suggests not only his skill in hunting but also his leadership and influence in the ancient world. Esau: The Skilled Hunter Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, is another prominent hunter in the Bible. Genesis 25:27 states, "When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home." Esau's hunting skills are central to his identity and play a crucial role in the narrative of his relationship with his brother Jacob. In Genesis 27, Isaac requests Esau to hunt game and prepare a meal for him, which leads to the blessing being deceitfully taken by Jacob. Hunting as a Metaphor Hunting is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the pursuit of individuals or the capture of prey. In Proverbs 6:5, the writer advises, "Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." This imagery conveys the urgency and necessity of escaping danger or temptation. Hunting in the Law and Prophets While hunting is not extensively legislated in the Mosaic Law, it is acknowledged as a part of life. Leviticus 17:13 provides instructions for those who hunt animals for food: "When any man from the house of Israel or from the foreigners living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people." This regulation underscores the importance of respecting God's commandments even in the act of hunting. In the prophetic literature, hunting is sometimes used to illustrate judgment or the pursuit of justice. For example, in Jeremiah 16:16, God declares, "But now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that, I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill and from the crevices of the rocks." Here, hunting symbolizes the thoroughness of God's judgment upon His people. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, hunting was a common practice and a necessary means of survival. It required skill, patience, and knowledge of the land and animals. Hunters were often respected for their abilities and contributions to their communities. The biblical references to hunting reflect this cultural backdrop and highlight the significance of hunting in the lives of certain biblical figures. Overall, hunting in the Bible is portrayed as both a practical activity and a metaphorical concept, illustrating themes of provision, skill, and divine judgment. Strong's Hebrew 6719a. tsayyad -- a hunter... a hunter. Transliteration: tsayyad Short Definition: hunters. Word Origin from tsud Definition a hunter NASB Word Usage hunters (1). 6719, 6719a. ... /hebrew/6719a.htm - 5k Library Psalm XCI. Concerning the Canaanitish Woman. Meaning of the "Borders of Tyre ... Concerning the Barbarians Beyond the Danube, who were Driven Out ... The End of Cambyses. Sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon. The Ideal Devout Life Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise The Acquirement of Spiritual Power I Leave Out of Account Now the Motive of Glory. ... Thesaurus Hunters (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hunters (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 16:16 Behold, I will send for many fishermen, says Yahweh, and they shall ... /h/hunters.htm - 6k Hunting (9 Occurrences) Owl (11 Occurrences) Fishermen (8 Occurrences) Fishers (8 Occurrences) Fished (1 Occurrence) Morning (264 Occurrences) Bugle (1 Occurrence) Clefts (10 Occurrences) Crevices (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about ghost hunting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritualism? | GotQuestions.org What is a nomad? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hunters (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 16:16 Subtopics Related Terms |